Assistive technology

 Derbyshire County Council provides some day opportunity placements for people with complex needs. These can be considered where an eligible need has been identified as part of an assessment under the Care Act 2014.

The Brokerage Service can support you to identify a The service can be contacted on: 01629 537763 or: 01629 537758, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Alternatively, you can find out more by visiting: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/brokerage

Assistive technology is ‘any product or service designed to enable independence for people with disabilities and older people’ – The King’s Fund (2001).

Derbyshire County Council uses a range of assistive technology which includes community alarms and telecare. They can be purchased privately or provided if you are eligible. Only a telephone line and a nearby mains socket for the base unit are required.

A community alarm is a pendant or wristband you can wear which connects a telephone line to a monitoring centre through a base unit. If you need help you can get help by pressing the button on the pendant or wristband. This device does not detect these things automatically unless a button is pressed.

Telecare can support you and your carer(s) if you have identified social care support needs. There are several options which include:

• Sensors placed throughout your home to detect falls, floods, gas leaks or fires to help prevent the chance of accidents, or to alert a family member or carer if you have left home without anyone knowing.

• Equipment that assists you with managing medication by providing a prompt. Telecare is supported by connection via a telephone line through a base unit to either your named helpful contact or a monitoring centre.

When a community alarm is pressed and telecare equipment is triggered, an alert call is received at a monitoring centre where trained staff will speak to you via the speakerphone on your base unit. The trained staff will assess how to support you. They may contact a family member, carer or neighbour and if required, contact emergency services.

The choice of equipment, monitoring service and response to alerts is tailored to your needs. The monitoring element is subject to a charge which is paid for by you, or an organisation. These costs vary depending on the provider in your local area.

If you think assistive technology would help you or a family member with daily living, please contact Call Derbyshire on: 01629 533190. You can also find out more at:

www.derbyshire.gov.uk/telecare

Search for care in your area

www.carechoices.co.uk

With so many providers to choose from, where do you start?

• Find care providers quickly and easily • Search by location and care need • Information on care quality • Links to inspection reports • Additional information, photos and web links • Brochure requests