Helping hand from distance
Herefordshire Council is offering the chance for county residents to try out a hi-tech monitoring system, which aims to make people feel safer in their own homes.
The Telecare scheme works by using a range of alarms and passive sensors that will raise an alert at a call centre if there is a problem or accident.
Sensors include smoke detectors, fall detectors, flood detectors, a bogus caller button, wandering client alarm, carbon monoxide detector, temperature extremes sensor and a medicine/pill reminder. All of these sensors are connected to a central unit which will raise the alarm at the county’s housing care line.
In the case of an emergency or if a client simply feels unwell and presses the lifeline button, trained operators will respond. They will have details of the service user's medical condition, doctors, relatives, neighbours and any other contacts. They will be aware of which sensor has triggered the alert and will make sure the problem is resolved as well as contacting relatives and neighbours to tell them what has happened.
The service, which is being piloted by Herefordshire Council, is aimed at helping vulnerable people and those who have a history or falls. It is also hoped Telecare will allow patients to be released earlier from hospital and even reduce admissions by offering support for people in their own homes.
Carers will also gain peace of mind because they will know that, even if they are not around, the people they look after will be able to get help in an emergency.
David Rainbow, Telecare coordinator, said: “This is an exiting pilot which can ensure that people can remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible. It can bring reassurance to users who can now have immediate help available, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at the touch of a button.”
The scheme has been funded by a Department of Health Prevention Technology grant and the monitoring costs are being met by Supporting People. Herefordshire Housing will be running the call centre.
For more information and to find out if you would be eligible for the scheme contact David on 01432 261650.
