Technology Enabled Care (TEC) service

Technology-Enabled Care (TEC) describes a set of services supported by various devices. We used TEC to support people to live more independently. 

Some examples are:

• fall detection - devices that automatically alert a carer, family or an alarm receiving centre if you fall or have an accident
• medication management - apps and devices that send medication reminders and even dispense doses, ensuring you take your medications as prescribed
• wearable devices - smartwatches and GPS trackers
• smart home technology - devices like smart thermostats, lights, and voice-activated assistants can make it easier to control your environment if you have mobility issues
• remote monitoring – sensors that track activity, vital signs and health information, sending data to nominated people in real-time, allowing for a proactive approach rather than reacting to an event
• social connection - video calls and social media help combat social isolation, allowing you to maintain social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness
• access to information and services - the Internet and mobile apps provide access to information, shopping, banking, and a wide range of services without leaving home
• assistive technology - specialised TEC devices like screen readers, voice-activated software, and adaptive keyboards can help people with disabilities to use computers and smartphones
• cognitive support - TEC can help people with cognitive impairments through reminders, scheduling, and memory aids

TEC helps people by offering more control over their health, environment, and daily activities. They help promote independence and enhance your quality of life.

Please see our TEC strategy to find out more about how we plan to use technology to provide you with extra care and support.

Monitored alarm services use alarm units provided for your home. These alarms are monitored by alarm receiving centre (ARC). They help provide support for people with care needs to live safely and independently in their own homes.  ARCs are staffed by professionals who can respond to alarms and emergencies. 

Monitored alarm services usually respond to an event that has already happened. Moving forward, TEC will be able to monitor a wider range of activities of daily living. These will provide provide valuable data and information about your daily routines and health. This information can be shared with family, health and social care practitioners and social care providers. It will allow for more proactive care and early intervention.

In North Somerset, we have a monitored alarm service called Carelink. Carelink mainly uses alarms linked to telephone lines. We are slowly converting these to digitally connected devices that work from a SIM card, WiFi and/or ethernet cable. This in line with the national Digital Switchover.

How it works

The Carelink service is activated by pressing the button on the alarm unit, pendant or wristwatch. This will connect to our ARC. You do not need to be near a telephone to speak to someone. If you press the button by accident, tell the operator you are OK, and they will reset your Carelink.

We can add extra sensors or “linked peripherals” to the alarm unit to support with a range of needs.  They can send an automatic alert to the ARC.

This might include:

• sensors
  • bed sensors to detect if you’ve got out of bed
  • fall detectors
  • heat, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • motion sensors
• communication devices - including personal alarms or wearable panic buttons that allow you to call for help in emergencies
  • these may also have two-way communication to talk to a call centre or carer

If you can’t speak, the ARC makes sure someone you trust checks that you are OK. When you sign up, you will need to give the name of two people who do not live with you to contact in an emergency. They will need to live within a 45 minute drive.

If you don’t have anyone living locally that can check on you in this situation, Response24 can help.

This is a 24-hour emergency response service. It is available through Carelink at no extra cost. Response24 is operated by Access Your Care who are a registered home care provider.

If you don't have a local emergency contact, we will contact Response24 who will send someone to help. You will need a key safe installed as Response24 don’t keep keys to your property. This can be a long-term arrangement, or just for a short period if your usual contact is on holiday.

Response24 works closely with community nurses and the South West Ambulance service (SWAST). They can safely lift you if you have a fall and do not need to go to hospital. Response24 staff are also able to check in on you following a fall, if requested by community nurses or SWAST. They can also stay with you, if you need to wait for an ambulance.

Installation

Carelink is connected by experienced installers, by appointment. All you need is a standard telephone socket and a spare power socket on the same wall. The system will not affect your normal telephone. It only takes a few minutes to install but we will need time to explain how it works and complete the paperwork.

If you have already switched to a digital line, our alarm units will still work when plugged into the router.

If you do not have a landline or your router does not allow for an alarm unit to be plugged into it, we can provide a digital alarm unit that works via a SIM card.

We will be switching everyone to a digital unit by January 2027.

There is a one-off installation charge of £40 including VAT. The cost of this can be spread over sic months if desired.

You can find out more about the Carelink service by contacting Care Connect.