Scottish MP blown away by innovative care system

Humza Yousaf MSP has described how he was ‘blown away’ by a pioneering care system designed by charity Blackwood after testing it out first hand during a visit to a service in his Glasgow constituency.

Humza visited Blackwood’s Belses Gardens care home in Cardonald, Glasgow, to see for himself the revolutionary impact the charity’s CleverCogs system is having on people’s lives.

CleverCogs is a digitally enhanced technology which uses a touch screen home hub to allow clients to interact with family and friends and perform tasks around the house, such as closing blinds or online shopping.

During the visit, Humza spoke to individuals about the way it was enabling them to live life as independently as possible and heard more about Blackwood’s plans for the future.

“It’s really fascinating that such a great piece of technology is bringing so much comfort and security to residents and helps to tackle important issues like isolation among the residents here,” said Humza.

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak to the residents and enjoyed learning about the technology from them and I’m blown away by what I’ve seen.

“What I’m really excited to see is the future developments of this technology as it helps people to live independently and I wish Blackwood all the very best with this in the future.”

Blackwood placed clients, families and its staff teams at the heart of its development of CleverCogs to ensure the system catered for the needs of those using it.

The technology centres on a touch screen home hub, with over 100 devices now installed in individual’s homes and care homes across the country.

It helps customers live as independently as possible by allowing them to catch up with their interests, book appointments and access information from the internet all through one, simple device.

Fanchea Kelly, Chief Executive of Blackwood, said: “It was wonderful to have Mr Yousaf visit and test out our CleverCogs system for himself.

“We’re very proud of it and it’s gratifying to hear he was as impressed by the technology as our customers who benefit from it in their everyday lives.

“CleverCogs is so intuitive and can be used no matter your IT skills, while the personalisation it offers means it can cater to an individual’s bespoke support needs.”

One of the key parts of CleverCogs’ success has been the understanding that everyone learns in different ways, which is why Blackwood offers tailored training sessions for anyone looking to use the system.

Clients can use email, social media and do online shopping while it also enables them to stay connected with friends and family at the touch of a button.

Opened in 1996, Belses Gardens is a modern development which provides integrated accommodation and care services for up to 15 disabled people.