Living Lab: Bridging Health and Housing for Better Lives

Led by Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) and Livewell South West, the Living Lab is the largest of its kind globally, pioneering the use of assistive technologies to improve residents' quality of life and reduce hospital admissions. Rachael Fox, Partnership Project Manager, shares the compelling story of how this initiative is transforming lives and addressing long-standing health inequalities.

A Vision for Healthier Homes
The Living Lab is an open, user-centred environment designed to test healthcare technologies in real-life settings. Backed by Cisco’s Community Digital Acceleration Programme and developed in partnership with the Centre for Health Technology, NHS Devon, and University Hospitals Plymouth, this project focuses on helping older adults manage frailty and stay independent. The ultimate goal is to shift care delivery from hospitals to homes, easing the burden on overstretched healthcare systems.

Fox emphasises the importance of prevention and self-management: “How do we help people stay independent at home? By embracing digital health technologies, we aim to reduce frailty-related hospital admissions and improve lives.”

Tackling Health Inequalities in Plymouth
Plymouth faces unique challenges, with some neighbourhoods among the most deprived in England. The city’s ageing population and high rates of chronic illness, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, place immense pressure on healthcare services. Public health data starkly illustrates the disparity: a mere 15-minute journey from affluent areas to deprived ones can see life expectancy drop by 10 years.

Fox notes, “Many older residents live in homes that aren’t adapted to their needs, increasing the risk of falls and hospital stays. Integrated housing and health services are essential to creating safer, healthier environments.”

Technology at the Forefront
The Living Lab is piloting two key technologies to address these challenges. The first, Howz Sensors, monitors residents’ daily routines and flags atypical behaviours via a digital dashboard. These alerts provide family members and carers with early warnings, enabling swift interventions. The second, Cisco’s “Defeating Loneliness” tablets, simplifies digital connectivity for older residents. These devices offer easy access to video calls, virtual tours, and online communities, combating social isolation.

Breaking Down Barriers
Despite its promise, the project has faced challenges, particularly around data sharing. Information governance remains a hurdle in aligning health and housing data to better understand residents’ needs. Fox remains optimistic: “We’re taking steps to overcome these barriers, and the rich insights we gain will shape future services.”

Another obstacle is ensuring residents feel comfortable with new technologies. Workshops and a co-design approach help address concerns around privacy and usability, ensuring that the tools introduced genuinely meet their needs.

The Ripple Effect
Beyond technology, the Living Lab highlights the importance of dedicated roles, such as trusted assessors and digital inclusion workers. These positions, jointly funded with Livewell South West, enable rapid home adaptations and support residents in overcoming digital poverty. To date, 155 people have been assisted with access to devices and training, enhancing their independence and well-being.

Pioneering a New Future
The Living Lab is setting the stage for broader systemic change. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating housing and health, the initiative hopes to influence national policies and practices. Fox envisions Plymouth becoming a model for other regions: “This project is directly responding to calls for integrated care and demonstrates the impact housing can have on health.”

As the Living Lab continues to evolve, it offers a glimpse into a future where technology and collaboration drive healthier, more equitable communities.