Support in my own home

 
 

Telecare

What is it?

If you are concerned about falling, being unable to get out of bed due to illness, or feeling unsafe and needing to summon help in an emergency, you may be interested in having telecare.

Telecare is a community alarm with additional equipment called sensors placed around the house for your safety.

As well as the standard pendant alarm that is worn round the neck or wrist, telecare equipment can be set up to automatically activate the alarm if there is a change in temperature, a gas leak, a fire, flooding or if you have a fall. This alerts Westminster Emergency Link Office so that someone can talk directly to you and find out what has happened.

If necessary the Emergency Link Office will arrange for someone to come and help you. This will usually be a member of staff from the council’s Emergency Response Team (we recommend that where you have additional equipment set up, the Emergency Response Team hold a set of your keys).

Telecare can help people who want to stay in their own home but may need some assistance, e.g. a sensor that switches the light on at night when the person gets out of bed; a memo minder to remind them to take their keys with them; an alert on the door to let the carer know they are leaving the premises or have not returned within a certain time period. All the equipment can be programmed individually.

For more general information, please click on the link below to see our Telecare Booklet or alternatively you can visit the Telecare made easy website.

The Disabled Living Foundation has a 'Telecare Flat' where the community alarm and different types of telecare equipment can be seen and demonstrated. The centre is located in the north of Westminster at 380-384 Harrow Road, W9. It is open Monday to Friday, 09.00 – 17.00 hours, and has qualified therapists who are able to offer independent and expert advice. It is advisable to make an appointment on 020 7432 8014. Further information can be found on their website.

How can I get it?

If you are interested in telecare you can either be referred by a professional as part of a care package, or self refer (details below). Following an assessment of your needs, if it is appropriate, we will be able to talk to you about the telecare service and how it may be able to help. Any equipment provided as a result of your assessment will be set up for you, and you will be shown how it works.

Who do I contact?

Contact the care management team that covers the area you live in and discuss your request with them. They will be able to assess your needs and where appropriate, refer you for Telecare.

There may be circumstances when you want to purchase your own community alarm and keyholding service without an assessment, or you may have been assessed as not eligible and would still like one. If so, contact the Telecare Project Officer on 020 7641 4067 or email at telecare@westminster.gov.uk

Is there a charge?

If you already receive services from Westminster Adult Services and have been assessed to pay for these, you will not pay extra for the community alarm or for telecare equipment.

If you choose to have one installed yourself and have keyholders, or are not receiving any other services, you may have to pay a charge. This charge is for the community alarm 'monitoring' service, not the equipment.

If you wish to purchase the keyholding service, the cost is currently £10.00 per month.