Technology Enabled Care

Technology Enabled Care (previously known as Telecare) is the term used to describe care services that are delivered through innovative and creative means to promote independence and keep people living as independently as possible. The care services offered are not through hands on care, but through different pieces of technology.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) can offer a level of supervision to carers and can collect data so that a persons needs can be met and any changes to need can be identified and addressed in a timely manner, avoiding unnecessary risk. 

TEC can also be used as a means to help people complete essential care tasks, thus reducing the need for hands on care and enabling people to live in their own home.

TEC is the least restrictive means of offering care and support and any front line staff should adopt a ‘Technology First’ approach before considering physical care interventions.

Due to the national switchover from Analogue to Digital, the technology on offer through Technology Enabled Care is more advanced and often, pieces of technology will also come with additional elements such as GPRS, Sim Card management, 5G and Broadband accessibility and potential subscription costs. This differs from the previous analogue offer (known as Telecare).

Technology comes in all different forms and the Council now offers technology through a digital platform. Examples of Technology Enabled Care services include:

1. Falls Pendants;
2. Epilepsy Sensors;
3. Alarms (Beds, doors etc);
4. Fire proof technology to reduce risk of fires;
5. Smart Devices and Apps;
6. Medication Dispensers and Prompts;
7. Smart Clocks and Radios that can give essential reminders;
8. Room Sensors to detect movement.

All technology is linked to a monitoring and response centre which is staffed all throughout the year, twenty four hours a day. Technology can be set up so that an alarm triggers a persons next of kin, their carer, or goes through to the main response centre. The response centre will manage any situation of risk, including giving critical advice or even phoning an ambulance.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) can be provided through the following pathways:

1. As part of a Reablement service (free for up to six weeks); or
2. To support hospital discharges; or
3. Alongside services to meet on ongoing care and support needs; or
4. Independent from all of the above. There are many people who do not have eligible needs under the Care act but benefit from a technology offer.

It is available to people who live in:

1. Their own home;
2. Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
3. Supported living;
4. Extra Care;
5. Shared lives placements.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is available to support with many different remits within social care including (but not limited to):

• Dementia;
• Learning Disabilities;
• Mental Health;
• Those wishing to Age Well and safely in their own home;
• Carers wishing to have support to fulfil their essential role;
• Young adults who want to develop skills and build independence.

If a person lives in residential or nursing care TEC is normally the responsibility of the provider to assess and arrange.

TEC in Cheshire West and Chester is provided by Millbrook Healthcare.

Tel: 01606 516 681

Email: cheshtec@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk

Address:

Millbrook Healthcare
Unit 7 Artis Park
Road One
Winsford Industrial Estate
Winsford
CW7 3SE

There is information and advice available on the council website.

See: Equipment and aids for Living at Home. 

Also see the Millbrook Healthcare website. 

Anyone can be signposted to these resources.

At present, there is a fixed charge of £1.79 per person per week for any Technology Enabled Care (TEC) provided as part of a Care and Support Plan. There may be additional costs associated with some TEC such as annual subscription fees. This would need to be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine who would cover these costs.

If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any Technology Enabled Care that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.

A person must first be assessed to ascertain what their eligible needs are. Where Technology Enabled Care is identified as a potential appropriate and proportionate way to meet those needs, operational teams should refer the person to Millbrook Healthcare for further assessment and consultation.

Millbrook Healthcare will consult and engage with the workforce and the assessed person to identify any TEC that could meet their eligible needs. Where suitable TEC is identified, this should be implemented in line with any other care services to be provided. Millbrook Healthcare will manage the installation once the Care and Support Plan is agreed.