Independence day
Growing old is not something that many people look forward to. The fear of losing independence, being housebound and needing daily care is something that can make someone's later years a daunting prospect, not just for them but also for family members. So what can be done to improve the standard of life for elderly people without taking away their independence?
State-of-the-art
The Council has already installed state-of-the-art technology in homes that allows experts to monitor the health and behaviour of older people without intruding on their daily life. And now, after securing funding, the Council will be able to attach up to 12 ‘assistive technology’ devices, also known as telecare sensors, in 2,400 homes linked to a community alarm system. In fact, these facilities will actually be available to any resident who needs one.
Community alarm
The community alarm system is a scheme to help vulnerable or disabled people stay in their own homes with the security of knowing that they can call for help in an emergency at any time, even when the telephone is out of reach. When the alarm is set off, a signal is sent by the telephone to a central control room, which is staffed 24-hours-a-day. The alarm is set off by simply pressing a button on a pendant worn around the user's neck or wrist. The community alarm can also be used in domestic violence situations.
When the alarm is activated, the operator at the Council's control centre is able to speak to the resident through the unit to find out what kind of help is needed. Staff from the control centre can pay a visit if required, or alternatively contact an identified friend or relative who can visit at short notice. In the event of a medical emergency, a doctor or ambulance can be sent for right away.
But that is only half the story as the community alarm systems allow for a number of high-tech gadgets to be added that can provide detailed information on the person in question.
Telecare sensors
These gadgets, known as telecare sensors, will help old or vulnerable people to live independently longer by giving warning of failing health. One device is worn like a wristwatch and gathers information about the user's health, which is then transmitted down a normal telephone line, so care staff and relatives can measure the health of the user. Another system logs the length of time spent in each room, checking whether someone is following their ‘normal’ pattern of behaviour. A further system prompts users to take their medication, reducing the risk of double dosing. Other telecare sensors raise an alarm if large amounts of water, gas or smoke are detected while a fall detector spots serious falls and alerts the central control room.
The Community Alarm Service is provided by the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) - the arm's-length organisation that manages the Council's housing stock.
These new schemes should not only be in place for people living in Council housing. Elderly people living on their own will have access to the community alarm and telecare sensors. Kensington and Chelsea Council is committed to improving the quality of life for all elderly residents and by the end of 2005 90 per cent of the community alarm service clients living on their own were able to use alarm systems in their home with the capacity to take on telecare products.
For more information on the community alarm and telecare sensors email socialservices@rbkc.gov.uk or tcommunityalarmsservice@kctmo.org.uk, or phone Social Services on 020 7361 3013 or the Community Alarm Service on 020 7373 9891.
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