Key figures from the NHS in Kent have had a first-hand look at the brand new, high tech assisted living suites installed at North Kent College.
Representatives from the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust visited the college to see the suites that are equipped with a range of smart technology that aims to transform the lives of those suffering from conditions like dementia.
The technology will allow carers and family members to monitor their loved ones more closely, supporting individuals towards greater independence and enabling them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
Each space also comes with a PARO Seal, a lifelike seal with multiple interactive sensors that is used in dementia care to combat cognitive decline and lift moods.
The spaces will be used to train both Health & Social Care students at the college and NHS employees on the use of this new digital technology, so they can take their experience into the workplace.
North Kent College has also announced some learners will gain even more invaluable experience through work placements at Darent Valley Hospital, supported by the team at Dartford & Gravesham Trust.
“I’m delighted that our students have access to this cutting-edge technology and to short courses which credit their knowledge and skills in assistive devices and systems,” said Mark Andrews, Deputy Executive Principal Strategy & Curriculum of North Kent College.
“This allows them to become not only the first choice for employers in the care sector, but the kind of workforce of the future that can utilise these technologies to make a significant difference to the quality of life of individuals under their care."
The assisted living suites have been installed across three different college groups in Kent - North Kent College, East Kent Colleges Group and MidKent College - to highlight the positive outcomes that can be provided across three specific scenarios:
1. Person living at home with Dementia
2. Residential Care Setting
3. Sheltered Housing
The project came about after the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) identified a need to upskill the Health and Social Care workforce in digital skills and to use technology to develop and deliver more effective services.
It has been made possible by a grant from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), with the rooms being created by Automated Spaces, who design and implement a range of independent living technologies.
To find out more visit https://www.northkent.ac.uk/courses/health-and-social-care
Comments