Live Well Independently suite opens in Stockport
Stockport Council has opened a new interactive demonstration space showcasing how connected technologies, home adaptations and assistive equipment can support people to live safely and independently for longer.
The Live Well Independently suite, based at Fred Perry House, combines a fully equipped demonstration home with a health and social care training academy. It is believed to be the first facility of its kind in Greater Manchester to bring both functions together in a single space.
Designed as a realistic home environment, the suite includes a fully furnished bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living area where visitors can experience a range of assistive technologies and home adaptations in a practical setting. Features include an assessment staircase with a stairlift, alongside digital technologies such as sensors, alerts and remote monitoring solutions.
The space has been developed to support residents, while also providing a shared environment for workforce development, partner engagement and innovation across health, housing and social care.
Bringing connected homes to life
One of the challenges facing organisations exploring connected homes is helping staff, partners and residents understand how technology works in practice.
The Live Well Independently Suite provides an opportunity to demonstrate connected technologies in a real-world setting, allowing visitors to see how solutions can support independent living, reduce risks such as falls and help people remain in their own homes for longer.
By bringing together equipment, digital technology and training in one place, the facility also creates opportunities for housing, health and care professionals to build confidence in how technology can be integrated into everyday services.
A focus on prevention
The suite forms part of Stockport Council's wider Live Well approach, which focuses on helping people maintain independence, prevent avoidable health crises and improve outcomes through earlier intervention.
As part of this approach, the demonstrator showcases how connected technologies can complement more traditional adaptations and support services, helping organisations move from reactive responses towards preventative models of care and support.
Co-designed with residents
The facility has been shaped with residents, including people with lived experience of disability and using technology in their daily lives.
This collaborative approach has helped ensure that technologies and support solutions are presented in ways that reflect real-world needs and experiences, while demonstrating how person-centred design can play a role in successful adoption.
Learning for the wider sector
For housing providers and local authorities exploring connected homes programmes, the Live Well Independently Suite offers an example of how demonstration environments can support engagement, workforce development and adoption.
By creating a space where residents, frontline staff, health professionals and partners can interact directly with connected technologies, Stockport is helping to build understanding of how digital solutions can support independent living and preventative services.
Housing providers interested in seeing the facility can find out more through Stockport Council or explore related resources through Stockport's Virtual House, which demonstrates a range of assistive technologies in an online environment.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council:
"Like everywhere else, our population is getting older, and we are tackling that head on and positively. We want people to stay in the homes they love, with the right support in place early. This is about shifting from crisis care to prevention, giving residents the tools, confidence and practical support to stay independent.
"By bringing together a real home, training and technology, we are showing how simple changes can make a big difference to people’s lives while easing pressure on health and care services."
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care:
"This gives fellow residents and much valued carers the chance to see firsthand and try what support could work for them in a real life setting. From everyday adaptations like stair lifts to innovative technology, it helps people plan ahead and stay independent for longer. It also brings together residents, partners and our workforce in one place, strengthening how we deliver joined up, person centred care across Stockport.
"Real people must be at the heart of everything we do, and our team are passionate about helping all those courageous fellow residents who face the extraordinary challenges ordinary daily living brings. Many in our own families face these challenges too and we are determined in Stockport to develop and assist with firsts like this whenever we can. Do come and visit; our dedicated team and volunteers who've helped truly care!"
Article Published: 11/08/2026 11:36 AM