Thursday, May 24 2012
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Telecare - Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is Telecare?
A Telecare means fitting some equipment in your home with a wireless link to a special telephone or onsite carer alert. The equipment can automatically tell the telephone to make an alarm call if you need help.
Q What support can be provided by Telecare?
A Telecare can support users in a number of ways, all of which are designed to improve and maintain well-being, self-esteem and independence, enabling individuals to live safely and securely at home One example of using telecare is in a bed. A pressure device in the bed can be connected to a light switch, causing a light to turn on when someone gets up in the night. This would mean the user could see better, reducing the likelihood of tripping and falling in the night. The bed sensor can also alert a call centre or onsite carer when someone has got out of bed and returned within a pre-set time (e.g. 20 minutes).

Telecare can also:

  • Set off a local alarm (e.g. siren, pager, flashing light)
  • Provide an alert for flooding
  • Send a message to a call centre as an alert
  • Maintain an open line to a call centre for the user in an emergency
  • Request a visit from 24 hour responder or backup services e.g. carer to visit, or if an emergency then ambulance service.
Q How does the Telecare system work in an emergency?
A The special telephone can make a call 24-hours a day to a call centre where the trained operators would have your information and know who to call in an emergency. This could be your family, friends, carers or the emergency services. The operators can also speak to you, if you are able, through a loudspeaker on the phone to find out what you need and to let you know that help is on its way.
Q Do I need Telecare?
A Telecare equipment does not replace your family or other carers who visit you in your home. It is intended to give you more confidence about staying at home on your own. If you are a carer, telecare can provide reassurance that the person you care for can call for help and be assisted when you are not available.
Q Do I need special equipment to receive Telecare?
A No, all you need is a working telephone line (with the modern telephone socket) and an electric power socket if the telecare is to be monitored by a call centre. If it is an onsite carer alert system (not monitored by a call centre) then all you need is an electric power socket. All the specific telecare equipment is provided and fitted for you.
Q What equipment is used as part of the Telecare scheme?
A Various equipment can be used in the implementation of telecare. Some of the types of equipment which might help you could include:
  • Flood detector
  • Fall detector
  • Temperature monitor – high or low
  • Intruder sensor
  • Smoke alarm
  • Bed sensor
  • Epilepsy sensor
  • Bogus Caller/Panic Button
  • A worker will be able to explain how these work in more detail when they visit you.
Q How do I receive Telecare?
A You or someone on your behalf can contact us through the Social Care Direct centre. You will then be visited by an assessor who will consider your needs and decide with you if you would benefit from telecare and which equipment would help. The assessor will also agree with you who you would like to respond to any alarm call.
Q How much does Telecare cost?
A There may be a small weekly charge depending on your circumstances.