What is Telecare?
Telecare offers a range of wireless sensors around the home that are designed to help people live safely, securely and independently in their homes.
The sensors activate an alarm via your telephone line when you may need help. The Control Centre monitors your alarm 24 hours a day and when an alarm is triggered, one of our friendly and experienced operators will ask you what help you need and make sure you receive it.
Who can use the Telecare service?
The Telecare service is available to anyone. All you need to have is a telephone landline and power supply socket near to each other. Telecare provides an emergency link for people for lots of different reasons:
- people who live alone, or at risk of falls
- anyone recovering from illness, returning home from hospital
- adults with disabilities wanting to maintain their independence
- people wishing to feel safe after being a victim of crime
- victims of domestic abuse
- individuals who live alone, in an isolated area and simply want peace of mind or security
- people suffering the distress of harassment or bogus callers
How can the Telecare service support me?
Telecare can alert the Control Centre if a person:
- falls and is unable to call for help
- forgets to take their medication
- is confused or disorientated and has a tendency to wander away from home
Telecare can also provide an early warning if:
- there is flooding from the bath or sink
- there is a build up of smoke or gas in the home
- the temperature in the home is too cold or too hot
How can I access the Telecare Service?
There are two ways that people can receive the Telecare service:
- Existing Lancashire County Council Social Care service users who have been assessed as needing Telecare as part of their package of care
- Anyone else who may not neccessarily qualify for a package of care through the Social Care service but who feel the Telecare service would make a difference to their lives.
I don't currently receive any Council social care services, but do wish to use the Telecare service, what do I need to do?
If you don't qualify for a package of care from Lancashire County Council, you first need to apply to us to receive the service. You would also need an initial assessment of your requirements by a Telecare professional (not Lancashire County Council) at the time of installation.
How much does Telecare cost?
If you are an existing Lancashire County Council service user and have been assessed as also needing Telecare, the weekly cost of Telecare may be included within your existing package of care (depending on your financial circumstances).
If you are not a Council social care service user and decide to get the Telecare service privately, there is a weekly charge payable directly to the local Telecare service provider. Please contact New Progress Housing Association on 01772 450600 if you would like further details about our charges.
I understand Telecare uses my phone line whenever an alarm is raised. Does this mean I need any special alterations to my phone or phone service provider?
Telecare requires a phone line. Other than that, you do not need to make any special arrangements with your telephone service provider. For example, you do not need a second line adding to your home or to alter the package you currently receive from your telephone line provider.
For additional piece of mind, you do not need to worry about keeping the phone line free as Telecare will override any phone connection if an alarm is triggered. This ensures that all alarms get through to the Telecare Monitoring Centre, regardless of whether or not the phone line is in use at the time.
How long will it take for Telecare equipment to be fitted?
We will aim to fit the equipment as soon as possible, usually within 7 working days of receiving a request.
Will installation of the equipment cause any disruption in my home?
There will be minimal disruption in your home.All the sensors are battery and radio operated so no hard-wiring is required. Installation will not interfere with any decorations in the home.
What sensors are available?
There are a variety of sensors available and we have a leaflet detailing them. Please contact us if you would like to receive a leaflet.
How do I know the sensors are all working correctly?
Telecare technology is self-checking and automatically tests every sensor installed in your home roughly 4 times a day. If a fault is detected, a report is automatically sent to the monitoring centre and an engineer called to investigate.
The sensors all use batteries which will be changed by your Telecare service provider on an annual or bi-annual basis, or as required. As a further precaution, all Telecare users will receive a regular well-being call to make sure they are happy with the service.
Can I see Telecare working?
We have a ‘Smart Home’ in Leyland where Telecare can be seen installed and working in a home environment.If you would like to to visit the Smart Home, please telephone Sandra Crook 01772 450864 to arrange an appointment.
Who will monitor the Telecare sensors in my home?
The sensors are linked to our Control Centre in Leyland which is staffed by trained operators 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If there is an emergency, how long will I have to wait before help arrives?
This depends on the nature of the emergency. If a sensor picks up a potentially serious problem and the staff at the monitoring centre cannot get a response from you, they may call the emergency services, in which case it would be the usual response time for a 999 call.
If the alarm results in you needing the Telecare Response team to get to you, we can guarantee in all cases to get there within the hour across all of Lancashire. In 4 out of 5 cases, we will get there in 45 minutes or less. In less serious situations, it will be the time it takes for your nominated contacts to get to you, which depends on where they live in relation to you.
Who do I apply to?
To receive Telecare, you can:
- Request a social care assessment through the Council - meaning Telecare may be provided as part of a package of care
- Apply directly to New Progress Housing Association - meaning you don't need a social care assessment, but will pay the full cost of the service yourself
If you need any further information, please feel free to contact us on 01772 450600.
