Telecare equipment

What is it?

Telecare equipment is linked to a telephone alarm unit which, when activated, automatically generates an alarm call to a control centre so that an emergency response can be raised whatever the time of day.

Alarm pendants, either worn around the neck during the day or kept close at hand during the night, are used to call for help. Simply pressing the button sends an alarm to a control centre where staff can arrange for you to get the help you need immediately.

Other detectors can also give early warning of natural gas, smoke, extreme heat, flood, a fall, if someone has left the property or managed to get in or out of bed safely.

Who can get telecare?

The service is available to anyone over the age of 18 with illness, sight or hearing loss or a physical or learning disability. It is also useful for people in the early stages of dementia, at high risk of falling or having just come out of hospital. It is of particular value to those living alone who wish to remain living independently in their own home. Telecare equipment is available on a six week trial period free of charge.

However, before you receive this service we do need to make an assessment of how great the risks are and what sort of help you need.

What is an assessment?

 

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation

Telecare equipment is available on a six week trial period free of charge but If you find that you don't qualify for help from Adult Social Care, you may be able to purchase the same service privately. Please contact Disability Stockport on 0161 480 7248  for more details.

How much does it cost?

The contribution we ask you to make towards the cost of the service will depend on what services you receive and how much you can afford to pay. However, from April 2010 the maximum amount you will pay is £5.19 per week.

Can I get help with the cost?

It's quite possible. We will help you fill out a financial assessment form to see if you qualify for financial help. To get a rough idea of costs, you can carry out a quick, confidential financial self assessment, online.

How much will I pay for services?

 

How to get in touch

The Adult Social Care Team is the first point of contact for all referrals and general enquiries. Contact them from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday on 0161 217 6029.

When you contact us we will call you to discuss your situation and make sure that we've got our facts straight and then follow this up with a visit to your home to discuss what help is needed.

image of emergency alarm