Overview

Looking Local is currently part of two leading telecare / telehealth projects; one in conjunction with Virtex and Tunstall, the other as part of an EU funded consortium. Both these programmes are focused on delivering services to older people whether they are in a cared-for environment or living independently.

The Europe-wide, "T-Seniority Project" is part of the European Commission's "ICT for Ageing Project" and is financed through the Commission's ICT Policy Support Programme. The UK Government Technology Strategy Board (TSB) funding is part of the UK Virtex project, for which Looking Local is developing digital TV solutions for telecare and telehealth services in the UK.

Telehealth and telecare uses technology within the home environment to monitor the activity and safety of elderly or chronically ill people, activate their reminder systems and help them access health information easily. It also provides a virtual community of connected carers and cared-for, preventing those living alone feeling isolated and vulnerable.

Looking Local is also working with NHS Choices as one of only a handful of syndication partners making their health related content available to the digitally excluded on DiTV, as well as on the mobile and the Wii interface. Viewers across the country can now find out the latest health news from NHS Choices, access an A-Z of illnesses and health related issues, find their local dentists, doctors, chemists and opticians as well as read a range of healthy living fact sheets.

Benefits

• These programmes will enable people to use health services more efficiently, make their own choices and enable independent living for longer
• Encourages self service and reduces impact of local health services leading to savings and ability to deploy resources more effectively
• Complements the GP Appointment and Repeat Prescription services already available on Looking Local
• Gives carers and family increased comfort knowing patients have additional means of help and care
• Research on older people and the Wii has shown a high level of interest and ability with the device, particularly in communal situations, with it bringing additional benefits of exercise and competitiveness

Service Features

• Ability to locate NHS services and practitioners, support groups and other local services
• Allows access to comprehensive health guides as well as personalised services
• Cutting edge monitoring and self diagnosis can be made available where appropriate
• Alert systems
• Inter platform or device capabilities
• Free on DiTV, available 24/7 and accessible on the go on mobile phones and on the Wii
• Easy to navigate, accessibility and usability tested and specifically designed for each device