Telecare

Telecare is a wide range of alarms and sensors that can enable people to live safely and independently in their own homes. It is available through Hampshire County Council's Adult Services Department, as well as from a wide range of district councils, community alarm providers and housing associations.

It can help improve confidence and minimise risks and can also provide peace of mind to carers and families. The most well known is the pendant alarm but there are many others, including falls detectors, bed sensors and smoke detectors.

The equipment is connected to a community alarm response centre. If an alarm is raised then an operator will contact the person and check how they are. They are trained to respond in the best way, whether that is contacting a neighbour or calling the emergency services.

Telecare is available in Hampshire through a number of organisations. These organisations are able to assess individuals to make sure they have the right equipment to meet their needs.

• Activity monitors are used to monitor movement around the home. If they do not detect movement for a long period of time they alert the monitoring centre. An activity monitor in the kitchen can be used to give an idea that you are eating meals regularly; if you do not enter the kitchen regularly it could indicate you are not eating regularly.

• Bed or chair occupancy sensors alert the monitoring centre when someone has got up for their bed or chair and not returned within a previous agreed time period. It can also be programmed to switch lights on and off when someone gets in and out of bed.

• Carbon monoxide detectors

• Bogus caller/panic buttons that can be programmed to make no sound but, when pressed, the operator in the monitoring centre can listen to a situation and intervene if necessary.

• Epilepsy sensors monitor your heart rate and breathing patterns and alerts both the carer and monitoring centre if a seizure is detected.

• Fall detectors can sense a serious fall and alert the monitoring centre. If the alarm is not cancelled by the wearer then the an operator from the monitoring centre can try to talk to you and arrange appropriate help.

• Fire or smoke alarms automatically sound an alarm in the home when they detect smoke, and alert the monitoring centre. Someone from the monitoring centre can talk to you before alerting emergency services, in case the cause is something as minor as burnt toast.

• Flood detectors can give early warning of sink overflows or any leaks that could become floods or make the floor slippery and become a fall hazard

• Gas shut off valves

• Incontinence sensors which emit an audible alarm and informs the monitoring centre.

• Medication management – a dispenser is programmed to prompt users to take their medication at the correct times of each day. If the tablets are not removed then the monitoring centre is automatically alerted.

• Property exit sensors which are useful for those who can become disorientated or confused and go out at inappropriate times. Sensors detect when someone goes out and does not return within a pre-determined time period.

• Temperature extremes such as a fire in an area of the house or the house has become too cold