Assisted living suites used to train health and care students in Kent

Health and social care students and NHS employees will be trained on the use of smart technology using new assisted living suites installed at North Kent College.

The two suites opened at the college’s Tonbridge and Dartford campuses in November 2024 to highlight the positive outcomes that technology can provide in residential care settings, sheltered housing and for people with dementia living at home.

As well as monitoring technology, each suite comes with a PARO therapeutic robot seal, which is used in dementia care to combat cognitive decline and lift moods.

Mark Andrews, deputy executive principal strategy and curriculum at North Kent College, said: “I’m delighted that our students have access to this cutting-edge technology and to short courses which credit their knowledge and skills in assistive devices and systems.

“This allows them to become not only the first choice for employers in the care sector, but the kind of workforce of the future that can utilise these technologies to make a significant difference to the quality of life of individuals under their care.”

The project came about after the government’s local skills improvement plan identified a need to upskill the health and social care workforce in digital skills and use technology to develop and deliver more effective services.

It was made possible by a grant from the local skills improvement fund, with the rooms being created by Automated Spaces, a company which designs and implements independent living technologies.

Stacie Collings, assistant principal (curriculum) at North Kent College, said: “These state-of-the-art assisted living suites not only provide our students with hands-on, real-life experience but also empower our Level 2 and Level 3 learners with the opportunity to complete additional qualifications in assisted living technology.

“This not only equips them with highly sought-after skills but also enhances their understanding of innovative care practices, making them more employable and better prepared to deliver exceptional, compassionate care in diverse healthcare settings.

“By combining practical experience with cutting-edge training, we are shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of the sector.”

The unit was visited by representatives from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in November 2024 to see the facilities the college is providing to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Denise Aspland, head of clinical education at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, said: “The suite will give students a real opportunity to explore ways in which technology can enhance patient’s quality of life and assist with allowing patients to remain in their own homes as long as is safely possible.

“This is an exceptional asset to the college and its role in creating greater learning experience for students.”

Assisted living suites have also been installed across MidKent College and the East Kent Colleges Group in Kent.