Essex Telecare Service solutions for independent living
Contents Introduction 3 The true impact of caring 4 The Government s view 5 Caring for different situations 6 The home safety service 7 What is the home safety service? 8 Tunstall Lifeline home units 9 Tunstall telecare sensors 10 Other assistive technology 11 and telecare sensors The home safety service in action 12 Where can carers go for help? 13 2 Essex telecare service
Introduction Key statistics summary There are around six million carers in the UK One in eight people in the UK are carers Over one million people care for more than one person 58% of carers are women, 42% are men Every day 6,000 people become carers Three million people juggle caring with their job The current situation With around six million carers in the UK and the figure likely to double over the next forty years, the UK is sitting on a demographic time bomb. As people are living longer, the question over who will provide care and support to those who need it remains ever prominent, and with the lack of formal carers available, the pressure on relatives, friends and neighbours to become carers is set to increase dramatically. Caring for someone is no easy task and the responsibility for someone else s welfare 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Carers often feel invisible, that there is no help or support and nowhere for them to turn. This guide aims to summarise the telecare options available which can be used to provide support and peace of mind for both carers and the person they are caring for. Definition According to the Department of Health the word carer refers to a person who will look after a relative or friend who need support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental illness. This does not include any paid formal care staff or care workers. For the purpose of this guide, this is also the type of carer being referred to. Solutions for independent living 3
The true impact of caring One in eight people in the UK is a carer. These people are dedicated husbands, wives, sons, daughters, relatives, friends or neighbours, who give up their time to provide for someone in need. The pressure of caring for someone else can be extremely demanding, physically, emotionally and mentally. Amongst the stresses and strains of looking after someone, carers often forget to concentrate on their own health and well-being. Therefore the statistic that people who provide high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled is hardly surprising. A further concern is that carers are also growing older, elderly couples are often left to look after each other and parents who are caring for their children are also getting older. Mr R is 80 and cares for his wife who has Parkinson s disease: On some days I m very tired, its hard work doing all the household chores and I don t sleep well because I m worried about my wife getting out of bed on her own. Providing constant care for someone can have a huge impact on a person s time, energy and independence. Carers often don t have time for themselves to socialise, pursue a hobby or go out for the day. Equally the person who is being cared for can have their independence and privacy reduced by constantly being looked after by someone else. Mrs O looks after her 75 year old husband who has Coronary Heart Disease: Being a 24 hour carer means I have to be there constantly for my husband. It would be nice to go out for the day, but I daren t leave him alone. The challenges are complex and differ greatly with each individual case. 4 Essex telecare service
The Government s view Carers often feel there is a lack of support available to them. The system is complex with a variety of services provided by social services and private organisations, and families often don t know where to turn. There are also inconsistencies in the way social services provide support in different areas in terms of assessment, charging and criteria. The Department of Health s National Strategy for Carers seeks to ensure the best support possible for carers, including taking steps to improve the quality of life for carers to provide personalised support, and the Dilnot Commission on funding of social care recognised the need to reform the system to provide fair, consistent support no matter where you live. For more information on support available for carers visit www.carers.uk.org Solutions for independent living 5
Caring for different situations Carers look after a huge variety of people of all age groups and with many different issues or conditions. The following aims to summarise three main groups of people being cared for, the different issues being dealt with and the benefits telecare can bring. Older people The over 85 s is the fastest growing age group in the UK and out of this group two thirds of men and three quarters of women have a long term sickness illness or disability. Older people are prone to accidents and falls, as well as related illnesses such as dementia, osteoporosis and heart disease. Case study Mr D has hearing and visual impairments and cares for his wife who has moderate dementia. Mrs D had a tendency to walk about at night, set the microwave going for long periods of time and open the washing machine mid cycle. A system has been installed to call their daughter if Mrs D leaves the house between 10pm and 9am and also monitors for floods, extremes of temperature and gas leaks. Mr D said: It has given us back part of our lives we wouldn t have had otherwise. Learning disabilities The term learning disabilities is a generic term for anyone with a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information or to learn new skills. As the life expectancy of people with learning disabilities increases, a growing number of carers are getting older and may have health problems of their own. Its estimated that a third of people with learning disabilities living in the family home are living with a carer aged over 70, many of these are sole carers and most of these are women. 6 Essex telecare service
Case study Sarah has a learning disability and epilepsy. Sarah s mother, Joan, slept in the same room as her daughter due to the risk of tonic-clonic seizures, sometimes occurring up to five times a night. Due to her continuous sleep deprivation, Joan had a epilepsy sensor fitted in Sarah s bed, allowing her to return to her own room for the first time in 15 years, reassured that she would be alerted if Sarah needed her help. Physical disabilities and illness Physical disabilities is an umbrella term for any condition that leads to a loss of physical movement or weakness or change in motor control. Physical illnesses refers to a huge variety of conditions including cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS. Caring for someone who is physically disabled can be extremely physically and mentally tiring. People with physical disabilities often have limited dexterity and may be prone to falls. Case study Mr W cares for his mum who has nerve ME, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia, a painful illness which affects the immune system causing extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain. To manage the risks associated with falling, a bed occupancy sensor and fall detector were provided to ensure that if she were to fall, an alert would be sent to the monitoring centre where the appropriate action would be taken. Solutions for independent living 7
Tunstall Lifeline home units Tunstall Lifeline home units form an intelligent centre at the heart of the home to help all kinds of people of all ages to live independently. The Lifeline home units can be used to raise an alarm call from anywhere in the home by simply pressing a radio trigger, the large illuminated red button on the unit or automatically via the range of telecare sensors, wirelessly linked to the home unit. Please see the telecare sensors section for more details. Tunstall Lifeline Vi+ and Vi Base Unit and MyAmie Pendant 8 Essex telecare service
Key features include: The two Tunstall Lifeline base units offer the choice of: Simplicity together with advanced capabilities with the Vi Extra features enabling the unit to be further personalised for individual need with Vi+ Feature Vi Vi+ Tunstall patented STMF technology 4 4 Integral ambient temperature sensor 4 4 Automated, regular penant test reminder 4 4 Local programming using telephone keypad 4 4 Advanced total programming using installer keypad 4 4 EN300 220-2 (2010) Category 1 radio receiver 4 4 Radio interference monitor in-line with EN50134 4 4 BS8521 compatible 4 4 Tustall patented intelligent speech switching 4 4 Plug and play telecare sensor registration 4 4 75 per cent more energy efficient power adaptor 4 4 Improved battery back-up 4 4 Telecare sensor inputs 12 35 Improved virtual sensor management functionality 4 Calendar-based reminder functionality 4 Flexible voice recordings 4 Solutions for independent living 9
Tunstall telecare sensors Telecare consists of various sensors placed around the home linked to a Lifeline home unit or other Tunstall telecare enabled system. They are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a monitoring centre, allowing swift action to be taken should an incident occur. A wide range of sensors are now available that can help to manage risks within the home, enabling vulnerable people to live safely and independently. The range of sensors provides greater reassurance and protection of users by monitoring for a diverse range of risks. Which sensors do I need? The following pages contain a list of available sensors that can be selected and interchanged to meet individual needs, subject to social care assessment. Equipment can also be purchased from suppliers privately at www.tunstall.co.uk Tunstall MyAmie personal trigger Personal radio trigger allows an alarm call to be raised within a radius of up to 50 metres from the Lifeline unit. Tunstall bed/chair occupancy sensor This pressure pad fits under the mattress alerting when the user has left their bed and not returned within a pre set time period, indicating a possible fall. This sensor can also be programmed to switch on lights, helping people find their way to and from bed easily. A similar device is available for use with chairs and wheelchairs. 10 Essex telecare service
Tunstall bogus caller button Fixed next to the door, this button will provide reassurance in the event of an unexpected caller. It can be used to summon assistance or verbal prompts can be given via the Lifeline unit. Such incidents will also be automatically recorded and may be used as evidence. Tunstall carbon monoxide detector This device sends an alert to the monitoring centre if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected, due to a blocked flue or fault in fuel burning appliance. As carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless the potentially lethal gas is difficult to detect. Tunstall CareAssist This is a portable telecare pager for onsite carers that can receive telecare alerts. This device displays the type of sensor activated and the location of the sensor or the name of the person the sensor has been assigned to. Tunstall enuresis sensor Placed under a foam mattress, this sensor provides immediate detection of moisture allowing for effective action to be taken. The sensor eliminates the need for carers to make physical checks during the night, promoting dignity and independence. Solutions for independent living 11
Tunstall telecare sensors continued Tunstall epilepsy sensor Placed under a foam mattress and sheet, this sensor monitors an individual s vital signs, including heart rate, to alert if tonic clonic seizures occur. Upon detection of tonic clonic shakings, an alarm call will be raised to the monitoring centre or carer to ensure the appropriate action is taken. Tunstall fall detector 8,000 older people fall everyday in the UK. Tunstall s fall detector can provide valuable peace of mind by automatically detecting serious falls and raising an alert to the monitoring centre or designated carer. It can also be used as a personal trigger. Tunstall flood detector The flood detector raises a local audible alarm upon detecting domestic flooding, it will also alert a carer or monitoring centre ensuring a response is always generated. Tunstall movement detector (PIR) Detects movement and raises an alert, providing the 24 hour monitoring centre with the ability to audibly verify and record the presence of an intruder or alternatively detect long periods of inactivity. 12 Essex telecare service
Tunstall pressure mat Allows monitoring of activity or inactivity e.g. when leaving bed or front door Tunstall minuet watch Encourages telecare users to wear their personal triggers throughout the day. By combining an alarm button with a high quality watch, users are more likely to wear it and their ability to raise an alarm is increased. Waterproof to provide protection from brief water submergence, it also provides a visual reassurance that the alarm button has been pressed. Tunstall property exit sensor This sensor specifically monitors for people leaving a building at set times of day or night, and notifies the monitoring centre or carer. It can also detect if a main door has been left open and can be linked to external lighting to provide additional protection. Tunstall pull cord Strategically placed around the home where personal triggers are unlikely to be worn, the pull cord can be used to raise a call for help. Solutions for independent living 13
Tunstall telecare sensors continued Tunstall smoke detector The radio smoke detector raises an instant alarm call if it detects smoke, ensuring any potential fire situations are always responded to via the monitoring centre. Tunstall temperature extreme sensor Monitors for low and high temperature extremes, and the rapid rise in temperature and raises the appropriate alert. Helps minimise the risks associated with changes in temperature including the build up of heat in a kitchen and the risk of sustained periods of cold weather. 14 Essex telecare service
Assistive technology and telecare sensors Calendar clock The calendar clock is ideal when people are in constant need of being aware of the time, day and date or there is a need to remind them on a regular basis. www.eacombs.com Cadex Medication reminder, medical alert, databank and watch The Cadex reminds the user with a repeated bleep and on screen message when they have to take medication or what they have to do at pre-programmed times. The data bank holds valuable information for both the user and the emergency services in the event of an adverse incident. www.pivotell.co.uk Chubb carer alert The carer alert is used to indicate alarms from portable and stationary telecare sensors. Up to seven sensors can be wirelessly linked to the device www.chubbcommunitycare.co.uk Chubb care sensor The care sensor alerts if a person does not get back into bed within a predefined time period or can alert a carer instantly if the person leaves the bed. www.chubbcommunitycare.co.uk Solutions for independent living 15
Assistive technology and telecare sensors Chubb fall detector The fall detector can be worn around the neck or attached to the users belt or clothing providing it is kept upright it can notify a carer or monitoring centre immediately that a user has had a fall. www.chubbcommunitycare.co.uk Chubb flood detector Installed within the bathroom or kitchen of a property, the detector will alert a user when a sink/basin or bath overflows or if it detects water on the floor. It is screwed to the skirtingboard. www.chubbcommunitycare.co.uk Supra ERICA door unit entry When the door chain prevents entry, access from the outside can be simply achieved via a standard Yale type fitment suitable for wooden doors only. www.keysafe.co.uk Falls prevention night light The night light plugs into an ordinary mains socket and includes a combined light level and movement sensor. It can be set to be always on, only on in the dark, or only on when dark and movement is detected. www.masterplug.com Remote mains switches Allows mains powered domestic items e.g. lamps, fans to be switched on and off by remote control. www.solonsecurity.co.uk 16 Essex telecare service
Assistive technology and telecare sensors Just checking Small, wireless sensors in the key rooms of the house are triggered as a person moves around their home. Data from the sensors are gathered and creates a chart of activity online. www.justchecking.co.uk Supra keysafe The C500 keysafe key box provides convenient managed access to a maximum of 5 stored keys. Police approved. www.keysafe.co.uk MEM-X voice reminder The MEM-X is a voice based prompting memory aid. This unit will tell the user in a pre-recorded voice what they have to do at that time. The messages are therefore flexible and can be recorded in a voice known to the service user. www.pivotell.co.uk Pivotell vibralite 8 vibrating watch This watch will be beneficial to those with a hearing impairment or who require a very discrete reminder for medication and medical conditions. www.pivotell.co.uk Solutions for independent living 17
Assistive technology and telecare sensors Memo minder Gives a pre-recorded voice message which is activated by movement in front of the device. Can be used to remind people to take keys or not go out when dark. www.solonsecurity.co.uk Doro picture phone Featuring a large, easy to see keypad and four speed dial photo frame keys. It has a visual call indicator, tone control and is hearing aid compatible. Suitable for people with cognitive impairment and/or limited dexterity. www.easylinkuk.co.uk Automatic pill dispenser This dispenser is suitable for those with mild memory challenges and where the blister packs and Dossett boxes are no longer a reliable way to access medication. It is also useful for people with dexterity challenges who can not operate other dispensers as there is an optional tipper frame available. If the user fails to access their medication, an alert can be raised to a monitoring centre. www.pivotell.co.uk Supra voice alert system The voice alert is a simple wireless talking alert system that will notify the user of movement around the home, indoors and outdoors, using motion sensors or pressure mat. www.keysafe.co.uk 18 Essex telecare service
Assistive technology and telecare sensors Solon wireless digital door phone This doorbell phone system allows you to talk to visitors before opening the door. Also available with remote lock release. www.solonsecurity.co.uk Memrabel Designed to assist people who need voice announcement prompts at various times of the day. Four times daily or weekly alarms. It incorporates a large high contrast screen which displays the time, date, day and instant message recorder. www.easylinkuk.co.uk Waterproof easy press pendant with alarm pager Robust, stylish pager and transmitter. The built in vibration alarm can be selected to work with a choice of high volume, low volume or vibrate only. www.easylinkuk.co.uk Door contact transmitter with pager Stand alone simple door contact transmitter which will alert the pager with a tone or vibrate when the door is opened. www.easylinkuk.co.uk Solutions for independent living 19
Assistive technology and telecare sensors Voice announcer and door contact Stand alone simple door contact transmitter is connected to a voice announcer which triggers a voice message or tone alarm if the door is opened. www.easylinkuk.co.uk Voice announcer with chair sensor or with bed sensor Stand alone chair or bed sensor linked to a voice announcer which is triggered when the occupant rises from the chair or bed and gives either a tone alarm or a voice message such as please stay in your bed, help is on the way. www.easylinkuk.co.uk Essex County Council provides this information as a guide to the availability and range of Telecare Products from a variety of suppliers. Service users should carefully evaluate whether these products are suitable for their needs and get advice from appropriate professionals if necessary. 20 Essex telecare service
Telecare in action So now we have looked at the issues carers are facing and explored the different telecare options available, its time to see telecare in action. It may seem like there is a maze of information out there but this section of the guide aims to demonstrate how telecare has helped in specific cases and the positive effects it s had on users and carers lives. Case study one Jenny cares for her son Jason who was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder at the age of three. The concerns While Jason was playing in the garden he became very stressed and disappeared, returning one hour later. The sedation medication that Jason was taking led to nocturnal enuresis. Jason started to get up during the night. He would cook breakfast at 4am and once went out looking for milk at 6am. Jenny is a single parent and was under so much strain she was receiving psychiatric help. The solutions Jenny can now get a good night s sleep as she had a bed occupancy sensor installed which notifies her if Jason gets out of bed and doesn t return within 15 minutes during the night. An enuresis sensor was also installed so if an accident occurs during the night, Jenny will be alerted. This means she no longer has to make physical checks during the night. Solutions for independent living 21
Telecare in action Case study two Lucy cares for her mum, Val, who has early onset dementia with rapid deterioration of memory. The concerns Val was taking lots of medication and due to her memory problems, was either overdosing or not taking her medication at the right time. There was a serious incident where overdosing on Warfarin could have led to blood loss if she had cut herself. Lucy was so worried that she took all Val s medication away and hand delivered it herself at the correct time. Val also needed weekly hospital visits due to fluctuations in her condition. The solutions Val was given a medication dispenser, linked to a Lifeline home unit which dispenses her tablets and provides audible and visual alerts each time Val needs to take her medication. If Val doesn t access her medication, an alert is raised to Lucy or the monitoring centre to let her know. The outcome Since the telecare solution was installed, Val s condition has stabilised and she only needs monthly hospital visits. Lucy has now been able to go on holiday for the first time in many years, safe in the knowledge that her mum s medication compliance is being monitored whilst she is away. It s such a relief knowing that mum is taking the right medication at the right time. 22 Essex telecare service
Where can carers go for help? The following websites contain lots of helpful information and advice for carers. The Government s directory of information for carers www.direct.gov.uk/caringforsomeone The Department of Health official website www.carers.gov.uk Carers can also visit the Essex County Council website to find out about help and support for carers www.essex.gov.uk Carers UK www.carersuk.org Carersline 0808 808 7777 Counsel and care www.counselandcare.org.uk Advice service 0845 300 7585 Mind carers fact sheet www.mind.org.uk/information/factsheets/carers The statistics in this document have been sourced from: www.carers.gov.uk www.carers.org www.statistics.gov.uk www.news.bbc.co.uk Solutions for independent living 23
This information is issued by Essex County Council. You can contact us in the following ways: By email: telecare@essex.gov.uk Visit our website: www.essex.gov.uk/telecare By telephone: 0845 603 7630 By textphone: 0845 758 5592 By post: Essex County Council, FREEPOST CL3636 County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1XZ Read our online magazine at essex.gov.uk/ew Follow us on Find us on Essex_CC facebook.com/essexcountycouncil The information contained in this document can be translated, and/or made available in alternative formats, on request. Published April 2013 DS12 3062