In mid 2004, KWMC designed an electronic system to enable a quadriplegic client to have some control over their living environment.
The client wanted to be in their own home, but wasn’t able to, due to a lack of suitable facilities. A solution was required urgently, as the costs of keeping the client in hospital were escalating.
KWMC technical engineers met with occupational therapy staff and the client to discuss solutions for providing a “simple” control system.
KWMC designed a “user-friendly” environmental control system that would enable the client to control many different aspects of their living environment via voice recognition.
“KWMC – Independent Living” allowed the client to live in their own home, without continual reliance on others. Command over the environment and devices could be through touch panel, voice recognition, pressure switches or “sipp / puff” control. The client utilised voice recognition for their “KWMC – Independent Living” system to control the devices in their home. The system is capable of controlling the following devices:
- Security
- Alarm system
- Electronic door for outside access
- “Panic button” alert functions
- External monitoring
- Environmental control
- Lighting; on, off and dimmed
- Air conditioning and climate control settings
- Motorised curtains
- Automatic bed
- Control by third party of environment via Internet from remote locations
- Entertainment devices
- TV, CD and DVD players, VCR and hi-fi systems
- Computer and telephone access from anywhere within the home
- Internet access
- Contact for emergency assistance by direct outside line
- Telephone communication.
As a result of having “KWMC – Independent Living” installed, the client was able to return to live in their own home, rather than being relocated to an acute care facility where they would be away from friends and family.
The client is now able to spend more time on their own and carry out tasks unaided, such as surf the Internet, watch DVDs and listen to music. They can now move around outside in close proximity to their house. Home security was also installed for peace of mind for the client, family and carers.
The main benefit to the client was the quality of life that was re-established with newfound independence to carry out tasks unaided.
This site was the first “KWMC – Independent Living” site. Since then, two more sites have been installed to enable their residents to live more independently at home.
In February 2010 KWMC completed the installation of a backbone infrastructure for the YPIRAC Project located in Chigwell. This installation consists of a four bedroom house and two one bedroom semi independant living units. This infrastructure will be tailored to each of the clients needs once they take up residance.
Would you like to know more? Please contact us.
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