Telecare

Information on telecare, and its development in Wales in particular, is available on the Social Services Improvement Agency website  

Telecare uses sensors and automated devices that enable a person’s well-being to be monitored remotely and so contributes to people’s health, mobility, social well-being and security.

Typically, telecare sensors are fairly ‘lo-tech’, inexpensive items such as:

• smoke and heat detectors;
• flood detectors;
• carbon monoxide detectors; and
• passive infra-red movement detectors.

These are linked to community alarm call centres through a ‘lifeline’ telephone system. They are ‘passive systems’ in that they do not require the user to activate them, but are activated by an event which may cause an unacceptable level of risk. The call centre is then able to speak directly to the person, assess the situation and advise or summon assistance as required.

Telecare offers security, help when needed, and privacy at other times.

The proper use of technology in care delivery is needs-led and should not be used instead of personal contact. The good practice of telecare uses technology to provide additional support and reassurance and to enable staff to spend more time providing care.