Assistive Technology and Telecare

Assistive technology refers to technologies (devices or systems) that maintain or improve independence or reduce risk to wellbeing.

Used effectively, assistive technology can:

1. Promote independence and enhance quality of life;
2. Support a person to perform everyday tasks more easily;
3. Manage tasks and activities safer;
4. Give a person the confidence to get on with their lives by helping to manage risks around the home and in the community;
5. Support a person to remain living at home;
6. Help with memory and recall;
7. Support a person to carry out key activities of daily living, such as making a cup of tea; and
8. Reduce anxiety and provide reassurance to individuals and their carers.

Telecare is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre when, for example:

1. A person falls; or
2. A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
3. A person needs assistance.

Examples of Telecare equipment include:

1. A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
2. A falls alarm;
3. A door sensor.

In Bromley, Telecare services are provided by the Carelink Community Alarm Scheme.

A financial assessment will determine how much the person will need to pay for the alarm and Carelink service, as well as any other care and support setup by social services.

Once the financial assessment is complete the person will be notified of any contribution they are required to make. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, internet and telephone, or by standing order.

If the equipment is lost or damaged there will be additional costs charged for its replacement.

The person can contact the Carelink office directly if they require further information, or they can discuss any queries with the officer when they are installing the equipment.

The contact details for the Carelink office are listed below:

Telephone: 020 8466 0046

Carelink offers two levels of service, detailed below.

1. Full mobile response service
   
   This service includes 24-hour monitoring and 24-hour mobile officer support, and in the event of an emergency Carelink mobile officers respond to callouts. The person would need to provide keys for emergency access (a key safe is recommended), or they can provide alternative emergency access details.
   
   For charges, please see the Carelink webpage;
   
   
2. Monitoring only service
   
   This service includes 24-hour monitoring only. The person would need to nominate at least three local keyholders who would be willing and able to visit them in the event of an emergency, day or night. Carelink will provide the mobile response service, on a call-out basis, in the event of the persons keyholders being unavailable.

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.

Residents can make a self-referral to Carelink to discuss their needs and, if the criteria are met, obtain a service. Customers will need to complete a declaration form to ensure they meet these criteria.

Access to the service is via Bromley Council's webpage.

Following the assessment of need and financial assessment, the social worker should make a referral to Carelink. The service will arrange a visit directly with the person for the equipment to be installed.

Please see the Local Resource area for the Step-by-Step Process for Social Work Staff on setting up Carelink.

Carelink will liaise directly with private customers without the need for a social worker.

Carelink remains a chargeable service until such time that the device is removed from the property. As such, delays in its removal should be kept to a minimum. Having said that, if removal will mean that an eligible Care and Support need will be unmet, devices should not be removed until alternative provision to meet needs is in place.

If equipment is no longer required the person or their carer should contact the Initial Contact Team urgently as the person will continue to be charged for the device until it is collected: 02084617777.