- Cadent has joined forces with its official charity Alzheimer’s Society and the EIC to issue an innovation call for action
- Businesses invited to design utilities innovations that will improve the quality of life for people living with Dementia
- Call 4 Action workshop for utilities, charities, experts and innovators held as part of the process
With the Alzheimer’s Society estimating that over a million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025, Cadent has teamed up with its official charity Alzheimer’s Society and the EIC to take action.
The three hosted a Call 4 Action workshop in London this week, attended by innovators, experts and representatives from charities and utilities, all united by the desire to build a better future for those living with Dementia.
Among the attendees were representatives Carer’s Trust and RNIB as organisers are keen to ensure innovators don’t solely consider Dementia as singular life situation but consider a more holistic approach, factoring in such as accessibility and the needs of carers.
Delegates walked around mock-ups of a lounge, kitchen and bathroom as they considered ways in which they could innovate to enable those living with Dementia to stay living independently in their own homes and enjoy a better quality of life.
There was also the opportunity to listen to talks by experts who shared their insights on Dementia and partake in discussions as delegates explored how innovation can help develop ideas, products and services, that promote independent living for those living with dementia.
The event resulted in providing Dementia Friends training for all delegates and an awareness session of the five key principles of the Mental Capacity Act
(2005). (See https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/) and https://www.scie.org.uk/mca/introduction/mental-capacity-act-2005-at-a-glance for more information on these).
Jo Giles, Customer Safeguarding Manager at Cadent, said,
“At Cadent we’re committed to keeping people safe, warm and independent in their home and Dementia is a cause that’s very close to our heart.
“Together with our official charity Alzheimer’s Society and the EIC we want to develop a cross-sector ‘innovation pipeline’ which can act as an incubator for practical ideas of how we can all better support people living with Dementia.”
“We want to bridge the gap between the utility industry and innovators and if anyone thinks they have a great idea that could improve the lives of those living with Dementia then we want to hear about it.
“Ideas need not be complex or high-tech. Hopefully by working and innovating together we can shape a better future for people living with Dementia or those caring for them.”
The EIC works with subject matter experts (SMEs), and utility companies to drive innovation that brings social progress and improves the quality of people’s lives.
EIC Innovation Community Lead, Liam Bolton, said:
“We’re excited to partner with Cadent and Alzheimer’s Society on this quest to find how the challenges of living with dementia can be met through innovation in the utilities sector.
“This is the first step on a journey to find, develop and deliver innovative solutions to enable those living with dementia and others to live independently in the safety of their own homes.”
One example of how utilities can innovate is the Locking Cooker Valve, a simple solution which Cadent developed. When the valve is locked the gas supply to the cooker is switched off, meaning it can’t be accidentally left on and there is no risk of gas escaping. This means that those with dementia and others can retain their independence while also staying safe and warm in their home. People can apply for a Locking Cooking Valve by calling 0345 835 1111, emailing wecare@cadentgas.com or visiting cadentgas.com/lcv
Innovators with ideas to help improve the lives of those living with Dementia should visit www.ukeic.com click on opportunities, select Dementia Support Priority, select Innovation Priority/Call and then create an account.
