BLACKBURN Rovers’ Ewood Park was the venue for a ‘safe and well’ conference where the latest technology to support people who need help to maintain independence in their homes was showcased.

Assistive living technology, also known as telecare and telehealth, promotes the use of devices including panic buttons, falls detectors and more to help people less able to care for themselves remain living independently in their own homes.

The event brought together manufacturers, social care staff from organisations including Blackburn with Darwen Council, Care Network and Age UK, and interested residents.

Examples of technology discussed at the conference included a memory book designed to give people suffering from dementia a step-by-step guide to performing tasks around the house, such as preparing food.

The event also heard about a special doorbell which alerts people with hearing disabilities to callers at their homes.

Blackburn with Darwen councillor Mohammed Khan, executive member for health and adult social care, who opened the conference, said: “It was a fantastic event.

“We were able to combine all the knowledge and expertise in the room to ensure more people in Blackburn with Darwen benefit from assistive living technology.”