Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS)

1. What are Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS)?

Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS) describes a range of health and care technologies such as Telecare, Telehealth, Telemedicine /Teletriage and Home Activity Tracking Systems.

TECS is a way to describe community equipment and would cover all technologies such as apps and smart home adaptations etc. It includes technology that assists people with disabilities, provides an adapted solution to empower and help people to improve their skills or manage their conditions. It also describes how to select the appropriate TECS solutions and support people to use them

Digital Equipment and Technology Enabled Care Solutions can form an integral role in meeting the universal, targeted or specialist care needs of individuals accessing health and social care services, and it can enable the effective integration of these services.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology includes but is not limited to:

• Telecare;
• Mobile devices and apps;
• Technology Enabled Care Solutions (monitored as well as stand-alone devices such as sensors);
• Skype and videoconferencing for real time communication;
• Internet online booking and purchasing services;
• Online market and support matching services;
• Social media, forums and chatrooms for keeping in touch;
• Telehealth;
• Telemedicine.

Assistive Technology promotes greater independence by supporting people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to do or had great difficulty doing and it also promotes quality of life and improved health and wellbeing.

Used effectively, Assistive Technology can:

1. Promote independence;
2. Improve confidence;
3. Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
4. Support a person to remain living at home;
5. Help with memory and recall;
6. Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
7. Provide reassurance to carers and family members.

Telecare

Telecare was developed from Social Alarms services which have been supporting elderly and vulnerable people live more independently for over forty years. The original pull cord systems in sheltered schemes and alarms and pendants which are installed in the users' home now offer a range of environmental and personal sensors which can also monitor their safety and wellbeing.

Telecare services provide a 24/7 monitoring service which will send alarm messages to a named responder or, if appropriate, the emergency services.

Telecare is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre when, for example:

1. A person falls; or
2. A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
3. A person needs assistance.

Environmental sensors include:

• Smoke detectors;
• Temperature extreme sensors which can detect fire or low temperature;
• Flood detectors;
• Door sensors;
• Movement sensors;
• Carbon monoxide detectors.

Personal sensors include:

• Fall detectors;
• Bed and chair occupancy sensors;
• Incontinence sensors;
• Epilepsy sensors
• Medication reminders.

2. Providing Assistive Technology or Telecare

Assistive Technologies/ Digital Technologies (Environmental Controls)

Assistive Technologies or Environmental Controls allow people to function as independently as possible by using devices that allow them to carry out day to day activities such as switching on lights, opening curtains, turning on the TV and using a computer though a range of switches and sensors which can be operated with only limited movement. Environmental Controls can also be used in conjunction with Telecare and Telehealth systems.

1. As part of a Reablement service; or
2. To support hospital discharges; or
3. Alongside services to meet on ongoing care and support needs; or
4. Independent from all of the above.

It is available to people who live in:

1. Their own home;
2. Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
3. Supported living;
4. Extra Care;
5. Shared lives placements.

If a person lives in residential or nursing care Assistive Technology and Telecare is normally the responsibility of the provider to assess and arrange.

Who can benefit?

3. Independent Living through Telecare Solutions

Home Activity Monitoring systems

Home Activity Monitoring systems such as Just Checking and Canary helps people with dementia to live in their own homes for longer by showing their day-to-day capabilities and where support is needed. Adults with learning disabilities and/or autism can extend their independence and receive just the right level of support. They don't use cameras or microphones. These systems use discreet wireless sensors placed around a property to send an overview of daily activity to an online app. Family and professionals can see whether an individual is visiting the kitchen to make meals, using the bathroom as expected, and getting a good night's sleep.

These technologies complement services such as integrated digital care records and unified communications between health and social care teams. They also complement the use of Integrated Community Equipment Solutions (TCES) and the growing adoption of technologies in communities through the retail market.

Telehealth

Telehealth systems support people with Long Term Conditions (LTC's) to self-manage their conditions, remain more independent, reduce hospital stays, allow early hospital discharge and also to reduce the dependency on primary health and GP services.

Telehealth services usually consist of a smart hub which allows the patient to enter vital signs data or have the data collected by various devices (blood pressures readers, pulse oximeters, and blood glucose monitors) which automatically transmits the readings to the hub. This data is then shared with a clinical or non-clinical monitoring service where the patient's health is monitored, and any alerts addressed by the appropriate service.

Telehealth systems can also provide automatic coaching and mentoring to the patient through a series of questions and answers

Who can benefit?

Telehealth is used to support patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) Type 2 Diabetes, Cancer, Mental Health conditions and other long-term conditions.

Telemedicine/Teleconsultation or Teletriage

Telemedicine is the use of video technology to enable specialists and consultants to support patients and other professionals remotely by making a diagnosis and recommending treatments. Vital signs data, x-rays and other information can also be transmitted to enable a speedy diagnosis when a patient is in a remote area or the expertise is not available locally.

Telemedicine/Teletriage systems are mainly employed in an acute health environment.

mHealth/Self Care Apps

A few of the services described under Telehealth can also be accessed via mobile phone technology and Apps.

Who can benefit?

These systems are often used by younger service users and patients to allow them greater flexibility to access these service

The use of GPS and GPRS, as a further mHealth application can also be used to provide safe walking services to people with dementia, early stage Alzheimer's and learning disabilities.

Self-care Apps are Applications that raise awareness and help people self-manage in a way that suits them.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Effective communication occurs when the intent and meaning of one individual is understood by another person. How it is done is less important than the successful understanding of the message.

AAC is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve every day communicative challenges. AAC covers a huge range of techniques which support, or replace, spoken communication. These include Gestures, Signing, Symbols, Word boards, Communication boards, Books, Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) Communication Matters (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapist).

Technology Enabled Care Solutions is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. AAC can include:

• Low tech like communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt;
• High tech such as special purpose computers;
• Hardware such as prosthetics, attachment devices (mounting systems), and positioning devices;
• Computer hardware, like special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices;
• Computer software such as screen-readers or communication software;
• Inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids;
• Specialized curricular software;
• Much more, including electronic devices, wheelchairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze, and head trackers.

4. Information and Advice about Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS)

Connecting modern TECS into the heart of adult social care and support services, rather than an 'add-on' is a huge ambition, however the benefits of adopting such technologies should help in assisting a service user experience that is flexible, enabling, responsive and re-assuring.

Sefton Careline will support Sefton's 2030 Vision to enable Sefton to become a digital borough and improving access to digital technology and promote digital inclusion as outlined in Sefton's Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS) Strategy 2021-2025. The use of TECS within Sefton Careline will assist in transforming the relationship between the council and its residents so that residents benefit from improved digital inclusion and live independently for longer in their own homes.

Sefton Careline provides specialist knowledge of TECS to help people to stay well, safe and promote independence. The service advises, assures and signposts patients and clinicians who have TECS need. The service will facilitate the review of TECS available in the community to ensure it is safe and suitable to meet service user needs.

The service will engage with subject matter experts (SME's) from other professions and/or suppliers to ensure that all the products held and issued as specialist equipment and core stock are fit for purpose and have undergone robust procurement procedures.

For more information and advice about Technology Enabled Care Solutions please contact Sefton's Careline Team at Sefton Careline on 0151 934 3785 or email Lifeline.Service@Sefton.gov.uk to discuss the suitability of different options according to your requirements.

Sefton Council Ask Sara facility contains relevant external links and details about where people can purchase equipment and gadgets independently. Minor aids and equipment that can be purchased independently can be found on this site and individuals can also obtain and independent self-assessment report by accessing Sefton Ask SARA

The Sefton Council dedicated webpage has a good source of information about Technology Enabled Care Solutions.

Sefton Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS) Strategy 2021-24 can also provide useful information on Sefton's commitment to Technology Enabled Care Solutions over the next 3 years.

5. Charging for Technology Enabled Care Solutions

A financial assessment will determine any contribution payable by the person for Telecare. There are 4 levels of service, ranging from £3.46 per week to £9.83 per week depending on what is provided.

Prices are reviewed annually every April.

Payments for all services can be made by monthly direct debit, quarterly invoice, card online or over the phone.

Local Authority funding

Where the need for Telecare has been identified through a formal assessment the local authority may provide funding (subject to current charging policy).

6. The Care and Support Plan

If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any Technology Enabled Care Solution (TECS) that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.

7. Establishing the Need for Technology Enabled Care Solutions

Technology Enabled Care should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.

Any social care practitioner can assess the need for Technology Enabled Care Solutions as part of a needs assessment if they are confident to do so.

Social care practitioners can also request a Sefton Careline Assessment Officer carry out an Technology Enabled Care Solutions assessment to support any other assessment and determination about the best way to meet or prevent needs for care and support.

To make these arrangements contact Sefton Careline:

Telephone: 0151 934 3785
E-mail: Lifeline.Service@Sefton.gov.uk

8. Arranging Technology Enabled Care Solutions

Self-Referrers

People who will be self-funding any TECs should contact Sefton Careline directly to arrange an appointment.

Telephone: 0151 934 7385
E-mail: Lifeline.Service@Sefton.gov.uk

Healthcare professionals

Referral form to be completed in full. This could be full written referral or documented telephone referral. The referral forms will ensure the team receives enough information about the patient and the current risks involved.

Referrals are to be via LAS as new action referral; Faxed to 0151 934 4480 or emailed to Lifeline.Service@Sefton.gov.uk  Self-referral using self-assessment portal via the front door. This can be followed up over the telephone on 0151 934 3785 or via Lifeline.Service@Sefton.gov.uk

The Careline team will adopt a holistic approach to meeting individual's needs through a process of initial assessment which is subject to continual review. The Careline team must ensure that the assessment process is person-centred, designed to identify and understand user and carer needs and/or choice.

Should you have an enquiry regarding TEC/AT can you please send an email to Lifeline.Service@Sefton.gov.uk with your contact number.

Sefton Careline
Sefton Arc
209 Linacre Lane
Bootle
L20 6AD

Telephone: 0151 934 3785 Office
0151 928 5908 Alarm Receiving Centre 24/7 365 days
E-mail: Lifeline.Service@Sefton.gov.uk

9. Monitoring and Reviewing Technology Enabled Care Solutions

Monitoring standards of service

Targets for call monitoring and response times at Sefton Careline are provided by the industry regulator The TSA (Telecare Services Association).

Monitoring effectiveness

All monitoring activity should be recorded in line with local recording requirements.

At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease.

Review

Any Telecare that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.

In addition to statutory reviews, anyone using Sefton Careline can request a review of their current Telecare arrangements by contacting Sefton Careline directly:

Outside of scheduled reviewed advice or guidance can be sought from the specialist Telecare Team as required if it appears equipment is:

• Not being used appropriately; or
• Not effective in managing risk.

Any Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS)  that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.

10. Repairing Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS)

Repairing Technology Enabled Care equipment provided by Sefton Council will be undertaken by Sefton TECS service.

All TEC equipment should be repaired and maintained in line with local processes and requirements.

The service for installing/delivering TECS equipment is available Monday to Friday 08:00- 17:00
Alarm receiving Centre available for calls 24/7 365 days

11. Installing and Removing Technology Enabled Care Solutions

The service for installing/delivering TECS equipment is available Monday to Friday 08:00- 17:00
Alarm receiving Centre available for calls 24/7 365 days

If equipment is no longer needed and needs to be returned, the person (or their representative) should contact Sefton Careline in the first instance:

Telephone: 0151 934 3785 or Alarm Receiving Centre 0151 928 5908
E-mail: Lifeline.Service@sefton.gov.uk

Where the person is making a financial contribution the financial assessment team should be notified so that any reassessment required can take place.

Once equipment has been removed the Sefton Careline should send case notification via LAS

Note: If a review has determined that Technology Enabled Care equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.