Automated apartment assists residents with MS
Friday, 11 June, 2021
Building automation technology at 鈥檚 has given 18 residents with neurological conditions greater independence in their everyday lives.
The residents 鈥 living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions 鈥 moved into their new homes at MS Queensland鈥檚 Springfield Apartments 2陆 years ago to receive appropriate care.
Each of the new apartments was equipped with 鈥檚 smart assistance technology. MS Queensland Executive General Manager of Services and Operations Jillian Paull said the technology has been life changing, allowing many of the residents to do more of their daily routine independently.
鈥淥ne resident said she鈥檇 never been able to invite a friend over and open the front door for them, because she鈥檇 never had a front door. Now, she has privacy and can tap her tablet to open her front door whenever she鈥檇 like,鈥 Paull said.
Each resident has a tablet suited to their dexterity that allows them to complete tasks such as operating hoists to help them get up, manipulating beds to suit their desire to relax during the day or sleep at night, operating electrical appliances, changing TV channels, as well as adjusting lighting, blinds, fans and air conditioning.
鈥淩esidents love that they can speak to their friends, family and service providers through the intercom at the street entrance then invite them in, give them access to the lift and open their own front door 鈥 all through the tablet controls,鈥 Paull said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the little things that people who don鈥檛 live with a neurological condition would take for granted, but it means so much to our residents that this technology empowers them to actively control their home environment.鈥
is wired into all electrical devices and power points in each of the 18 units at Springfield Apartments. The system integrates monitoring of circuits to measure loads, faults and electricity consumption to monitor significant changes, as this might indicate when a resident is having difficulties. When the system detects large changes in electricity consumption, it activates an alarm to alert onsite support staff.
Movement sensors installed throughout the apartments also detect whether people have left a room, opened a window, or adjusted lighting and air conditioning. This optimises energy efficiency and reduces consumption. The technology is complemented by finishes and colours to make each unit look and feel unique.
鈥淢S Queensland wanted to make sure that the project was sustainable, and ABB i-Bus KNX can deliver up to 60% reduction in home-based electricity use, depending on the number of functions and applications that are connected,鈥 said Christian Schiemann, ABB Electrification鈥檚 Market Development Manager for Building Automation in Australia and New Zealand.
The apartments were built as part of MS Queensland鈥檚 initiative, which has evolved into their Best Life Project. The project is providing a solution to the current disability housing crisis in Queensland, by continuing to develop specialised disability accommodation and deliver 24/7 supported independent living services onsite to residents.
鈥淲e wanted to build accommodation that gives people choice and independence, to be able to live their best possible life. Having a home substantially increases and enhances all people鈥檚 quality of life, and for those living with a disability it makes a huge difference,鈥 Jillian said.
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