Advocating for Independent and Sustainable Living – CEDIA Leads the Way

Since being appointed as a member of the UK Government’s cross-party public policy think tank, Policy Connect in 2021, CEDIA has overseen the development of the Smart Homes for Independent Living report and is now working on a new Accessible and Sustainable Homes report.

It’s important for everyone to have the opportunity to be in control of their lives, and to be able to enjoy their living environment. For disabled and elderly people, this can be a challenge. But it doesn’t always have to be. With the use of smart home technology, this group can take back control and live more independently, which in turn, also helps to reduce financial pressures on the NHS and social care system.

 CEDIA has recognised the importance of the assisted living market for a number of years — seeking ways to increase awareness and opportunity for its members.

 Smart Homes for Independent Living report

Aneta Armova-Levin, Education Manager at CEDIA headed up a team of CEDIA members to work on the Smart Homes for Independent Living report. This document examines a number of issues facing suppliers and consumers and put forth five recommendations for the Government to:

·        reform the commissioning of technology to enshrine the principles of independent living at the heart of health and social care policy and practice.

·        ensure the new guidance on the Disabled Facilities Grant explicitly includes technology among the eligible uses for the grant, provides advice on good practice, and requires assessors to work with clients to explore technology needs.

·        launch a national pilot of a new Independent Living Technology Grant that would provide funding for consumers to buy low-cost technology.

·        introduce regulations and standards around the independent living sector and introduce practical support for technology innovation through its Innovation Mission programme.

·        commission the health and social care sector to upskill and raise awareness of technology solutions.

 “As a CEDIA member, I was excited to learn about the role CEDIA played in developing the Smarter Homes for Independent Living report,” comments Chris Thorne, Director of Imperium. “It’s great to see our association engaging in such important initiatives and helping to drive forward the smart tech message on its members behalf.

 Accessible and Sustainable Homes report

Since the introduction of the Smart Homes for Independent Living report, CEDIA has continued its involvement with Policy Connect and is now working together on a new Accessible and Sustainable Homes report. The commission will make recommendations to the government and the housing sector to ensure new and existing homes are designed to support disabled and older people to live independently in homes fit for a net zero future. It will address three key themes:

·        Housing policy and planning: How can government support local authorities and the housing sector to develop accessible and sustainable new and existing homes for independent living?

·        Providing technology for the home: How can government and local authorities support the emergence of new service models to help disabled and older people to use technology to enjoy more choice and control in their domestic lives?

·        Finance: How can government and industry encourage more capital investment in accessible and sustainable housing and technology, and boost the consumer power of disabled and older people?