Tower Hamlets telecare service

Promoting independence

Tower Hamlets Telecare service is a preventative service to help provide safety, security and wellbeing by enabling people to live independently in their own homes. The service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year and uses simple technology linked to our own response centre.

How does the service work?

The council provides service users with a basic package of a Telecare unit and a pendant button which can be worn as a necklace or wrist strap. Service users are then assessed for the additional sensors that are available (listed below).

When users press the button or any of the sensor alerts, it automatically dials the Tower Hamlets Telecare response centre via the user’s telephone line. The personal details appear on our computer screens and the service user will then speak to a trained operator who will assist them to choose the most appropriate action to take. If necessary a family member, neighbour or friend may be contacted. Sometimes we may need to contact a doctor or the emergency services as their response may be more appropriate, or we may send one of our dedicated Telecare team members to provide assistance to users at home.

We will also call on a regular basis to check users are ok and are happy with the service provided.

A selection of sensors available

• Flood Detector: Provides an early warning to the possibility of flood or leak in the home. Services users can place it by the bath, shower or sink for peace of mind.
• Smoke Detector: Provides protection by raising an alarm if smoke is detected in the home.
• Carbon Monoxide Detector: Poorly maintained or faulty gas boilers and other equipment can sometimes give off high levels of carbon monoxide. Our simple sensor could prevent this odourless and colourless gas reaching a dangerous level.
• Bogus Caller Button: If service users are unsure about a caller to their home, they can press the button to receive advice and reassurance from experienced operators at our centre.
• Fall Sensor: This device sends out an alert if service users have a fall or a blackout.
• Wandering Monitor: This can monitor a person leaving a property at an inappropriate time like the early hours of the morning. It will also activate an alert if a door has been left open by mistake.

Cost

From 1 October 2008, If the answer to any of the following questions is yes, you are eligible for the council’s free telecare service.

• Are you worried about falling or accidents when you are at home?
• Do you have difficulty getting around inside your home?
• Do you worry about becoming confused and leaving your home when it may not be safe to do so on your own?
• Would you like someone to telephone you occasionally to check you are ok?

How to apply?

Applications can be made directly by contacting the Adult Social Care team on 020 7364 5005, they will take all details and, as long as the service user in question meets the criteria, they will pass on details to the Telecare team who will make an appointment for the installation of equipment.

If service users are registered with a Tower Hamlets Social Work Team, their social worker can make a referral for Telecare directly on their behalf by emailing the referral form to telecare@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

GPs may also make a referral for Telecare directly using the GP referral form.