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How TAPPI Changed us - London Borough of Haringey

Following completion of the second Phase of the TAPPI project, London Borough of Haringey, one of the six TAPPI testbeds, tells us in this short Q&A how TAPPI influenced their work, the work of their staff and the everyday life of their residents.

What are the key lessons and insights that you have gained by implementing the TAPPI principles throughout the project? How have these lessons influenced your approach to technology enabled care in housing for older and vulnerable people?

A key lesson from TAPPI is the value of co-production in shaping initiatives, particularly for older and vulnerable individuals. Unexpected resident preferences emphasised the need for an open-minded approach and early co-production for effective telecare assessments in Haringey.

Lessons also include the significance of strength-based assessments for practical solutions. Discoveries about preventative technology, such as "smart lights" and passive monitoring systems, showcase their potential in improving wellbeing and identifying health issues early.

TAPPI highlighted the importance of interoperability, emphasising the need to review and test current systems and consult with TEC providers for compatibility, aligning with Haringey’s Ageing Well strategy.

Can you share any specific success stories or notable achievements from your experience with the TAPPI project? How have these outcomes improved the lives of your tenants, and the work of your staff?

In response to pandemic-induced isolation, we introduced Alexa Shows and smart home devices for sheltered housing residents, fostering connection and improving home management.

For nonverbal residents, such as Henry, a tablet with a text-to-speech app became a crucial communication tool and source of joy.

Home technology trials, including pendant alarms and GPS monitoring, brought independence to individuals with autism like Connor.

Unpaid carers benefit from tech assistance, describing Alexa as an "amusing helpful second carer."

Enhanced communication increased residents' tech awareness, and the positive impact has led to resident recommendations of Technology Enabled Care (TEC) to friends and family.

Based on the learnings and outcomes of the TAPPI project, what recommendations or best practices would you suggest for future initiatives focused on technology enabled care in housing for older and vulnerable people?

For TAPPI and similar TEC initiatives, a personalised approach is crucial, avoiding a one-size-fits-all mentality.

Engaging residents early through co-production builds trust, especially among groups distrustful of technology.

Allowing residents control over solutions and acknowledging potential changes fosters acceptance.

Understanding the building's digital infrastructure early helps address deployment issues, saving time and resources.

Recognising varying levels of digital literacy, especially among elderly and vulnerable individuals, emphasises the need for a TEC training and digital inclusion plan.

Successful implementation requires thorough preliminary planning, resident engagement, procurement procedures, equipment tests, and a robust co-production process.

What has your experience of co-production with your residents been like throughout the project? And (how) do you intend to continue co-producing with them after the end of the project?

Gaining residents' trust initially posed challenges, with concerns about technology's benefits and effectiveness. Co-production was crucial, and appointing a Resident Co-Production Champion, Debra Edwards (opens new window), proved instrumental in bridging gaps and fostering trust. Debra actively engages residents, serves as a co-production advocate at conferences, and contributes to TAPPI's success.

Residents now communicate regularly, participate in decision-making, and access peer support through a TAPPI WhatsApp group.

Staff received resources to facilitate co-production, enhancing communication and project progress.

To continue co-producing post-project, a system is envisioned where housing managers regularly check in with residents to ensure ongoing satisfaction with their TEC solutions.

Looking towards the future, what plans or recommendations do you have for sustaining and expanding the adoption of the TAPPI principles beyond the project's conclusion? How do you envision scaling up the successful practices and innovations developed during the project?

We appreciate the learning opportunity over the last 12 months and plan to collaborate with our colleagues to incorporate effective practices and innovations into our housing delivery programme, care model, as well as preventative and early intervention efforts.

Caroline Humphrey, Head of Service Improvement and Development, Haringey Council & Darshan Savani (opens new window), TAPPI Project Manager, Haringey Council.

Throughout the second Phase of the TAPPI programme, the 6 testbeds have given us regular updates published in Q&As form: