Telecare Services

Promoting independence and enabling people to be supported in their homes

What is the telecare service?

The service provides a home safety and personal security system that enables people to live independently within their own homes. This is achieved through the clever combination of a 24 hour telephone link to the monitoring centre and state of the art technology.

When installed, the sensors can indicate if there is a problem in the house such as:

• A build up of escaping gas from a cooker.
• A flood from taps being left on.
• Part of the home being too hot (e.g. cooker left on) or too cold (e.g. heating not working)

It can also indicate if a person has a problem, such as:

• Having fallen and being unable to get help
• Having wandered outside the home at an inappropriate time.

What Do I Need to Receive Telecare?

You will need to have a telephone line with an electric socket nearby to enable the service to be provided. The sensors themselves send their information via the telephone line to a call centre. As a result you will be responsible for the cost of these "telephone calls" which occur when the equipment is activated and the alarm raised.

What are the Benefits of Telecare?

• Enabling people to stay living in their own homes.
• Providing support and reassurance for carers.
• Help to prevent falls or accidents.
• Prevent unnecessary admissions to hospitals.
• Facilitate timely hospital discharge
• Provides a rapid response to crisis situations

Who can receive Telecare?

• People aged over 18, who live in the Borough and
• People who have memory difficulties, which makes them vulnerable
• People who experience difficulty getting assistance in a crisis situation.

How Do I Receive Telecare?

The process starts with someone such as a social worker or occupational therapist coming to see you to identify if a Telecare product could help in supporting you at home.

If it is felt to be appropriate, with your agreement, they will contact the Service Provider to see if the sensors you need can be fitted in your home.

What is the cost of the service?

The equipment itself will be free, as will its fitting into your home and if needed, its removal. The equipment, while it is in your home, has a weekly charge for the monitoring and response part of the service. You will be charged for this service even when in hospital, away from the home, or in respite care. The charge ceases once the equipment itself has been returned.

How are people considered for the service?

You can contact the Access Team on 01628 683744, you will be have an assessment of need which will determine the type of equipment or services that you may require.

You can also contact the access team by;

E-mail - access.services@rbwm.gov.uk
Letter - Adult Care Duty Team, York House, Sheet Street, Windsor, SL4 1DD
In Person - If you wish to call in person please telephone us to make an appointment, so you are not kept waiting.
By Fax - 01628 683773.

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