Type=image;ImageID=11673;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Outside Sunbeam, which provides a number of supported living properties;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11674;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Mark Bates, who enjoys supported living at Sunbeam;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11675;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Mark Bates shows off Telecare equipment;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11676;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Carole Butlin, Sunbeam resident who is supported by Lifeways;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11677;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Funding boost for supported living in city;TitleClass=strong;
It was successful in its bid to the Department of Health's Housing and Technology Capital Fund to put technology at the heart of the care and support provided to individuals.
The council will use the funding to increase people's independence through greater use of the latest technology, adapting existing supported accommodation living properties and working with developers who are establishing new services in the city.
Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "There are around 4,500 adults with a learning disability in Wolverhampton, and we know that many of them will be able to live in a supported tenancy as long as they have the appropriate level of help.
"We have embarked upon a significant drive to increase the use of technology to help people live more independently for longer, and are supporting an increasing number of people with disabilities to move from residential care into their own homes, either on their own or with others.
"We have already seen the tremendous impact that supported living schemes such as the ones within the Sunbeam development in Wolverhampton city centre are having on the lives of people with a disability.
"We are grateful for this funding which will enable us to give more local residents the chance to benefit from the same opportunity, and to live their lives to the full in a safe and secure home."
The funding will be used in a variety of ways, including installing Telecare alarm systems in supported living accommodation. These will offer a range of appropriate sensors, such as door exit alarms, smoke, heat, flood and fall detectors and activity monitors which will alert the council's 24 hour control centre if there is a problem.
Technology such as automatic lighting, curtain controls and fingerprint controlled door locks will enhance the living environment, while smart systems will be able to help individuals carry out their daily routine, for instance identifying if someone hasn't taken their medication.
The council will work in partnership with independent care providers, supported living housing developers such as Sunbeam and service providers on the £207,000 project, which is expected to benefit around 60 people with learning disabilities.
Minister for Community Health and Care David Mowat said the allocation of the funding to 52 projects across England is a step towards achieving the Government's aim for safe, reliable and innovative alternatives to inpatient care for people with learning disabilities.
He added: "I want to offer my sincere congratulations to the successful projects.
"We had a fantastic response to our call for bids and I'm delighted that the innovative ideas put forward will now become a reality. I want to thank the bidders for their dedication to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities in their community and wish them all the best in bringing this important project to life."
- released: Wednesday 4 January, 2017