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Person Involvement
Assistive Technology
Sometimes we may need some help to keep us independent, safe, well and enjoying our lives.
Assistive technology is equipment, including Telecare, that assists people who have difficulties in carrying out everyday activities.
Telecare is care which can be provided from a distance using technology in the form of equipment, computers and communication systems.
Telecare can include detectors or monitors, for example motion or fall detectors, which are attached to community Alarm systems, which can trigger an alert that will be responded to from the control centre.
The Department of Health has set aside £80m (Preventative Technologies Grant) over two years (2006 – 2008) to embrace the use of Telecare in Social Care and Health economies.
Staying Independent
In October 2005, during the Older People’s Festival. The theme for the Festival was 'Staying Independent'.
A number of awareness-raising events took place throughout October. Views were sought from people to find out how much they already knew about assistive technology and to tell them about the work in progress.
People were asked what they thought about 'Assistive Technology' – lots of people (nearly 50% of those taking part in the survey) already have a pendant which they can wear at home to summon help from Warden Services if they have a fall or an accident. There is a small charge for this service. Many people are familiar with the pendants and pull cords but not so many people know about the new products and equipment that are being developed to help people in the future. These include gas detectors, bogus caller alerts and fall detectors. This equipment is not available through Council Services at the moment, but we hope to be able to work with our partners to help people stay independent in the future. Many people said they would like to be involved as the work around assistive technology develops.
If you would like further information about, or to be involved in any of the above, please contact Sandra Guy, Person Involvement Officer on telephone: (0191) 2831311 or by email at sandra.guy@stpct.nhs.uk.
