What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology is a range of equipment that can help people with a physical, sensory, or mental health disability. It helps people to continue to live at home safely and as independently as possible.

Our assistive technology service, Telecare, can offer protection from:

• intruders;
• floods;
• fire; and
• falls.

The name ‘Telecare’ describes the wireless sensors that are linked to a control centre, or to a family member’s mobile phone or pager. The sensors monitor your home and can raise the alarm should an emergency occur.

The service makes a real difference to people’s lives, not only for those using the service to maintain their independence, but also their families and loved ones who really appreciate the peace of mind that the use of this equipment can bring.

Benefits of the Telecare service:

• Instant response – the highly skilled operators respond to your call and take the right action to get you the help you need, when you need it.
• Personal service – friendly and dignified service.
• We will not leave you – the operators will stay on the line with you until help arrives.
• Complete reassurance – 24-hour link to the control centre.
• Easy installation – systems are easy to fit and often wireless, so no ugly wiring.

Our aim is to:

• Assist people to maintain a safe home environment;
• assist carers to care for someone at home;
• reduce the risk of falls and accidents within the home and reduce the waiting time for assistance following an incident;
• prevent avoidable admissions to hospital and speed up discharge; and
• prevent or delay admission to a residential home.

How does the service work?

The service involves the provision of a telephone link 24 hours a day between your home and the control centre. All that is required is a telephone line and an electrical power point (within six feet of each other). Should a sensor be activated, a message is sent to the control centre where trained operators take the most appropriate action, such as contacting a family member, neighbour, doctor or the emergency services.