Assistive Technology and Telecare

There are various gadgets and aids available to support independence and wellbeing. Used correctly, they can go a long way to help prevent certain conditions from worsening or becoming unsafe. In addition, they can provide reassurance to carers who are concerned for their loved ones and/or feel that they are struggling to cope and continue in their caring role.

Assistive Technology is the term for specialist items which encourage and support individuals to remain living safely and independently in their own homes. Shropshire Council offers a range of Assistive Technology and Telecare equipment.

Assistive Technology is equipment which is designed to provide individual support without the need for a connection via a telephone line. This equipment can be as simple as a specialised bath plug or as complex as digital monitoring systems which allow carers to see, hear and speak to a person from another room.

Telecare uses telephone lines and wireless sensors to ensure peace of mind in the home by linking to a call centre, which is automatically alerted. For example, if you might have fallen. Telecare equipment can range from falls alarm or memory reminders to a system which monitors a person’s wellbeing at home.

Shropshire Council provides both Assistive Technology and Telecare, subject to a needs assessment as outlined in the Care Act 2014. See page 29 for more information about assessments.

Telehealth provided by Health

Telehealth Technology can assist in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions. A home unit to measure and monitor temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs can allow professionals to make efficient and effective decisions. Telehealth can monitor blood glucose levels, cardiac arrhythmia and lung functions, to name a few. If you would like more information about Telehealth, speak to your local GP. Or, if the person requiring the service is in hospital, speak to the medical team responsible for their care. Shropshire Council does not provide Telehealth Technology at this time.

Useful organisations

Careline365

The Careline service includes an alarm base unit, which plugs into the telephone line, and a pendant which goes around the wrist or neck. All attachments are included in the Careline package. In an emergency, the alarm user simply presses the red button on the pendant and the monitoring team will respond. For more information, call 0800 101 3333 or visit

www.careline.co.uk

Telmenow.com

Telmenow.com provides technology to support independent living. For carers and the people they care for, it specialises in providing access to technology and services which can increase independence and allow people to enjoy life the way they want to. For more information, visit www.telmenow.com