An article from the Asian Leader titled "
Home care service using technology launched" discusses how technology can be used to help people
age in place. Nothing really new (in terms of technologies) are discussed but how they package the technologies is what's interesting.
The packaged services are called "Telecare". In fact, there is an association dedicated to the concept in the UK - its called the
Telecare Services Association. In their words:
"…..elecare is as much about the philosophy of dignity and independence as it is about equipment and services. Equipment is provided to support the individual in their home and tailored to meet their needs. It can be as simple as the basic community alarm service, able to respond in an emergency and provide regular contact by telephone. It can include detectors or monitors such as motion or falls and fire and gas that trigger a warning to a response centre staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year…."The
West Sussex county council is an example of how one community is implementing Telecare equipment, enabling their residents to continue living safely and independently in their own homes and communities. The equipment can raise an alert to a call center, monitor a person's wellbeing and environment and trigger a warning if this changes, and can provide immediate feedback to help with memory problems. It is hoped the equipment will prevent hospital admissions and support residents discharged from hospital to return home safely.
Telecare equipment enables vulnerable people to use technology, such as community alarm and pendants, fall detectors, movement sensors, medication dispensers and bed and chair sensors. But it can also help people communicate and stay mentally healthy. Examples of Telecare products may include:
- Bed and chair occupancy sensors
- Emergency caller buttons
- Enuresis sensors
- Epilepsy sensors
- Fall detectors
- Flood detectors
- Gas detectors
- Lifeline boxes and alarm triggers
- Passive infa red (PIR) detectors
- Property exit sensors
- Smoke detectors
- Temperature sensors
- Memory aids
- etc…………
Again, nothing new but the value is how they are all
packaged together and delivered into the community. A benefit to ALL.
Anyone want to start a USA version of The UK's National Telecare and Telehealth Association?