This is particularly relevant when a person has dementia. Potential solutions should be explored as early as possible, although this is not always easy if the person does not acknowledge or even realise that he or she is experiencing any difficulties. Wear good fitting and sensible footwear.Place electrical items near to power points to avoid trailing flex.Use equipment that is designed to provide support, such as grab rails and walking aids, rather than leaning on fixtures, such as door handles and towel rails.Look at the layout of furniture – you may be able to create a safer space by rearranging or reducing the furniture in a room.Make sure stairs and passageways are kept clear of clutter and that the stair carpet is securely fixed and isn’t worn.Remove loose rugs as these are a trip hazard.Others are more apparent and it is therefore possible to reduce risk or get rid of the hazard completely. Some hazards cannot be anticipated, for example the light bulb blowing when you are walking upstairs. There are a number of websites which can help you to search for organisations that give grants, including for equipment and other services.īefore considering high-tech equipment to prompt, warn or trigger alarms, consider simple solutions that may remove risk. Buying from a company that belongs to a trade association, such as the British Healthcare Trades Association, may give you some reassurance as members have signed up to a code of practice governing standards of customer service.Ĭharitable trusts may sometimes provide funding for equipment. You will need to contact your nearest centre to find out what they have and to book an appointment.īe cautious of sales people who try to persuade you to buy equipment that may not meet your needs fully or is over-priced. However, not all centres display telecare systems. You will receive impartial advice to help choose appropriately. You may have an equipment demonstration centre near you where you can visit to view and try out ranges of equipment. If you decide to buy equipment privately it is best to try and compare the different ranges first. Your choice may offer extra features, or perhaps you prefer its appearance. You can pay extra for an alternative item, so long as it does what the specific item prescribed would do. If you receive a prescription for one of these items you can take it to a local accredited retailer, which may be a local pharmacy, who will provide you with the item. These may include a small range of telecare equipment. In many areas a range of the simple aids to daily living may be available on prescription, issued by the assessor. If your local authority assess you as requiring a service they will also complete a financial assessment to assess the level of any contribution you may be required to make. You will need to contact your local authority and ask for information on their equipment and telecare services. This uses mobile phones to access telecare and telehealth. You may also see the term mCare or mHealth which stands for mobile care/health. Local authorities may meet the cost if you would find this difficult Sometimes it is free, sometimes there is an initial cost and/or a weekly charge. Local authorities usually partner with a specialist telecare company to provide a service in their area. They are connected to a central monitoring centre, or a trusted individual, who can respond when needed. This might be a fall alarm, a sensor that monitors the home environment, such as a gas detector, or a personal locator for those for whom disorientation is a problem. Telecare uses technology in the home to monitor and support individuals remotely. The assessor should also be able to provide you with relevant information and advice, or direct you to suitable organisations/services in your area. This will indicate to them the most appropriate equipment to meet your needs. They may ask you to try an activity to see how and why you are finding it difficult. For more complex equipment an assessor will need to visit your home. For simple bits of equipment you may be interviewed over the telephone. Equipment is generally issued based on an assessment of your need. Most local authorities have a community equipment service which is used by both health and social services.
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