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TeleCare FAQ’s

 

What is TeleCare?

TeleCare uses a combination of alarms, sensors and other response equipment that are connected to a 24/7 monitoring centre to help people live independently. This is done by monitoring activity changes over time and raising a call for help in emergency situations, such as a fall, a fire or a flood.
 

Who is TeleCare aimed at?

TeleCare is aimed at vulnerable people who need the support of carer services to keep living on their own such as: those with physical disabilities, the frail and elderly or those suffering from epilepsy.
 

What is the monitoring centre?

The monitoring centre is where the initial alert call is answered by specially trained staff, who will then be able to determine the nature of the problem and initiate the appropriate response service.
 

Does it cost anything?

For those on the TeleCare Trial the only cost is for the local calls that the TeleCare lifeline unit makes to the monitoring centre if an alarm is triggered.
 

What is the TeleCare lifeline unit?

The lifeline unit is at the heart of TeleCare technology. It can be used to raise an alarm call from anywhere in the home as it is linked to the sensors and alarms in many of the TeleCare devices. It also has other features such as a speaker connected to the monitoring centre and recordable reminders.
 

How do I apply for TeleCare? Who do I contact?

Recruitment to the WSD TeleCare Trial is now over. For more information on the mainstream service for Telecare in Newham please visit Newham TeleCare Service. Talk to your social worker, nurse or GP if you think you would benefit from this service.
 

Is a telephone required to use TeleCare equipment?

Yes, a telephone line is required to enable the system to connect to the call centre.
 

How is the equipment installed? Is there a need for an electrician?

Most of the time no extra electrical work is required as most of the equipment is battery operated. Our official contractors install and maintain the equipment.
 

How can existing users update their equipment if it is old or in need of repair?

Our contractors manage this. For instance, there are sensors installed in equipment that let the call centre know when a battery is running low. If users are concerned that something is not working, they can contact the call centre.
 

I am worried about accidentally knocking my pendant and sending a false alarm to the response team and I often take my pendant off. Is this a problem?

Users should carry their pendant with them at all times. Accidentally triggering an alarm is not an issue – false alarms are all part of the service. However, there are a couple of things users can do – for instance in rooms like the bathroom radio pull cord can be installed instead of relying on the neck pendant. The pendant can also be worn in other forms such as a watch.
 

What happens after the Trial period for the WSD, will the equipment have to be given back?

The Trial is for two years, and then the Department of Health together with the Newham Council and NHS Newham will make a decision on the future of TeleCare in Newham.
 

Can individuals pay for their own Telecare equipment now that recruitment for the Trial has ended or if they were not eligible for the Trial?

For more information on the mainstream service for Telecare in Newham please visit Newham TeleCare Service.