A new 21st Century house with flood alerts for sink and bath overflows, memory clocks and voice prompts is to be unveiled later this month. Features in the new home at Diss, South Norfolk, are designed for older people with memory or mental health problems to help them stay independent. The first "Smart" house in South Norfolk is set to open on Thursday. County council social services aim to help people stay independent in their own homes rather than move into care. All the equipment and communications technology has been funded by the European Union. Harold Bodmer, Norfolk's director of adult social services, said: "This technology is designed to help people carry on living in their own homes - an absolute priority of Norfolk County Council. "Having the Smart House means people can see for themselves what is available and what might be suitable for them."
The house is part of Clare House in Frenze Road, a complex of flats for older people, run by South Norfolk Housing Partnership.