Introduction
This project aims to help London boroughs make effective use of Assistive Technology (AT) to enable residents to live more independently. Our work in this area is focused on supporting public sector staff to make evidence-based decisions about the role and effectiveness of different ATs, and to conduct their own AT trials in a way that furthers the collective knowledge of the whole LOTI community.
Our work on this project began by creating a guide to designing and evaluating AT projects. Now, LOTI is exploring the potential of Assistive Technologies to support boroughs’ Covid response by supporting isolated individuals to live more independently. We are currently supporting pilots in Greenwich, Hackney, and Waltham Forest to rehearse our new methods and help build up boroughs’ knowledge of what works in this important field.
The Greenwich pilot will explore the effectiveness of Amazon Echos in improving the well-being of participants and promoting independence and self-care in the identified group of participants.
The Hackney pilot will explore whether providing a device, internet connection, written guidance, and an offer of one-to-one support, will enable selected socially isolated individuals with medium-low digital skills to make contact with others remotely.
The Waltham Forest pilot will explore the effectiveness of issue-specific (smart water bottle) and generic (wearable) ATs in improving levels of hydration in older adults at risk of dehydration, who are more prone to hospitalisation.
