The introduction of smart technology could deliver more than £18 million in savings across Scotland’s retirement housing developments, according to a new report from Glasgow-based digital health innovator Archangel.
The care platform’s recently completed Joining the Dots IoT project involved the installation of a range of unobtrusive sensors at a retirement housing development in South Lanarkshire, with Archangel finding that the technology resulted in significant benefits for both tenants and housing providers, as well as a positive return on investment within the first year.
Covering retired individuals at Langvout Court in Biggar, Archangel’s scheme saw the sensors placed around communal spaces and individual properties to monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion.
The data was then relayed in real-time to Archangel’s ‘ambient assisted living’ secure platform and automatically monitored 24/7 to proactively address any issues in the living conditions of tenants.
Working alongside Bield Housing and Care and the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, the project discovered that the use of smart sensors reduced utility and maintenance costs, improved resident safety, reduced the need for manual checks, and improved compliance.
Following an in-depth review of the initiative by Edinburgh-based digital consultancy FarrPoint, the project was found to deliver annual savings of £7,670 on heating and £2,825 on maintenance, highlighting the potential for millions in savings if scaled across Scotland.
“The independent FarrPoint evaluation confirms real, measurable outcomes that address today’s operational, financial and regulatory pressures as well as a return on investment within the first year,” said Tom Morton, CEO of Archangel.
“This isn’t about experimenting with innovation. It’s about helping leaders turn information into action, confidently and cost-effectively.”
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As well as the financial savings, the project showed that more IoT and smart devices could bring considerable health benefits too, with the tech able to monitor environmental conditions that could help detect risks such as legionella.
According to those behind the initiative, the success of Archangel’s project suggests that smart tech could be the key to caring for an ageing population.
“This project exemplifies how thoughtful innovation can support older people to live independently, safely and with dignity,” said Gavin Wright, head of property management at Bield.
“The smart technology we trialled at Langvout Court has brought clear cost savings and improved safety. As a result, we’re now exploring how this approach can be rolled out across our wider estate.”
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