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:
- Promote independence;
- Improve confidence;
- Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
- Support a person to remain living at home;
- Help with memory and recall;
- Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
- 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:
- A person falls; or
- A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
- A person needs assistance.
Examples of Telecare equipment include:
- A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
- A falls alarm;
- A door sensor.
Assistive technology and Telecare can be provided:
- As part of a Reablement service; or
- To support hospital discharges; or
- Alongside services to meet on ongoing care and support needs; or
- Independent from all of the above.
It is available to people who live in:
- Their own home;
- Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
- Supported living;
- Extra Care;
- Shared lives placements.
If a person lives in residential or nursing care assistive technology and Telecare is normally the responsibility of the provider to assess and arrange.
Barnsley Council’s dedicated webpage provides information about assistive living technology (telecare).
For information about current pricing see: Telecare catalogue and referral guide.
If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any assistive technology or Telecare that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.
Assistive technology and Telecare should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.
Any social care practitioner can assess the need for assistive technology and Telecare as part of a needs assessment if they are confident to do so.
The processes for arranging Assistive Technology or Telecare is the same for all teams. For information about these processes see: Assistive living technology (Telecare)
Where there is a need to monitor the effectiveness of the Assistive Technology or Telecare service the social care practitioner who arranged the service should undertake this role or make appropriate arrangements for another service or person to do so.
All monitoring activity should be recorded on case notes.
At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease. However, if the person has other services steps must be taken to ensure that the Assistive Technology or Telecare service is reviewed as part of statutory Care and Support Plan reviews.
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.
All Assistive Technology or Telecare equipment should be repaired and maintained in line with local processes and requirements.
If an Assistive Technology or Telecare service is no longer required, this should be removed in line with local processes and requirements.
Where the person is making a financial contribution the financial assessment team should be notified so that any reassessment required can take place.
Note: If a review has determined that assistive technology or Telecare equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.
Last Updated: August 23, 2023
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