Cannock tennants become first in county to trial 'Magiplug' 

Cllr Woodward is pictured with Cannock Chase District Cllr Ann Bernard and John Williams, resident at Gracemoor Court Sheltered Housing Scheme.

Tenants living in a Cannock sheltered housing scheme have become the first in the county to trial a new device which will help them stay safer in their own homes.

A 'Magiplug' has been fitted to all sinks, baths and basins at Grace Moore Court Sheltered Scheme to reduce the risk of them overflowing.  The device is a bath and sink safety plug that works using a pressure activated system. It means when an unattended bath or sink reaches a certain depth, a pressure plate opens and releases the excess water safely before flooding's possible. The Magiplug also reduces the risk of scalding by indicating if water is too hot for safe exposure to skin.

The initiative is thanks to partnership working between the county council, Cannock Chase District Council and South Staffs PCT and if successful it could be used elsewhere in the county.

County Councillor Susan Woodward, Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities and Older People said: "We work closely in partnership with a number of agencies to look at how we can help people remain safely in their own homes for as long as possible - the Magiplug is a very simple and inexpensive devise which can help to achieve this.

She added: "The tenants at Grace Moore Court expressed an interest in this assistive technology and partnership working has made it a reality for them.  It is estimated that the whole scheme can be equipped for less than the cost of repairs following a single overflowing sink or bath."

New technology helping people to read again

Mrs Amato using Assistive Technology

Tamworth residents with a visual impairment are getting a helping hand to read again thanks to new assistive technology.

A portable handheld reading aid called the Video Max reader means people who previously struggled to see text on items such as food packaging, letters, newspapers and magazines, can now read them independently.  The reader which resembles a computer mouse connects to the user's television, to enlarge print on any flat or curved surface.

And one Tamworth resident has first-hand experience of the benefits of this technology.  81-year-old Audrey Amato, has had a visual impairment for a number of years. Now after an assessment by a county council rehabilitation officer, Audrey was provided with the Video Max reader and is thrilled about the impact it has had on her independence and quality of life. 

She said: "This is fantastic.  One of the main benefits I have found is that I can read my mail in private."

County Councillor, Susan Woodward, Cabinet Member for Older People and Healthier Communities said: "This is a fantastic example to show how assistive technology can really benefit people living in their homes and help them to live independently. 

"Audrey is one of many people to benefit from this sort of technology throughout the county to enable them to have more choice over the care and services they receive from us.  It has clearly made a huge difference to her daily life and has greatly increased her independence."

If anyone with a visual impairment is interested in finding out more about this equipment they can contact their local Social Care and Health Access Team.  Visit /health/socialservicesareaoffices/

Last Modified: 25/09/2008 11:44:45
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