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System is case of common sensors
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| Telecare sends messages via a radio link to a 24-hour manned call centre Pic: Tunstall Group Ltd |
Life can be dangerous and difficult for the 3,000 dementia sufferers across north Kent. But thanks to new sensory technology help is on its way. Reporter LOUISE TWEDDELL discovers more about the Telecare communication system.
LIVING with dementia can have devastating effects on the ability to live an independent life.
Even the simplest of tasks, such as switching off the gas after cooking, can be forgotten and lead to life-threatening accidents.
As Kent County Council (KCC) gears up to roll-out Telecare in Gravesham next month, at least some of the anxiety could be relieved.
Telecare, already in 400 homes across the county, is a system of sensors which can be placed around the home to pick up when a person with dementia could be in danger.
Clare Skidmore, Telecare project manager for KCC, has spent the past two years developing the £2.5m project.
She explained: "If a person does have a problem with wandering from their home at night a property exit sensor can be placed next to the front door.
"If they leave and don't come back the sensor would alert a 24-hour call centre and the operator would either inform the emergency services, a relative or a carer."
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| The system can include sensors by the front door. Pic: Tunstall Group Ltd |
Bed sensors, strips which can be placed under a mattress, can also alert the centre if someone has been out of bed for a certain amount of time.
| ‘Telecare users say it has given them increased peace of mind and confidence about staying in their own home.’ | | CLARE SKIDMORE |
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Ms Skidmore added: "If someone gets out of bed and does not get back in operators would know something was wrong.
"It can also be set so lights come on if someone gets out of bed in the middle of the night.
"Darkness is one of the main reasons for falls."
The wireless system works by connecting to the telephone line and sending messages via a radio link to a 24-hour manned help centre in case something out of the ordinary occurs.
Call centre operators reassure system users via a reception box in their home or listen out for clues to the situation.
Carers living in the same house can be offered the support of a pillow sensor which vibrates to wake the sleeping person if their relative has got out of bed in the night.
Gas, flood and smoke sensors are also available.
KCC hopes the scheme will be available across the whole of the county by April next year, when the system will be used by all 150 local authorities in the UK.
The system is currently available free of charge.
But the service costs will be means tested once it is more widely introduced, although the equipment will be provided free.
Ms Skidmore added: "We have done research with 100 users.
"They say it has given them increased peace of mind and confidence about staying in their own home."
Call Clare on 01622 694182.
4:45pm Wednesday 31st May 2006
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