Telecare to go digital
Plans to upgrade thousands of devices which help older and vulnerable people live independently will be discussed at a scrutiny meeting later this month.
In a report to the health and adult social care scrutiny committee, members will be asked to comment on the council’s work to digitally transform Dudley Telecare Service.
The service currently provides assisted technology products to more than 8,000 older and vulnerable people in their own homes across Dudley borough.
The technology can be used to raise an alarm via a call centre if someone has fallen, set reminders to take medicine, help locate someone if they are prone to getting disorientated outside and help people feel secure in their own home.
Over the next four years, the council plans to replace all Telecare equipment to ensure the service keeps up with the national shift from analogue to digital technology.
As part of its work to upgrade the service, the council is already working on a number of projects that rely on advanced technology.
These include the Brain in Hand app which is currently being piloted in the borough. It is designed to help people navigate day-to-day difficulties and solve problems by accessing support via their mobile phone whenever they need it and wherever they are.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:
Telecare is a popular service, which offers a lifeline to so many as well as reassurance to family and friends that their loved one has the support they need to remain in their own home.
We have to prepare for the national shift from analogue to digital services to make sure our Telecare solutions can keep up with these changes and provide an even better and more sophisticated levels of support.