Technology Enabled Care

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) 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, TEC 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 TEC 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 Wokingham, Telecare is provided by Forest Care.

Technology Enabled Care can be provided:

1. As part of a Reablement service; 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.

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.

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

Information about Technology Enabled Care can be found online and can also be sought from the Technology Enabled Care Service.

Tel: 0118 977 8606

E-mail: TEC@wokingham.gov.uk

Some TEC is nil cost and some is chargeable in line with local charging policy.

For information about current charges please contact the Technology Enabled Care Service.

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.

Technology Enabled Care should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.

Where a potential benefit is identified the Technology Enabled Care Service can be contacted to support in the assessment process.

Tel: 0118 977 8606

E-mail: TEC@wokingham.gov.uk

Technology Enabled Care should be arranged in line with local processes and requirements. Guidance can be found in the Local Resources area.

If you are notified that a piece of TEC equipment is faulty, contact the Technology Enabled Care Service who will be able to advise or assist in its repair or replacement.

Tel: 0118 977 8606

E-mail: TEC@wokingham.gov.uk

If you are notified that a piece of TEC equipment is no longer required, contact the Technology Enabled Care Service who will be able to advise or assist in its removal.

Note: If a review has determined that TEC equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.