The care industry has experienced significant culture changes following the drive to support independent living and provision of care in the community. These changes driven by the government have also placed significant challenges on our work practices.

As care provider organizations look to improve service delivery and provide the auditable evidence that satisfies national and local performance targets, many are now looking to increase deployment of mobile technology to further enhance service provision.

For many years the mobile phone as a delivery device was somewhat ignored. By comparison care service providers in developing countries began to understand the advantages of the mobile phone and the expansion of wireless networks offered the opportunity to deliver services to low – and middle income countries.

As of May 2008, the number of global mobile phone subscribers has grown to over 3.4 billion and is projected to grow to 5.2 billion by 2011. Mobile technologies therefore enable Telecare providers to decentralize and extend their reach to remote settings as well as to individual members with a comparatively smaller investment in technology infrastructure.

As technologies go, mobile phones are flexible and familiar for the end user and currently GSM and 3G based CDMA networks provide coverage to homes, workplaces, and even remote rural areas.

In the short term questions still persist about the future form developing mobile technologies will take but there is no doubt that the capabilities of today’s Smartphone’s (e.g. the Apple iPhone or Nokia N95) to download applications when required will become more affordable and therefore more easily accessible over time.

GPRS, Edge, and even 3G data services are now available on many mid-price mobile phones and the integration of mapping technologies GIS and GPS with mobile technologies lets users “tag” voice and data communication to a particular location or series of locations effectively providing the potential of extending Telecare and Lone Worker service delivery far beyond the confines of the home. New broadband access technologies (e.g. WiMAX) offering enhanced web, e-mail and voice over internet (VoIP) services at a fraction of the cost of current 3G technology and Wireless Long Distance [WiLD] providing broadband over distances of up to 200kms from a single source.

A comprehensive report from the wireless industry (Wireless Healthcare, 2005) lists 101 specific health-related activities that can be conducted using mobile phones such as reminders about appointments and medication, the use of a SIM card to hold medical data, peer support for patients, support for health professionals making a diagnosis, and data collection, along with using phones to control inventory and to contact emergency services. All in all, a plethora of ways in which lone worker safety is improved and the ability to complete day to day tasks effectively.

While the UK health community might debate the future of the mobile phone within our industry, healthcare individuals around the world are already using mobile technologies to access care services provided by the software applications on mobile phones. Industry visionaries, like mobile industry expert, Jeffrey Sachs at Columbia University in the US, predicts; “the cell phone is the single most transformative technology for development.”

Why your business should use a GPS personal tracker for Lone worker protection

People who work alone — either on a periodical basis or all the time — can be categorised as lone workers.

These workers, who must often work individually in remote places or at night time, face a higher degree of risk in performing their daily activities — compared to their colleagues at the office. The use of GPS tracking technology, for lone worker protection, can really benefit those that are isolated from their workmates in times of trouble. Such technology will accurately track their location and provide the necessary assistance.

Those that are at risk include:

    * Mobile workers who must work away from their fixed base, such as workers in construction, plant installation, maintenance and cleaning work, electrical repairs  and agricultural workers.

    * Service workers, such as estate agents, medical staff, social workers, home helpers, rent collectors, postal staff and more.

While it is not possible to conduct a continuous supervision of these workers, it is possible to reduce the risks by communicating with them and checking how their working conditions are. It is understood that employers have the responsibility to maintain the safety, welfare and health of all the employees — especially when performing work activities.

Lone worker Tracker

Employers need to assess the risks that their lone workers face — and take steps to avoid or control the identified risks at hand. Further, employers must have procedures in place to monitor lone workers — ensuring their health and safety. These producers include:

    * Have the supervisors regularly visit and observe lone workers
    * Have the supervisors engage in communication with lone workers regularly via
      mobile phones, radios, etc
    * Use staff security systems, such as an automatic warning device, that operates when specific signals are not received from lone workers periodically
    * Use other devices that have been designed to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency — which can be operated automatically or manually by the absence ofactivity
    * Make sure that lone workers have returned to their home or base once the tasks are completed

The use of a small personal GPS tracking device can help provide a sound management process to ensure regular contact between employee and the employer. Both parties will benefit from having the device in place. The location of lone workers can be continuously monitored by employers. In addition, most GPS tracking devices have a built-in emergency alarm call feature that allows for quick communication in the event of an emergency and incident with a simple touch of a button. The alarm can also be automatically triggered by a set period of inactivity.

The use of GPS personal tracking and communication devices have fast become the norm in the business world and are utilised by more responsible employers to protect lone workers — which has helped to drive down the costs of the devices.

Why your business should use a GPS personal tracker for Lone worker protection

Why your business should use a GPS personal tracker for Lone worker protection

GPS system loses direction, but hold conspiracy theories

On Jan. 20 a web-based magazine, engadget.com, stoked the conspiracy fires by starting a paragraph with "Don't panic, but anyone planning on using GPS in the southeastern U.S. for the next month or so will likely want to make sure they have a fallback option."

They continued to talk about an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) press release to pilots that the Department of Defense (DOD) would be testing the GPS system between Jan. 20 and Feb. 11, so they should check before they take off for outages.

According to the actual release, the GPS system may be tested between 0000 and 0245 UTC (coordinated universal time, which translates to between 5 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. EST) off of the coast of Brunswick, Ga. The tests will be for 45 minutes and then a 15-minute blackout time, and pilots should contact control towers for further assistance.

Well, conspiracy theory chat rooms blazed with rumors of the DOD hiding something — war games off the coast of the U.S., speculation of scientific experiments in the Bermuda Triangle, attempts to make the system more precise in finding us or our cars for government tracking. Come on.

In actuality, the DOD developed the GPS concept after the launch of Sputnik in the 1960s and under an executive order in 1983 released it for public use. Ever since then, the DOD has been charged with stewardship including software upgrades and satellite maintenance. In January 2010, after an upgrade, the Air Force lost upwards of 10,000 signals. The testing in the Atlantic may just be a measure to ensure no long-term disruptions in anticipation of another upgrade.

An additional concern could be the ability for GPS units to work well over large expanses of water. In 2010 Coast Guard crews from District 7 launched 235 searches in the waters off the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and the Virgin Islands, 20 percent ending in suspension because distressed parties and crafts couldn't be located.

Whatever their reason, the DOD owns and operates the GPS system for the common good, and if they need to test it to ensure the safety of pilots, military personnel and helping grandma search for her doctor's office, they shouldn't have to deal with people inherently accusing them of wrongdoing. This is just a test.

Courtesy of Mandie Rainwater

NHS Confederation: cultural barrier blocks NHS technology use

A report by the NHS Confederation says that health services are struggling with new technologies because of top down initiatives and a lack of engagement from clinicians and patients.

The health service has fallen behind in using such technologies, according to Remote control, the patient-practitioner relationship in a digital age, because for too long the development of digital health tools has been stifled by assumptions about what patients want.

Nigel Edwards, acting chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said that numerous pilots and studies show how new communications technologies can improve care, but they are rarely then adopted across the health service.

"We know important barriers still remain in taking up these new technologies. The most important of these is the cultural barrier that people working in the NHS and patients have to the use of technology in healthcare," Edwards said.

Many patient interactions could switch from personal consultation to digital channels. Simple transactions could use automated self service systems, and online appointment booking could become the default arrangement, according to the report.

Personalised management programmes, which allow patients to link their prescriptions to their medical records, already exist, but the report claims these could be used to enable them to track their medications more easily.

The report says that routine care could be centred around the patient having ownership of their own electronic medical record. For long term conditions, digital tools could be used to support greater self management. It adds that many telecare systems can enable much more knowledge to be exchanged between patient and practitioner than takes place in a conventional consultation.

But it cautions that introducing any technology into a human system can have far reaching effects that are difficult to predict. Remote technologies substitute a patient's real life presence with much smaller, virtual fragments of their identity, such as an image on a screen, or a disembodied voice on the phone. It warns that a potential problem is that such changes in presentation can affect how a person is perceived and treated.

However, it concludes that where technologies increase the information and control available to patients, they can help to enhance their role and involvement. Compatibility should be a guiding principle of future digital development as a starting point for future development, the document says.

National accreditation schemes may help to give health leaders a basic level of confidence, but in the long term, concerted effort towards skills development is more likely to achieve results.

Edwards concluded: "Call it the post-bureaucratic or the post-industrial age, the NHS, like any other sector of the economy, has to keep up with developments in technologies.

"In doing so, there is an opportunity to both improve care for patients and make sure resources are better focused when face-to-face care is the only way forward."

NHS must remove tech 'barriers'

The NHS could get stuck in a 'technological dark age' if it continues to be over-reliant on face to face treatment, a report from the NHS Confederation has said.

The report found that for a growing number of patients, managing healthcare remotely through modern communication technologies was a better option. But it said health services have 'struggled' to adopt technologies, and that top down management and a lack of engagement with clinicians and patients meant telemedicine and telecare initiatives had failed to 'truly take off', despite some progress being made.

Acting chief executive Nigel Edwards said technology had the potential to improve care and better focus resources, stating that the NHS had to "keep up".

He said: "There are lots of pilots and studies showing how new communications technologies can improve care but they are rarely fully taken up so we know important barriers still remain in taking up these new technologies. The most important of these is the cultural barrier that people working in the NHS and patients have to the use of technology in health care.

"We need to address these barriers as people increasingly expect to access services online. It simply can not be sustainable in the health service of the future for skilled NHS staff to continue to send on referral letters using second class post."

Future Trends In Mobile Phones For Health Care Delivery Cannot Be Ignored

The care industry has experienced significant culture changes following the drive to support independent living and provision of care in the community. These changes driven by the government have also placed significant challenges on our work practices.

As care provider organizations look to improve service delivery and provide the auditable evidence that satisfies national and local performance targets, many are now looking to increase deployment of mobile technology to further enhance service provision.

For many years the mobile phone as a delivery device was somewhat ignored. By comparison care service providers in developing countries began to understand the advantages of the mobile phone and the expansion of wireless networks offered the opportunity to deliver services to low – and middle income countries.

As of May 2008, the number of global mobile phone subscribers has grown to over 3.4 billion and is projected to grow to 5.2 billion by 2011. Mobile technologies therefore enable Telecare providers to decentralize and extend their reach to remote settings as well as to individual members with a comparatively smaller investment in technology infrastructure.

As technologies go, mobile phones are flexible and familiar for the end user and currently GSM and 3G based CDMA networks provide coverage to homes, workplaces, and even remote rural areas.

In the short term questions still persist about the future form developing mobile technologies will take but there is no doubt that the capabilities of today’s Smartphone’s (e.g. the Apple iPhone or Nokia N95) to download applications when required will become more affordable and therefore more easily accessible over time.

GPRS, Edge, and even 3G data services are now available on many mid-price mobile phones and the integration of mapping technologies GIS and GPS with mobile technologies lets users “tag” voice and data communication to a particular location or series of locations effectively providing the potential of extending Telecare and Lone Worker service delivery far beyond the confines of the home. New broadband access technologies (e.g. WiMAX) offering enhanced web, e-mail and voice over internet (VoIP) services at a fraction of the cost of current 3G technology and Wireless Long Distance [WiLD] providing broadband over distances of up to 200kms from a single source.

A comprehensive report from the wireless industry (Wireless Healthcare, 2005) lists 101 specific health-related activities that can be conducted using mobile phones such as reminders about appointments and medication, the use of a SIM card to hold medical data, peer support for patients, support for health professionals making a diagnosis, and data collection, along with using phones to control inventory and to contact emergency services. All in all, a plethora of ways in which lone worker safety is improved and the ability to complete day to day tasks effectively.

While the UK health community might debate the future of the mobile phone within our industry, healthcare individuals around the world are already using mobile technologies to access care services provided by the software applications on mobile phones. Industry visionaries, like mobile industry expert, Jeffrey Sachs at Columbia University in the US, predicts; “the cell phone is the single most transformative technology for development.”

National award for community lifeline

A COMMUNITY lifeline, which helps thousands in South Derbyshire to live as independently as possible, has received a national good practice award.

The Careline community alarm system is a round-the-clock service manned by professionals from South Derbyshire District Council.

It has now achieved the Telecare Services Association (TSA) Code of Practice accreditation, a benchmark for emergency response service providers.

The Telecare service was inspected in three areas, including call handling, equipment installation and mobile response.

Assessors were impressed with how staff carried out their duties and the commitment shown to residents.

Councillor John Lemmon, chairman of housing and community services at South Derbyshire District Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the team as the TSA sets the highest possible standard and encourages best practice.

“The accreditation demonstrates that we are providing a first-rate service for the many people we serve in the district and is a reassurance for our customers to know that we meet the grade and are one of the very best.

“I am very grateful for all the hard work and dedication of the staff for making this possible.”

There are currently 1,861 Careline connections in South Derbyshire.

The service, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, is available to anyone who wants to feel safer and more independent in his or her own home.

Those needing help or reassurance can pull their cords, press their alarms or pendant, and the Careline team knows immediately who they are, where they live and if they have any special medical needs.

Trained Careline staff at Bretby Business Park then decide on the best course of action.

Further information on Careline is available by telephoning 01283 225810 or alternatively by emailing careline@ southderbys.gov.uk.

South Ayrshire care services set for cash boost

CARE services for the elderly are set to receive a massive funding boost.

Almost £1.9 million has been available to improve services for older people in South Ayrshire.

The government cash will be used by South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Both authorities will now submit a blueprint with their plans for spending the money.

Ayr MSP John Scott says the move is great news for the elderly.

He insisted: “With many Scots living longer and healthier lives our population is growing older and that means we must reshape the way in which care is delivered in the future, to meet that growing demand for good quality services designed to let older people optimise their independence and wellbeing.

“South Ayrshire Community Health Partnership, which includes representatives of both South Ayrshire Council and the NHS, are already developing a long-term strategy to reshape care for local older people.

“They are examining a wide range of areas for action, including the development of new rehabilitation services, a review of continuing care beds and home care, sheltered housing services and telecare.

“To help support the implementation of the Reshaping Care for Older People Programme, a fund has been created, including an allocation of up to £1.9 million which can be made available for the South Ayrshire area.

“This funding could play an important part in taking forward the process of boosting care for the elderly locally and it is an opportunity that should not be missed out on.”

Councillor Hugh Hunter, chair of the community health partnership, added his voice to the chorus of applause.

He said: “This is a perfect chance for the council and NHS to work in partnership and we intend to make the very best use of this money that we possibly can.

“This money will enable people to return home from hospitals and be cared for in their homes.

“It’s all about shifting the balance of care and improving the amount of independence on offer.

“A plan will now be prepared so the money is wisely spent – it’s not just a case of being handed ring-fenced cash and getting on with it.

“As a health authority and as a council, we want to hit the ground running.”

New Progress celebrate industry recognition for quality

After months of hard work staff at New Progress Housing Association, in Leyland are celebrating once again after being awarded a prestigious accreditation by the Telecare Services Association (TSA).

The TSA code of practice accreditation was awarded to New Progress for its Lifeline and Telecare services. These services enable potentially vulnerable people to maintain their independence in their own homes.

Around 10,000 households across Central Lancashire and Cumbria are connected to the New Progress’ Control Centre which is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In the event of an emergency, our friendly, staff will offer help and assistance, as required. If necessary, they will contact the emergency services, the doctor or a nominated family member, friend or neighbour.

The TSA code of practice encourages the provision of good quality customer service by officially recognising those service providers who meet its demanding criteria.   To become code compliant, organisations need to have detailed procedures covering all aspects of their operations, and demonstrate that service delivery is in accordance with these procedures.  Independent audits carried out by Insight Certification Ltd on behalf of TSA lead to appropriate service providers being awarded ‘code compliance’, a process which is repeated on an annual basis.

Loraine Simpson, Head of Customer Services for New Progress Telecare services, said: “We are thrilled to once again receive such a prestigious award, reflecting the hard work and professionalism of all our staff.

“This accreditation means that we are providing services in accordance with the quality standards set by the UK Association for Telecare services, the TSA and that our customers can expect us to deliver a high quality, consistent service.”

Vulnerable people now have new lease of life

Around 1600 disabled people in East Renfrewshire are being helped to live independently in their own home thanks to new state-of-the-art technology.

Specialist equipment, known as Telecare, is being rolled out to vulnerable residents after £120,000 of government money was allocated to the technology.

Telecare includes safety sensors which seek out hazards such as smoke, gas fire and leaks as well as a medication dispenser which sets reminders.

The service not only benefits those who use it as carers and families are given peace of mind that their loved one is safe, secure and looked after.

Mhairi Lyall, the council’s community alarm assistant responsible for distributing Telecare, said: “One of our recent clients was living in a residential home, receiving 24-hour care.

“He was allocated his own tenancy and was looking forward to living independently. But because he had always been used to having staff on hand, they were concerned that once he was living on his own he might leave the front door open.

“In his flat we’ve fitted a flood detector, which will trigger if water in his bathroom overflows, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and there’s a property exit sensor on his front door.

“If any are activated a community alarm will alert a call centre so help can be summoned.

“Telecare equipment has given him a new lease of life. And carers now only need to sleep over two or three nights a week to support him.”

Thanks to Telecare funding the Community Health and Care Partnership have been able to develop a 24-hour monitoring centre.

It combines the community alarms service, community wardens, out of hours and CCTV services in one location.

The new facility receives 30 calls a day and respond to falls and assist with other emergencies.

End of the line for OAP wardens in Doncaster

COUNCILLORS have pensioned off Doncaster's old people's warden scheme and will replace it with an electronic system. Members of Doncaster Council's Cabinet have voted to bring in the new Telecare monitoring service - ignoring a petition signed by more than 3,600 people opposed to it.

They fear the loss of wardens will mean the end of daily face-to-face contact for many pensioners who live alone and don't have family living nearby.

About 130 OAP wardens have already taken redundancy or early retirement and the remainder will either lose their jobs or be redeployed into the new service.

Deputy Mayor Patricia Schofield told the Cabinet the new system would be more beneficial for old and vulnerable people and would be available to all, rather than people living in council accommodation.

Currently only 3,000 tenants choose to have a warden service and 79 per cent of those who filled in questionaires said they supported the Telecare idea, which will cost them £3.60 a week.

Axing the warden service will save the council £1.5 million in the first year and Coun Schofield accpted it was a "very sensitive issue".

Mayor Peter Davies pointed out the proposal had been put forward in 2008 by the previous administration "and all of a sudden certain people appeared from nowhere with a rather late protest".

He also suggested opponents had "over-egged the pudding" by bringing up the human contact aspect because wardens "could not spend the entire morning with a client, it's usually five to 10 minutes at best".

Only one member of the Cabinet, Coun Mark Thompson, said he found it difficult to support the recommendation because he had been lobbied by people in his ward.

Retired warden Maureen Benfold, from Balby, who has been a vocal critic of the new system, said: "At least half a dozen people on my estate see nobody apart from a warden.

Wardens do over and above what they have to do and helped a lot of old people during the recent bad weather.

"The people making this decision should be looking to make savings in other areas. There has to be other ways."

Vicky Ferres, chief executive of Age Concern Doncaster, questioned whether there would be enough volunteers willing to befriend lonely OAPs because of other calls on their time.

Council's careline proves a lifesaver for elderly couple

The lives of a Burry Port couple have been saved — twice — thanks to the council's Telecare service.

William and Nellie Lamb, who now live at the town's Tan-y-Bryn sheltered housing scheme, are grateful to be alive to tell the tale of how a carbon monoxide alarm, fitted as part of a Telecare package, saved them from being poisoned on two separate occasions.

"We're very lucky to be alive," said Mr Lamb, 90.

"The service is marvellous, and we want to thank everyone, from our social worker to the man who came to fit it."

Mr and Mrs Lamb's daughter, Elizabeth Clarke, came to know about the Telecare service after contacting Carmarthenshire Council for advice on various care options for her parents, who were then living in a chalet at Burry Port's Shoreline Caravan Park.

One of the services offered was Telecare, where discreet alarm sensors are fitted around the home, which are linked to a 24-hour response team.

A package was installed in the summer, and in October the alarms were triggered for the first time.

"We were both sitting at home one afternoon and we both started to feel very sleepy," said Mr Lamb.

"I thought it was because I'd been up so early that morning, but then I saw a light on our alarm flashing.

"Next thing I heard a woman's voice asking if we were OK, and asking me to check if I'd left any gas on and to open the doors and windows."

The operator who spoke to Mr Lamb is part of the council's 24/7 Careline emergency response team.

As well as speaking directly to service users over a two-way telecom system, they are able to alert emergency services and up to three emergency contacts.

The couple suffered another similar incident a month later, shortly before they made the move to sheltered accommodation.

Mrs Clarke added: "It was very frightening — when I had the call and arrived at their house the smell of gas knocked me back.

"If the alarms hadn't gone off they would have just gone to sleep, and probably would never have woken up.

"Telecare has almost certainly saved my mother and father's lives, and we just want to be able to say thank you. Nothing has been too much trouble for the whole team, and we are just so impressed with the service."

Carmarthenshire councillor Kevin Madge, customer care and older people's champion, said: "It was lovely to meet Mr and Mrs Lamb and to hear that they're safe and well. I'm glad they have found this service so helpful — as have many other people in a similar position.

"It is so encouraging to know the services we provide are making a difference to families all over Carmarthenshire.

"I hope this story will encourage others to come forward and find out more about Telecare and Careline."

Intelligent video analysis using Machine learning for Telecare

Behavior determination and multiple object tracking for video surveillance are two of the most active fields of computer vision. The reason for this activity is largely due to the fact that there are many application areas. This thesis describes work in developing software algorithms for the tele-assistance for the elderly, which could be used as early warning monitor for anomalous events.

The thesis treats algorithms for both the multiple object tracking problem as well simple behavior detectors based on human body positions. There are several original contributions proposed by this thesis. First, a method for comparing foreground – background segmention is proposed. Second a feature vector based tracking algorithm is developed for discriminating multiple objects. Finally, a simple real-time histogram based algorithm is described for discriminating movements and body positions.

Extra money to help people leaving hospital

Following a successful efficiency drive, the Department of Health is able to make an extra £162 million available to local health and care services to spend this financial year on front line services, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.

The extra money will be spent on helping people to leave hospital more quickly, get settled back at home with the support they need, and to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.

The funding will bring forward the plans being put in place by health and local authorities to work together using NHS funding to support social care, as announced in the spending review. It will also enable local services to respond to pressures this winter.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said:

“Savings have been made in the Department of Health’s budget which can now be invested in frontline NHS services.

“It’s really important, particularly at this time of year, that we help people to leave hospital as quickly as they can, when they are ready. The latest figures show that 2,575 beds are unavailable due to delayed transfers of care.

“Older people often need particular support after a spell in hospital to settle back into their homes, recover their strength and regain their independence. This money will enable the NHS and social care to work better together for the benefit of patients.

“This additional investment for health and care services is the result of determination to deliver savings, maintain quality and invest in services that matter to patients and their families and carers during the critical winter season.”

The money will be allocated to Primary Care Trusts, for them to transfer to councils to spend on social care support. Primary Care Trusts and local authorities will decide how best to use the additional funding to make the greatest impact on relieving additional pressures on hospitals over the winter period.

Examples of the kinds of services that could be invested in are:

additional short-term residential care places, or respite and intermediate care; more capacity for home care support, investment in equipment, adaptations and telecare; investment in crisis response teams and other preventative services to avoid unnecessary admission to hospital; and further investment in reablement and rehabilitation services, to help people regain their independence and reduce the need for ongoing care. PCTs and councils have already received additional funding this year to expand reablement services.

There will be further long-term investment in occupational therapists, who are vital to reablement and rehabilitation services, and homecare equipment services which support people to live at home independently.

The extra £162 million funding is in addition to the previously announced £70 million that the NHS will spend this year on reablement services, and there will be a further provision of £300 million by 2014-15 for continued investment in these vital front line services.

The Department has made efficiency savings by applying the controls over central spending on consultancy, IT, administration and advertising common across all of Government.

Care Services Minster Paul Burstow said:

“By reinvesting these NHS savings in social care we can offer more help more support to older people leaving hospital. This investment will also help to kickstart the collaborative working between the NHS and Councils at the heart of our reforms.

“It is absolutely crucial that the NHS and local authorities work together to help people leave hospital when they are ready. The benefits are on all sides - patients get to go home with the support they and their families need, and hospital beds are freed up.

“This money will help cut the delays in getting the equipment and adaptations that people can need to enable them to live independently at home - saving them from an unnecessary stay in hospital or going into residential care.”

The NHS is already planning on spending an additional £800 million from April on support to social care that benefits health. This was part of the package of measures in the Spending Review to provide an additional £2 billion for social care, in recognition of the importance of these services to hundreds of thousands of families.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

“The news that extra money will be made available to help support people when leaving hospital is very welcome. People in later life often need additional support when leaving hospital to ensure their recovery is quick and they do not suffer setbacks which can lead to readmission.

“With three quarters of NHS patients aged 65 or over, it is more important than ever that older patients receive the necessary care and support they need to help increase their rate of recovery and minimise the rate of readmission which has increased 69 per cent since 1998/1999 to 2006/2007.”

Get connected with Telecare

The latest telecare technology is helping to give relatives of elderly and vulnerable people reassurance this winter, says West Sussex County Council.

The telecare contract with Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline (WELbeing) offers the latest technology and equipment to help people stay independent and safe in their own homes for 13-weeks.

The new contract was launched in April and has already proved to be a success.

Telecare lifeline equipment includes technology such as community alarms and pendants, smoke detectors, fall detectors, property exit sensors, epilepsy sensors, and bed occupancy sensors to raise an alert if somebody falls out of, or gets out of bed at night.

County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Peter Catchpole said: “Technology can play a vital role in helping people remain independent and able to live in the comfort of their own home.

“It’s reassuring for relatives and carers to know the equipment will help to keep their loved ones safe and well.”

There’s also a mobile response service that checks on the welfare of a person anywhere in West Sussex within one hour of an alert being raised.

The call centre can also provide a calling service, to give reminders such as for taking medication and to check on a person’s welfare.

The service helps prevent hospital admissions and supports residents discharged from hospital to return home safely. The 13-week period will help identify whether telecare is suitable and helpful for people. If it is they can continue to enjoy the equipment for a reasonable cost.

For further information on the service contact WELbeing on 08450 766515, e-mail info@welbeing.org.uk or visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk.