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Telecare systems are designed to send a warning to a call centre or a carer if there's a problem or an emergency in the home – such as a fall, inactivity, fire, flood or gas leak.
By remotely monitoring a person’s activity and other factors in their home, this technology helps to keep them safe and independent. It also provides reassurance to family and friends who may not be able to call in as often as you might like.
Telecare devices can prevent a problem before it occurs, or send a timely alert if something does go wrong.
We don't test individual telecare systems yet, but keep scrolling for advice on the different types of telecare, how to get a system installed, pricing and much more.
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From personal alarms that are operated by the individual, should they need to call for help, to sophisticated activity-monitoring systems that alert a call centre when sensors in the home detect potential problems, there’s a wide range of options that can be tailored to an individual’s needs. Many are especially valuable for people with dementia.
There are two main types of telecare system: those that are connected to a professional monitoring centre that is staffed 24/7, and smart systems that send alerts and updates directly to family members via an app. We look at the pros and cons of both.
Telecare systems with 24/7 monitoring usually comprise a base unit and a range of sensors, which are placed around the home or worn by the person. The base unit is linked to a monitoring centre or carer via a landline, mobile phone or internet connection. It’s sometimes referred to as a lifeline unit.
Setting up the base unit is usually straightforward; it just needs a power point close to the telephone socket. Sensors are then dotted at various points around the home by an installer, following a conversation with you and/or a family member to establish how best to configure the system to meet your lifestyle and needs.
The sensors can detect various kinds of activity in the home (movement, falls, temperature and so on) and send signals to the base unit. Information or alerts are then transmitted to a monitoring centre operated by the service provider, or directly to a relative or carer.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a system that sends alerts to a professionally staffed monitoring centre or directly to family, friends or a carer.
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Cons:
Smart technology allows you to remotely control internet-connected devices around the home, and it’s increasingly also being used as a form of telecare. This enables families to monitor what’s happening in a loved one’s home using computer software or a smartphone app that receives signals from sensors in the home.
Smart devices, such as movement sensors and smart plugs, are connected to a base unit using a wi-fi signal. Alerts are sent directly to family, friends or a carer via a broadband or mobile phone connection. For example, you can receive updates about what time your loved one gets out of bed, when they leave or return to the house, or when they put the kettle on.
This type of telecare is sometimes referred to as ‘mHealth’ or ‘mobile health’. It is useful for monitoring activity in the home but may be less effective at quickly spotting and dealing with an emergency.
Pros:
Cons:
If you install a telecare device, it’s also a good idea to get a key safe fixed to the outside of your home, in case someone needs to enter the house in an emergency. Make sure the key safe you purchase is police approved; it may be more expensive, but it’s likely to be more reliable.
Also, remember that telecare systems are not fail-safe and correct maintenance of products, including checking the batteries regularly, is vital.
Find out how personal alarms can give you or your loved one greater independence
It's essential that the telecare you choose is suited to your, or your loved one's, needs. Below are some key features to consider when shopping around:
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If yoU're paying for the service yourself, you’ll usually encounter an initial setup cost followed by a monthly subscription fee to use the service. Costs vary enormously depending on the individual package.
Monitoring systems that provide information to family members via an online app start from around £10 per month (after setup costs), while a system with professional, round-the-clock monitoring may cost £80-£200 a month.
Make sure you work out the real costs in advance. Calculate how much it would cost to set up and operate for one year, two years and so on. Also find out if any extra charges could arise – maintenance costs, upgrades or replacing batteries, for example.
If you're registered disabled or have a chronic health condition, you can claim VAT exemption on a range of assistive technology products, which can save you a significant amount of money. Find out more about VAT reductions and exemptions for disabled people and people aged over 60.
When getting telecare, you'll most likely be expected to pay for initial installation of the system and a weekly or monthly monitoring fee.
However, depending on your needs and financial position, you may qualify for free or discounted telecare if you access it through your local council.
Age UK recommends getting in touch with your local adult social services department and asking for a free care needs assessment to explore this option further. Find your local authority using the gov.uk website to understand more about your local council and social services.
If you need a specific care package, which might include telecare, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist such as your GP or an occupational therapist (OT). You can also ask for a telecare assessment through the social services department of your local council, or talk through your options at a local Disabled Living Centre or Independent Living Centre – search online to find out if there are any such centres near you.
We also list the most popular personal alarms and telecare companies.
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Whether you need an internet connection to use your telecare system will depend on the type of set-up you've got.
Smart home systems will always need an internet connection, whereas 24/7 telecare monitoring systems may not always require wi-fi to work (although some do).
Most 24/7 monitoring systems work through your landline, so will not be as easily disrupted by power cuts or broadband issues.
Below are some of the main personal alarm and telecare companies in the UK.
All of these systems include a dedicated smartphone or tablet app that gives family members or carers ongoing updates about what’s happening in their loved one’s home.