Telecare uses a range of technologies to enable remote monitoring of risks within the home, helping vulnerable people or those with disabilities to remain safe and independent for longer.
In the event that a problem is detected – for instance, if a customer has had a fall, failed to take their medication or even left their taps running and a flood has occurred - sensors connected to a special telephone raise an alert to the Telecare monitoring centre, where staff are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange help as required.
Latest figures show that there are 5,435 people in Wolverhampton being supported by Telecare, with the service responding to 42,000 alarm calls from people needing help and support over the last 12 months.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Telecare plays an important role in helping people to live more independently and in providing peace of mind and reassurance to Telecare customers, their carers and of course family members, some of whom may live many miles away.
“I know very well how important it is, as my mother Betty is a customer and has been helped by Telecare on a number of occasions.
"The council said in 2016 that it wanted to give 3,000 more people the chance to use Telecare in 3 years, and I am pleased to say we have beaten that target – and that through this vital service we are now supporting thousands more people to live more independently in their own homes for longer. I would encourage anyone who thinks it may benefit a friend or relative to find out more.”
The service is available to everyone, with packages to suit a range of requirements and budgets. They are:
- Level 1 (£3 per week): The standard Telecare service comprising of an alarm unit, pendant, keysafe and smoke detector. This universal service is available to people who have 2 responders who hold a key to their property and agree to respond to an emergency at any time. They could be a family member, neighbour or friend.
- Level 2 (£5 per week): As Level 1, but including access to the Telecare Response Service which will visit the customer’s property as required.
- Level 3 (£7 per week): As Level 1, but with a range of additional Telecare detectors and sensors appropriate to the customer’s needs. Like Level 1, this service is available to people who have 2 responders - either a family member, neighbour, carer or friend - who agree to respond to an emergency call as required.
- Level 4 (£9 per week): As level 3, but with access to the Telecare Response Service.
In addition, Telecare is free to people in receipt of certain benefits and free during a period of reablement support or to prevent a hospital admission.
To find out more about Telecare, please visit Telecare Service, call 01902 553585 or email telecare@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk.
