Introducing Assistive Technology into the existing homes of older people
(The REKI Project)

Many older people wish to remain independent and continue living in their existing homes for as long as possible; this is particularly relevant with the increasing ageing population where people live longer compared with previous generations.

This research project, undertaken by The University of Reading and Kings College London, looked at the use of Assistive Technology (AT) and the problems, solutions and costs associated with adapting existing housing for older people to enable them to remain in their own home.

The research initially looked at both fixed and portable types of AT. Fixed AT included adaptations attached to the structure of the building - where the construction type and design of the property is particularly important. Examples of adaptations included widening corridors, creating space for the installation of through floor lifts, and the enlargement of bathrooms. Examples of fixed AT ranged from simple grabrails and lever taps, to stairlifts and through floor lifts. Portable AT included items of equipment that could be used independently of the home environment such as walking frames and wheelchairs.

As part of the project eighty two properties were inspected. These included both sheltered and mainstream housing, and included a variety of property types, construction types, floor layouts, ages and geographical locations.

Details were recorded of the exterior of the property, details of construction, accommodation layout (including dimensions, door widths, ceiling heights etc.), the location of sockets and switches, and the heights and details of kitchen and bathroom fittings. The research also involved carrying out interviews with older people in their own home environment with a view to sampling the use of a wide range of AT, particularly electronic devices.