TODAY marks the opening of a show flat in York which will demonstrate technology aimed at helping older people to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes.

The Independent Living Telecare show flat, at Alex Lyon House in Tang Hall, has unobtrusive wireless sensors placed around the home which detect problems such as smoke, gas, flood, extremes of temperature, movement or lack of movement or a person falling, City of York Council said.

The sensors automatically raise a local alarm as well as alerting a carer, keyholder or a monitoring centre.

Devices on show include panic buttons, floor, bed and chair occupancy sensors, personal alarm pendants, watches and medication dispensers which alert carers to missed medicine.

In addition to the Telecare equipment, the council has worked alongside technology and network specialist Ray Hallam to install enhanced remote monitoring capability that further helps individualise services to particular needs.

This includes a touchscreen controller that the customer and carer can use to operate all devices, including lights, sensors and alarms.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing said: “The new flat is a great innovation and a wonderful way to help older or more vulnerable people and their carers test out the best solutions for them to carry on living in their own homes with confidence and security.”

The flat will be open for viewings by appointment until the end of March on Tuesdays between 10am and noon and Wednesdays between 1pm and 3pm. For viewings, phone 01904 551550.