Assistive Technology and Telecare
Assistive technology refers to any gadget that is used to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing.
Used effectively, assistive technology can:
- Promote independence;
- Improve confidence;
- Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
- Support a person to remain living at home;
- Help with memory and recall;
- Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
- Provide reassurance to carers and family members.
Telecare is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre. Examples include:
- Flood detectors – which give an early automatic warning of a bath or sink overflowing if, for example, a tap has been left on
- Occupancy sensors – which automatically create an alarm call if someone falls out of, or fails to get in or out of a bed or chair
- Door and window sensors – which automatically create an alarm if someone leaves their home unsecured or unexpectedly
- Fall detectors – which when worn, activate an automatic alert if someone falls over and may be unconscious or unable to call for help themselves
- Personal pendant – which can be pressed when someone needs general assistance
- Temperature hazard sensors – which, when triggered by pre-determined temperatures will automatically create an alarm
- Smoke / carbon monoxide sensors - which automatically create an alarm if it is triggered by hazardous levels of smoke or carbon monoxide
A basic Telecare system will be formed by a base unit that plugs into a telephone socket and a personal alarm trigger that can be worn as a pendant around the neck or on the wrist like a watch.
When the button is pressed, a signal is sent to the base unit which will automatically call the Telecare call centre.
Assistive technology and Telecare can be provided:
- As part of a Reablement service; or
- To support hospital discharges; or
- Alongside services to meet on ongoing care and support needs; or
- Independent from all of the above.
It is available to people who live in:
- Their own home;
- Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
- Supported living;
- Extra Care;
- Shared lives placements.
If a person lives in residential or nursing care assistive technology and Telecare is normally the responsibility of the provider to assess and arrange.
The Care Link website has further information about what Telecare is, including a video that people and their families can watch.
See: Care Link
On the website there is also a ‘Contact Us’ button that people can use to find out more and discuss options etc.
If someone has been assessed by adult social care, has an eligible need and that need is going to be met with Assistive Technology or Telecare, this may be provided free of charge (subject to the outcome of a financial assessment).
In all other cases, the person will be required to pay a charge for the service. Information about current charges can be obtained from Care Link.
Tel: 01977 788 000
If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any assistive technology or Telecare that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.
Assistive technology and Telecare should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.
Any social care practitioner can assess the need for assistive technology and Telecare as part of a needs assessment if they are confident to do so.
If any advice is required about the suitability of Telecare or the most appropriate option, this can be obtained from Care Link.
Tel: 01977 788 000
Practitioners should follow local processes and requirements to arrange assistive technology or Telecare
If the person wants to make their own arrangements, they can contact Care Link directly:
Tel: 01977 788 000.
This is a 24 hour, 365 days a year number
Online: www.wdh.co.uk/CareLink/Contact
Alternatively, they can search for a different provider using the Telecare Services Association search.
All monitoring activity should be recorded in line with local recording requirements.
At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease.
Any assistive technology or Telecare that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.
If you are notified that a piece of equipment is damaged, the person can call Care Link themselves to report it, or you can assist if they are not able to do so without support:
Tel: 01977 788 000. This is a 24 hour, 365 days a year number.
Online: www.wdh.co.uk/CareLink/Contact
Care Link will then arrange for an engineer to visit to fix the fault.
Under no circumstances should the person, a carer, agency or anyone else attempt to fix the equipment. Any damage caused by doing so could result in a charge being made.
If the equipment is no longer required, it can be cancelled by contacting Care Link direct to give 4 weeks' notice.
This should be done by the person (if they have made their own arrangements) or by an adult social care practitioner (if the equipment is being paid for by adult social care to meet an eligible need).
Tel: 01977 788 000.
Online: www.wdh.co.uk/CareLink/Contact
Note: If a review has determined that assistive technology or Telecare equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.
Last Updated: September 16, 2022
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