Telecare (DCC)

Telecare is a new service designed to enable older people and others remain living independently with dignity in their own homes for as along as possible.

It does this by helping to manage some of the risks associated with independent living. Alerts are automatically generated when there is a problem. An appropriate response ensures that a minor problem is prevented from turning into a crisis.

Telecare can help if you are worried about:

Feeling safe at home
The consequences of falling
Becoming forgetful

The telecare service provides peace of mind for users and their carers and is able to provide assistance whenever required 24 hours a day.

The telecare service consists of four main parts:

sensors that generate an alert when there is problem
a lifeline that receives the alert and automatically dials for help
a response centre that receives the call
an appropriate response to help assist with the problem

There are a range of difference telecare sensors to meet different needs for example to alert when you have fallen or when smoke or gas is detected. More details will be given by your provider.

What will telecare involve?

To access the telecare service you will need a telephone line and a nearby mains socket for the Lifeline unit. Most sensors are wireless and battery powered and will be provided and installed for you.

How does telecare work?

When a sensor detects a problem, for example a fall, it sends a signal to the Lifeline unit. This unit automatically dials the response centre. The specially trained staff can speak to the user via the speaker on the Lifeline and arrange appropriate assistance; this may involve calling a carer, a mobile warden or the emergency services

How much will it cost?

The telecare equipment is currently provided free of charge as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and your needs have been assessed. However, you may be required to contribute up to £5.00 per week for the monitoring and response service, help is available with this if you receive certain social security benefits. If you already pay for a community alarm you may be asked to pay a little more once telecare is provided up to £5.00 in total.

Your care provider will have given you a form to complete if you wish to be considered for help in paying this £5.00 per week. This asks for details about any benefits you may be in receipt of.

What happens next?

If you are willing to have the telecare service and your care provider thinks you are eligible he/she will discuss this with colleagues and a decision will be made. You will receive a letter telling you of the results of this and detailing any financial contribution you will need to make.

If the decision is positive you will be contacted by your local community alarm provider who will arrange installation and discuss all the details with you. If you are willing to go ahead you will be asked to sign an agreement and the telecare provision will go ahead.

If the decision is made that you are not eligible for telecare through Derbyshire County Council you will receive a letter explaining this and giving you information about who to contact if you wish to purchase the service privately.

If you have any questions or your relatives or carers have any queries they should contact:

Sharon O’Hara
Planning and Project Manager (Telecare and Extra Care)
Tel: 01629 772451
email: Sharon.O'Hara@derbyshire.gov.uk

You can download the Telecare booklet and order form from the related documents section below.

Telecare (DCC)

Related documents