Dementia friendly installation by Atlas World

The specialist focus provided by Atlas World has again been demonstrated at the Cullingtree Meadows project in Belfast.

The new supported housing development, by Belfast Trust and Clanmil Housing, is for older people living with dementia and, as such, required a tailored solution by Atlas World for the warden call and assisted technology. Atlas World also designed and installed the re alarm system.

Located at Cullingtree Road, just off the Grosvenor Road, the project provides 30 contemporary, high quality, self-contained apartments for older people living with dementia in a supported living environment. The supported living element offers the residents a higher level of independence, with the innovative approach by Atlas World helping to create this environment without compromising on safety.

The close relationship with electrical contractor, Braham Electrical, and electrical consultant, ISD, was a key feature behind the success of the project, as was the partnership approach developed with the client. The re alarm system consists of an addressable control panel at the entrance door, with detection throughout the landlord’s areas, voids and in the roof spaces.

The warden call / assisted technology system is more complex and consists of the following features –

  • A centrally monitored warden call system, capable of receiving audible calls from the speech units in each apartment. Calls are initiated by the operation of a ceiling pull cord. • Any call generated on the system can be answered via the DECT telephone system. This allows calls to be answered anywhere in the building.
  • Movement detectors, bed sensors, chair sensors and apartment door monitoring have also been installed, to allow lifestyle activities to be monitored.
  • Residents have been provided with personal pendant transmitters, fall detectors and flood detectors for their safety.
  • Assisted technology allows control of the lighting in the bedrooms and bathrooms of each apartment. In addition, there is timed control of the electrical sockets in the kitchen.
  • The assisted technology system is controlled via a PC, from the manager’s office.

“At Atlas World, we have always prided ourselves on an ability to deliver a bespoke solution, but projects like this really put that to the test,” explained Robert Creagmile, Sales and Marketing Director. “The residents at Cullingtree Meadows require a certain level of support so what we were tasked with was finding the right balance between that and allowing them to enjoy a high level of independence.

“The lighting controls in the bedrooms and bathrooms is perfect example of this. When you wake up at night you take a few seconds to get your bearings, but if you suffer from dementia, this can be a lot more challenging and disorientating. Our system slowly increases the lighting levels, starting at 10% and then, with the touch of a button, the resident can increase this to 100%. It is an effective system that understands the unique issues that residents in this home are facing.” This attention to detail has helped Atlas World become recognised as a specialist in this sector, with staff undergoing awareness training for working in these healthcare environments.

“We work closely with healthcare professionals to develop the right systems,” added Robert. “On this project, this was enhanced by working with a superb contractor, Braham Electrical, who we enjoy a fantastic working relationship with, as well as the expert team at ISD, who we worked very closely with in terms of the design. We enjoy the partnership approach and will be continuing this on future projects of this kind.”


Atlas World, Unit 1 Glenbank, 720 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 8AD
T: 0044 (0)28 9039 1000
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