The UK's most up-to-date social housing and public sector news website
.jpg){kind=logo}
Award winners
Providing a telecare service isn't just about training staff to use the latest technology. Members of staff from Nottingham Community Housing Association's (NCHA) Support Management and Response Team (SMaRT), have been studying for a new qualification.
The Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Users of Assistive Technology will help them combine the necessary technical knowledge with greater awareness and developed personal skills to better help them meet the needs of their service users.
NCHA had some of the first students in the country to complete this qualification back in January and now six more members of the SMaRT team have completed the course. They will receive their certificates from the Centre for Housing And Support course leader, Paul Chambers, and NCHA's Assistant Director of Housing with Care and Support department, John Bartle.
John Bartle commented: "It's really important that our staff not only understand the technology that we use, but also have a good understanding of the ethical implications, and the emotional and support needs that many of our service users have. Recent research has proved that well trained staff deliver quality solutions that people are happy with. By achieving this qualification, our staff will be able to keep our SMaRT users feeling safe, and secure, with a technology & support solution that meets their needs."
Since opening six years ago, SMaRT has harnessed different types of technology to meet the needs of a wide range of vulnerable adults in Supported Housing. The service has moved beyond the traditional cord-pull and personal alarm systems. SMaRT's approach includes a wide range of telecare equipment such as medication reminders, pressure sensors, heat and cold sensors, movement alarms combined with remote monitoring and rapid response services to encourage service users to live independently.
SMaRT has transformed how NCHA delivers its Care and Support services, it offers a flexible and immediately responsive team who can provide personalised services to the person in need.
