Assistive Technology

What’s in a name? Assistive Technology; Telecare and Telehealth; Stand alone equipment……………. is any piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

What can it do? AT includes a whole range of technology devices designed to increase the independence of individuals by enabling them to compensate for social care needs, enhance self-confidence, and participate more fully in all settings - work, education, home, and leisure.

Leicestershire’s Assistive Technology Strategy: In 2010 the authority and NHS Leicestershire and Rutland agreed The Assistive Technology; a strategy to promote, integrate and implement Telecare in Leicestershire (2010) as a cost-effective method of meeting the care and health needs of Leicestershire’s growing population of older and disabled people.

Assistive Technology Team A specialist project team to support the assessment for and provision of- Stand Alone Technology Integrated Community alarm and Telecare Solutions

For example… Dora Mobile Phone 334 Easy Grip handset 4 large buttons Stored contact numbers Pay as You Go Peace of mind

Memo minder Recorded message Can be activated by other equipment Can voice prompt an activity or Provide a reminder

Buddi system GPS tracking device Supports people at risk of getting lost Can help a person getting used to travelling independently to a new place

Case study Mr G cares for his wife who has physical disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease. Mrs G sleeps in a separate room from her husband and had started to leave the property at night inappropriately dressed and unable to find her way back home, placing her at serious risk of harm. This caused Mr G great distress in that he was not sleeping well as he was listening out for his wife’s movements throughout the night. The impact of this was impacting on his ability to continue to care for her.A Property Exit Sensor was fitted, linked to a DDA pager with a vibrating pad that Mr G placed under his pillow. The system was an ‘add on’ to the Community Alarm System. When Mrs G attempted to leave the property, the sensor would alert Mr G and the call centre. Benefits- Mr G was able to sleep more soundly each night and continue to care for his wife. An admission to residential care was avoided..

The Benefits Privacy and dignity Independence Positive risk taking Choice and Control Ongoing support

Coming soon Leicestershire County Council aims to procure a single community alarm service for the provision of telecare, including equipment and a 24 hr, seven days a week monitoring and response service. Interim service from January 2012 Open procurement from April 2012