Assistive Technology and Telecare

Assistive technology refers to any gadget that is used to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing.

Used effectively, assistive technology can:

1. Promote independence;
2. Improve confidence;
3. Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
4. Support a person to remain living at home;
5. Help with memory and recall;
6. Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
7. Provide reassurance to carers and family members.

Telecare is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre when, for example:

1. A person falls; or
2. A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
3. A person needs assistance.

Examples of Telecare equipment include:

1. A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
2. A falls alarm;
3. A door sensor.

In Haringey Telecare is provided through Connected Care.

For information about the range of available equipment see: Community Alarm Service Equipment Available.

If a carer or family member would benefit from Telecare themselves and does not have an allocated social worker or Occupational Therapist they should be advised that they can contact the Connected Care Service directly to request an application form.

Tel: 020 8489 2365

Assistive technology costs are one off costs and vary depending on what is required.

Any Direct Payment provided as part of a personal budget to purchase assistive technology is subject to normal charging rules. This means that the person may need to make a financial contribution towards the cost.

Connected Care provides two service levels:

1. Monitoring only;
2. Monitoring and Responding.

The different levels have different charges. Charges can change annually so it is always best to check the Connected Care website.

See: Connected Care – How much does the service cost? 

Telecare provided as part of a personal budget is subject to normal charging rules. This means that a person may need to make a contribution towards the cost.

Note: If the person has made a self referral to Connected Care and their needs have not been assessed by a social worker or Occupational Therapist they must meet the full cost.

All monitoring activity should be recorded in line with local recording requirements.

At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease.

Any assistive technology or Telecare that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.

Once purchased assistive technology becomes the property of the person. If the technology is faulty the person should attempt to obtain a replacement under any manufacturer's warranty. If this is not possible, and the technology is still required they should notify First Response. If there is still a need a further Direct Payment should be provided.

The Connected Care Service maintain all of the Telecare equipment provided. In the event of a fault they should be contacted to arrange a repair/replacement.

Tel: 020 8489 2365

Note: If the person is making a financial contribution to the weekly cost of Telecare and is without a service the team responsible for financial assessment should be notified so that any financial adjustment required can be made.

If a piece of assistive technology is no longer required it should be disposed of by the person.

If Telecare equipment is no longer required the Connected Care Service should be contacted to arrange removal.

Tel: 020 8489 2365

Note: If the person is making a financial contribution to the weekly cost of Telecare the team responsible for financial assessment should be notified so that any financial adjustment required can be made.