Technology to keep people safe and independent
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Assistive Technology (also sometimes referred to as Telecare) is a range of electronic gadgets that can help you to live independently in your own home. This includes things such as:
- sensors/detectors that link to a monitoring centre. For example; a falls detector, pendant alarm, smoke, low temperature and property exit sensors
- devices which use GPS to raise alerts to a carer or monitoring centres
- triggers/sensors that can support a person or their carer in and around the home. For example; pendant buttons, door contacts or motion sensors linked to a pager
The service includes support from a response centre and a falls pick up service.
Who can use the service
This service is for adults over 18 years living in their own home (this excludes residential/care homes).
There are three ways you can access this:
Who would particularly benefit from telecare
There are a wide range of people who benefit from use of Assistive Technology devices. This includes:
- older people
- a family member, friend or carer of someone with care needs who wants reassurance that they are safe
- people with a mental health condition
- people with autism or dementia
- people with a health condition such as diabetes or a stroke
- people with a physical disability
There is good evidence that it is an effective way of allowing a person with care needs to stay in their own home rather than needing more intensive care support including residential care.
What is the cost
Assessment for the service is free. However, if the service is obtained privately a regular payment will be required to the organisation. If technology is recommended as part of a social care needs assessment then the Council’s Adult Social Care Charging Policy will apply. This will mean a flat rate charge is applied for the service.
Page last reviewed: 01 September 2022