Telecare is the use of technology and support systems to assist vulnerable people to live at home. Telecare can improve and maintain well-being, self-esteem, independence and autonomy enabling individuals to live safely and securely at home. It is also available to help carers and reduce the stress anxiety that caring puts on carers.
Wakefield Council has recognised the potential of telecare and is now offering the service to all ages and abilities. Telecare is now being implemented as an integral part of any assessment of needs covering all ages and abilities.
What is the difference between assistive technology and telecare?
In simple terms, assistive technology is any piece of equipment that can assist a person in their daily living. It becomes telecare when it is connected to a call system (onsite carer alert) or call centre that can alert a responder. For example, anyone can buy a smoke alarm and use it to alert that there is a problem. A vulnerable person may need an alarm that is connected to a call centre which could raise the alarm and action could be taken to deal with the issue.
