Telecare - Smart Technology

“TELECARE” sometimes referred to as Smart Technology, or “assistive technology”, is electronic equipment which can be installed into a house to help to keep the occupant safe and independent in their own home. The equipment is linked to a response centre where staff are on hand 24 hours a day to answer calls and to summon help if it is needed. The equipment has been used successfully to help people of all ages who have a wide range of needs including those who have experienced a stroke, have a physical or learning disability, or who have dementia, to remain safely in their own homes. It can also be used, for example, for people who suffer from anxiety, or have experience of domestic abuse. There are many different aids and equipment which include:

• personal trigger (worn as a pendant or as a wriststrap) which when pressed calls the response centre
• passive infra red movement sensors which detect inactivity and raise the alarm at the response centre
• flood detector provides early warning of potential flood situations where a bath or sink is overflowing
• open door alert sends an alarm if a person opens the door and leaves the property at an inappropriate time
• fall detector which detects when someone has fallen and raises the alarm
• bed or chair monitors to detect when someone does not return to bed or their chair as expected

In a joint venture, Dumfries and Galloway Council and NHS Dumfries and Galloway have set up 2 demonstration flats – one in Dumfries, the other in Stranraer – to promote greater use of telecare. These are kitted out with a range of equipment and staff who have volunteered to be ‘Telecare’ champions demonstrate how the system works. To attend a demonstration at one of the flats call the ‘Care Call’ office on 01387 260352 between 9am and 5pm Mon- Fri. 

To obtain a copy of the ‘SMART IDEAS’ book which provides more information about Telecare, please telephone 01387 272734.  Or you can download the pdf version(1.3MB) .  This booklet also provides a range of home aids and local outlets where these can be purchased.

The Scottish Executive has provided ring-fenced money to promote the further use of telecare and this project is managed by Marion Glover who can be contacted on 01387 272754. Locally the project aims to offer certain patients with long term conditions additional telecare supports which might prevent unscheduled hospital admissions or delay admission to care homes. It is also hoped to extend supports available to those in sheltered accommodation where this would be beneficial.

Hospital in-patients who are preparing for discharge home would have their needs assessed and this might include referral for Telecare or a basic care call package. 

If anyone in the community feels they should be assessed regarding their needs they should contact their usual social worker, CPN or district nurse for advice or alternatively the local Social Work office.