Assistive housing technologies for elderly residents have been praised by Scotland’s social justice minister in a visit to a demonstration hub.
Shirley-Anne Somerville visited the experimental facility in Linlithgow where she saw how sensors are being deployed to detect signs of decline and warn against the risk of falls.
Pioneering tools including a predictive analytics system that monitors routines and flags early signs of decline were on show at Bield Housing’s tech hub at the West Port development in the town.
The facility is Scotland’s only UK-wide TAPPI (Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation) project, showcasing assistive technologies and digitally-enabled housing solutions designed to help older people stay safe, independent, and well at home for longer.
During the visit, the cabinet secretary saw how Bield is embedding technology into its Independent Living Approach – demonstrating a sustainable, preventative model that helps reduce hospital admissions, prevent crisis interventions, and lower long-term care costs.
She said: “It was inspiring to visit the West Port development and see how technology is being used in such a thoughtful and practical way.
“Scotland faces significant challenges as our population ages, and it is preventative, people-focused approaches like this that will help us deliver better outcomes while making best use of public resources.”
Technologies on show included Anthropos, a predictive analytics system that monitors routines and flags early signs of decline. Vayyar, a 4D radar fall-detection sensor requiring no wearables, and Sentai, a voice-enabled companion that keeps individuals connected and promotes a healthier, more independent lifestyle, were also demonstrated on the visit.
Each room in the hub is fitted with assistive equipment to allow tenants, professionals and visitors to experience how digital solutions can be embedded into real-life home settings.
Debbie Collins, Chief Executive of Bield, said: “This was a welcome opportunity to show how investing in the right housing and technology is not only improving lives but also delivering public value.
“Our work supports older people to manage their health, stay connected, and live independently – reducing reliance on formal care and helping to avoid preventable hospital stays. These are the types of solutions that must be scaled if we are serious about creating a sustainable health and care system.”
