Smart Home Tech Helps Residents of Retirement Estate

Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate turns to technology to ensure residents remain in touch with friends and family amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

09:06 30 May 2020

Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate in Newton Mearns is using smart technology to provide its residents round-the-clock assistance, security, reassurance and companionship. 

 

Currently amidst a redevelopment project to cater for an ageing population, the estate's first new phase of retirement homes officially opened on 20 February 2020. They are among the first in Scotland to use smart technology, including voice and motion-activated devices to ensure the safety and well being of their residents. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the homes' smart technology also enables residents to remain connected to their loved ones and support teams. 

 

Resident Gordon McCrae said: "I get total reassurance that someone is there that I can call upon and I am connected to my relatives, staff and people through Alexa in these difficult times." 

 

Mag Chalmers, who has recently moved to the estate and has progressive multiple sclerosis, said: "When I moved into my flat in Don McCarthy Count I was offered an Alexa Show." 

 

"To tell you the truth, I was not that keen and I had never used this before, but boy how this has changed my life. I can just ask her to put my lights on and off my heating, which is important, as I tend to feel warm at certain parts of the day. 

 

"I can video call the staff at the reception area and video call the housing support workers in their office. I can set reminders and I do not find myself disoriented with the time of day anymore. I am hoping to be able to do this with my family soon as they are getting an Alexa Show too and I can then see my grandchildren, which will be great through these strange times."