Home simulation suite set up to help boost functional skills

A home simulation suite has been developed by the council to provide a realistic domestic environment for residents to re-skill after periods of homelessness and allow comprehensive assessments by the occupational therapy team.

The suite, which is based at the Reach Out Centre in Rhyl and cannot be used for residential use, opened in June and will be used by a number of the council’s services within the multidisciplinary team.

Kitchen area

The simulation suite includes a bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom, and will be used by occupational therapists for more accurate assessments of living arrangement needs, with the kitchen also being used by the council’s homeless prevention team where they teach weekly cooking sessions.

Living room area

The council’s telecare team have installed a number of assistive aids within the suite which can assist with assessments and allow residents to get used to the devices in a one-on-one environment. The assistive technology includes a lifeline system and pendant, epilepsy sensor, talking kitchen timer and linked smoke detector.

Offering a safe, clutter-free and quiet environment, the suite enables person-centred outcomes to allow individuals to develop the functional skills required for independent living.

Bedroom area

Ann Lloyd, Head of Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service said:

“This bespoke suite has been developed due to a shift in the profile of those presenting to us at the homelessness prevention team. We have identified that through re-skilling and working in a one-to-one environment with those who need our support, we can help them achieve better outcomes once they gain a more permanent tenancy.

Our homelessness prevention team will be working hand in hand with the telecare team and occupational therapists at this space, utilising it to offer more comprehensive assessments.

The space will also allow us to work with those who present with more chronic conditions such as epilepsy to utilise the assistive technology on offer in a controlled and calm environment, where questions can be asked on a one-to-one level that helps them fully understand how the technology can assist them.”

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities said:

“This new development has been designed to be used by a number of the council’s services within the multidisciplinary team.

A valuable resource that will allow staff to help residents gain valuable life skills and perform comprehensive, one-to-one assessments, this bespoke suite opened last month, with a number of sessions already hosted at the new facility.”