Release date - Thursday 18th September 2008
TV TECHNOLOGY TO HELP ELDERLY STAY AT HOME
DIGITV WINS TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY BOARD FUNDING TO DEVELOP TV BASED TELECARE & TELEHEALTH SOLUTIONS
DigiTV today announces its cooperation with the Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to achieve digital TV delivery of vital telecare and telehealth services. The aim is to help the elderly and chronically ill stay independent in their homes and out of care as long as possible.
Technology development by DigiTV is part of a TSB project building on current best practice in the fields of telecare and telehealth to extend care systems to include a range of new devices around the home, including digital TV sets. The intention is to use TV, aids and adaptations in the home to create a virtual community of connected carers and cared-for and enhance both social interaction and care solutions for older people living alone.
Other partners include Telehealth and Telecare provider Tunstall Group Limited, Fold Housing Association, Housing 21 and University of Sheffield. The project is one of nine innovative research initiatives focused on chronic health and care challenges to be funded by the Technology Strategy Board, the Department of Health and participating companies. This is the first investment in research and development by the Assisted Living Innovation Platform set up to address the challenges created by growing demand for care for people with long term conditions.
Guy Giles, Operations Director for DigiTV commented: "Telehealth and telecare are widely recognized as critical to addressing the needs of the growing number of older people in the UK. This project will help deliver tailored health and social care to those who need it and we are delighted to be a part of making it happen."
Iain Gray, Technology Strategy Board Chief Executive said of the nine projects: "We are bringing together the UK's world class expertise to research and develop innovative technologies which will bring social and economic benefits to the UK and will have global potential."
