Telecare – Intelligent reassurance at the heart of the home

What is Telecare?

In its simplest form its not new – you may have heard of a community alarm which links a client to a control centre.  Now the range of telecare equipment available has been extended and is basically added on to that, but it is smarter.
Often, instead of relying on the client to press a button to summon help, sensors attached to bits of equipment, for example, a movement sensor or a fall detector, will automatically alert the centre when a client has left their home or had a fall. This then allows an appropriate response to be provided to the client, often by carers or relatives.

Telecare products monitor people at risk in their own homes improving their safety and helping them to stay independent and healthy for longer. It is a continuous, automatic and remote monitoring of lifestyle changes – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It benefits all those involved in delivering care, most importantly clients, by providing the most intensive care in the least intensive setting – the patient's own home.

Who needs telecare equipment?

People at risk of harm through falls or accidents in their home, especially people with dementia who may forget to turn off taps etc

Very often, it is relatives, and carers who most value the peace of mind that this equipment can give them about the safety of their loved ones.

The purpose of the telecare equipment is that it helps to support a client at home in a less intrusive way,  It does not replace essential care and all face to face contact, and it is not a solution to every problem.”

How does it work?

When a pendant or sensor is activated a signal is sent to a base unit located close to the main telephone. The base unit calls the Control Centre automatically. At the Control Centre the staff have a database of  information on the user's name and address, doctor, medical history. They also have the names and telephone numbers of people - relatives, friends or neighbours - who have keys to the user's home and are available to help in an emergency. If a relative, friend or neighbour is unable to help out, then the operator will contact one of the emergency services.

What equipment is available ?

Community alarms - Sometimes a simple base unit and pendant alarm is all that is needed, there are a variety of types which can be easily obtained and fitted for a reasonable cost.

There is a large range of further equipment available.  For example:

For environmental risks -There are a range of detectors  such as smoke, carbon monoxide, natural gas, floods.
For personal risks - There are devices which monitor movement, falls, imminent epileptic seizures, night time incontinence, bed or chair occupancy, medication, exiting property, bogus caller/panic buttons and visual alert door access.

In Devon we have chosen to use a well known and established provider called Tunstall

How can I get this equipment?

If you are assessed as needing this equipment and meet our eligibility criteria we will supply and fit the appropriate equipment in your home for you.  Contact our advisers at Care Direct on 0845 155 1007

What will it cost?

When you are assessed by us as needing this equipment it will be provided for you free of charge.