Orbit Realise the Benefits of Smart Living Solutions in Independent Living Properties
Summary
About the company
Orbit is a leading housing group providing affordable homes and support services to over 100,000 residents across the UK.
The Orbit portfolio includes Independent Living properties designed to support older adults in maintaining their independence, while ensuring safety and comfort.
The challenge
Orbit sought to replace ageing analogue systems in their Independent Living properties with modern digital solutions to enhance resident safety and wellbeing. They also aimed to reduce operational inefficiencies and improve communication between residents and staff.
The solution and result
Following a successful long-term monitoring contract with Appello, Orbit partnered with the technology-enabled care services provider in 2020 to introduce Smart Living Solutions (SLS) into their sheltered housing properties.
Appello’s proactive and organised approach included assigning dedicated personnel, conducting joint surveys with Orbit’s Property Improvement Team, and prioritising installations based on system condition and functionality. Appello worked in close collaboration with Orbit site teams and assigned an Installations Supervisor & Contracts Manager for each individual project.
Prestart meetings and clear communication with residents ensured minimal disruption during upgrades. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project continued safely, delivering 15 site upgrades in the first six months.
“We have received excellent feedback from residents about the new Appello system, Smart Living Solutions, especially about its ease to use. The added security and peace of mind provided through the video door entry system has been very important to our customers and their families."
Graham Holliday
Service Development Officer, Orbit
The SLS system received excellent feedback from residents, who highlighted the ease of use, video door entry, and video calling features. These features enhanced security and helped alleviate isolation, boosting residents’ wellbeing. Orbit employees also benefitted from AppelloHQ, which streamlined fault reporting and improved monitoring through the "I’m okay" feature.
"We have also internally undertaken an independent survey on the use of the system to understand how the project was progressing and gain customer feedback. We have received positive comments on how video calling between properties is a great way to share updates and information.
Our colleagues on site are benefitting from access to AppelloHQ, which provides system management information on a dashboard. It is valuable in their roles to see the performance of the system and utilisation of the features.
Furthermore, we have already found that pendants are programmed easily, and automated fault reporting reduces the onus on our employees to identify and report any faults which could easily be overlooked."
- Graham Holliday, Service Development Officer at Orbit
Benefits of the solution
1
Proactive installation planning ensured smooth delivery of upgrades.2
Residents benefitted from enhanced safety and communication features.3
Video calling alleviated isolation, improving wellbeing for many.4
Staff found system management easier with automated fault reporting.5
Future-proofed infrastructure allows for expanded digital services.
Find out more about Smart Living Solutions
Smart Living Solutions (SLS) is a leading digital telecare and warden call system from Appello, offering housing and care providers cutting-edge tools to enhance resident safety and wellbeing.
With features like video communication, integrated dashboards, and Bluetooth connectivity, SLS empowers organisations to deliver exceptional service and create thriving, connected communities.
Discover how our future-proofed technology, Smart Living Solutions, can support your developments - tailored to your requirements.
Download Product Overview
Find out more about our telecare and warden call system Smart Living Solutions.
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