HUMZA Yousaf has described how he was ‘blown away’ by a pioneering care system after testing it out first hand during a visit to a service in his Glasgow constituency.
Mr Yousaf visited Blackwood’s Belses Gardens care home in Cardonald to see the impact that the charity’s CleverCogs system is having on their customer’s lives.
CleverCogs is Blackwood’s digitally enhanced technology which uses a touch screen home hub to help customers live as independently as possible.
The technology centres on a touch screen home hub and allows users them to catch up with their interests, book appointments, use social media and email, interact with family and friends, do online shopping and access information from the internet all through one device.
Mr Yousaf, who is local MSP for the area, said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak to the residents and enjoyed learning about the technology from them and I’m blown away by what I’ve seen.
“It’s really fascinating that such a great piece of technology is bringing so much comfort and security to residents and helps to tackle important issues like isolation among the residents here.
“What I’m really excited to see is the future developments of this technology as it helps people to live independently.”
One of the key parts of the devices’ success has been the understanding that everyone learns in different ways and Blackwood offer tailored training sessions for anyone looking to use the system.
There have already been 100 devices installed in customer’s homes and care homes across the country.
Fanchea Kelly, Chief Executive of Blackwood, said: “We’re very proud of it and it’s gratifying to hear he was as impressed by the technology as our customers who benefit from it in their everyday lives.
“CleverCogs is so intuitive and can be used no matter your IT skills, while the personalisation it offers means it can cater to an individual’s bespoke support needs.”
Blackwood works in 29 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, and embraces the challenge of innovating housing and care at a time when funding is increasingly limited.
Belses Gardens is a modern development which provides integrated accommodation and care services for up to 15 disabled people.
