Technology Enabled Care
Scope of this chapter
This chapter covers Technology Enabled Care, also referred to as Assistive Technology or 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.
If a person with Technology Enabled Care (TEC) has a fall and is uninjured, then a mobile responder can attend to support the person safely off the floor.
Should the person be assessed as being injured then an Ambulance would be called.
In Cheshire East, all TEC services are provided by Millbrook Healthcare Group.
Assistive technology and Telecare can be provided:
- As part of a Reablement/Rehabilitation 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 requires assistive technology or Telecare, you should refer to local policy.
Cheshire East Council has dedicated webpages with good information about the service.
Millbrook Healthcare
Cheshire East Technology Enabled Care
Ross Care
This is a chargeable service and incurs a cost of £5/wk as per the council’s charging policy.
A financial assessment can be requested should any person not be able to pay for this service.
If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any assistive technology that is provided to meet ongoing needs must be recorded in the plan.
A service should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.
The process for arranging Assistive Technology is the same for all contact teams and social care teams. Any available information about these processes can be found in the Local Resources area.
Where there is a need to monitor the effectiveness of the 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 observation 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 this service is reviewed as part of statutory Care and Support Plan reviews.
Any assistive technology 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 equipment should be repaired and maintained in line with local processes and requirements. Any issues should be reported direct to Millbrook Healthcare Group.
E-mail: cheshtec@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk
Tel: 01606 516681
If an Assistive Technology 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 statutory review has determined that assistive technology is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.
Last Updated: May 23, 2023
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