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| Article Date: | 22/01/2010
| | Article Title: | CERTIFICATES FOR SMaRT THINKERS |
Providing a telecare service isn't just about training staff to use the latest technology. Members of staff from Nottingham Community Housing Association's (NCHA) Support Management and Response Team (SMaRT), have been studying for a new NVQ Certificate in Supporting Users of Assistive Technology qualification to help them combine the necessary technical knowledge with greater awareness and developed personal skills to help them meet the needs of service users.
As some of the first NVQ students in the country to have completed this qualification, members of the SMaRT team received their certificates from the Centre for Housing And Support course leader, Paul Chambers, and NCHA's Assistant Director of Housing with Care and Support department, John Bartle.
John Bartle commented:
"It's really important that our staff not only understand the technology that we use, but also have a great understanding of the ethical, emotional and support needs that many of our service users have. By achieving this qualification, the staff will be able to keep our SMaRT users feeling safe, secure and happy."
Since opening six years ago, SMaRT has harnessed different types of technology to meet the needs of a wide range of vulnerable adults in Supported Housing. The service has moved beyond the traditional cord-pull and personal alarm systems. SMaRT's approach includes a wide range of telecare equipment such as medication reminders, pressure sensors, heat and cold sensors, movement alarms combined with remote monitoring and rapid response services to encourage service users to live independently. SMaRT's has transformed how NCHA delivers its Care and Support services, as it can now offer a flexible and immediately responsive team who can provide personalised services to the person in need.
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