2024 Smart Home Summary - Independent Living Centre

This year’s ILC Smart Home Event was a great success! Over the course of three days, 207 attendees participated, marking a 25% increase in attendance compared to our previous Smart Home Event in 2022. We welcomed professionals from across Devon, including NHS and DCC teams, care home providers, and members of the public.

The event kicked off with tours at the Independent Living Centre, giving visitors a chance to see technology in action within a home setting and learn how it can support daily living in various areas of the home.

At the entrance, we demonstrated technologies such as video doorbells, key safes, and keyless entry systems. In the kitchen, we explored safety-related environmental controls, a talking air fryer, talking microwave, the multi-purpose PenFriend, and easy-to-use kettles and hot water machines. In the bathroom, it was all about ‘smart’ technology – from shower controls and flood management systems to talking weighing scales and wash-dry toilets. We also discussed fall detection solutions, and in the bedroom, we showcased bed sensors, motion-sensor lights, and different ways to call for help. Finally, in the lounge, we demonstrated easy-to-use screens for orientation and memory, simple phones, and remote controls, and even talking note detectors. We had a solution for almost anything!

Feedback from attendees included:

“It was useful to see equipment in action. Incredible to know what’s available to promote independence – lots to consider for clients, as well as friends and family. Everyone was very informative and friendly.”

“Helpful and friendly staff. I appreciated that the drawbacks were highlighted – technology isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it doesn’t work for everyone.”

After the ILC interactive tour, attendees had the opportunity to meet suppliers showcasing the latest technology, ask questions, and get hands-on with the products.

Millbrook Healthcare demonstrated a wide range of equipment available through statutory provision in Devon. Neil shared his expertise and answered questions about technology that helps keep people safe at home.

Grant from Easy Link showcased their extensive product range, including sensors for beds, alerts, orientation clocks, and a smart GPS watch. It was great to see how they respond to demand by introducing new products.

Essence introduced their innovative pendant jewellery, which can now be worn as a necklace or brooch. Carl also discussed how Essence works, including their MDSense falls detection system.

Exeter Home Call, a specialist care alarm provider in Exeter, joined us to explain the digital switch-over and how simple it is to connect a call centre box via a SIM card or Wi-Fi. While the timing of the full switch-over remains uncertain, they clarified the process.

Bellman & Symfon, known for their sensory equipment, were a hit as always. They offer products like flashing beacons or pillow shakers to help wake people from deep sleep if needed. Sarah answered questions about these sensory products.

Lawrence from Bristol Environmental Controls represented the NHS and demonstrated a wide range of products designed to help people maintain independence when conventional options are not sufficient. It was exciting to see new products, like the HeadMouse Nano for communication and the thumb mouse, which can be connected to smartphones for better accessibility.

Canary Care showcased their system that monitors movements over a 24-hour period through movement and door contact sensors. This technology helps identify unusual behaviour, such as someone opening the front door during the night. Stuart explained how Canary Care can help target the right care and support to keep people independent at home.

Frequency Precision displayed their range of sensors, including the full-overlay bed sensor, which monitors a person getting in and out of bed. We also appreciated their easy-press options for calling for help. A Devon-based company, Frequency Precision is always innovating with new products.

Ridley Electronics showed us their remote access door systems, automated windows, and curtain openers in action. Mr Ridley and his team are known for thinking outside the box and identifying creative solutions for accessible and independent living.

It was fantastic to have Andrew from Neater Eater at the event, showcasing a range of eating aids, from manual arms to robotic feeding spoons and drinking aids.

Who doesn’t like fudge and home-made bread? Bea from Thermomix came along and demonstrated the amazing Thermomix which is an ‘all-in-one’ scale, cooker, steamer, mixer! It quite literally does everything for you! We got to try some of her home-made goodies which was a welcomed treat.

Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

“Thank you for an excellent event! The ILC staff were fantastic as ever, and the exhibitors were knowledgeable and approachable. I learned a lot!”

I loved visiting and learning so much about TECS this morning. The event was so well-organised, with great products featured and a brilliant team working together.”

If you missed this year’s event, we’ve made recordings of the ILC Smart Home tour available (see links below). Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!