This page describes different kinds of technology available, how it can help you (or a family member) stay independent and safe at home and how you can get the technology.
“I feel so much more independent since being able to use my voice to control things in my home. I no longer have to wait for someone to visit to help me”
What is Technology Enabled Care?
Technology enabled care, sometimes known as assistive technology, describes devices, appliances and systems to help with daily living as people get older or if they have a disability or illness. It is designed to be easy and intuitive to use.
There are two types of technology which can help you:
- Technology enabled care (also known as TEC) is equipment such as video doorbells, smart home devices and falls detector watches
- Telecare is equipment such as pendant alarms, door sensors or bed sensors that can be linked to a responder service. This equipment is provided by Solihull Community Housing (SCH)
How can TEC help?
“As parents we see the smart watch as a lifeline for her, it provides us with reassurance, and we can relax a little more, knowing that we will be notified if she needed us in an emergency situation”
Prompts and reminders
There are a range of devices such as Alexa or Google Home designed to give visual or spoken prompts for important things to remember. For example, taking medication, attending an appointment or preparing a meal.
Communication
There is a range of easy-use equipment adapted to people’s different needs. For example, mobile phones with large buttons or braille buttons. Smart devices like Alexa or Google Home can also be used to call for help.
Safety inside and outside of the home
TEC can be used to raise an alert if somebody has a fall, a seizure, or becomes confused or disorientated. There are devices such as pendants or smart watches that can be used to detect a fall, both inside and outside of the home.
Controlling your home environment
Smart devices can help to improve comfort and safety in the home. They include smoke, temperature, and flood detectors. There are also additional systems which can control lights, heating, TV, or curtains using a remote control, hand gestures or voice control.
Reassurance for carers
Technology can be put in place to reassure carers that the person they are caring for can be kept safe. These include bed sensors and door sensors which can notify carers/family members if a person gets out of bed or opens the front door.
How can I get TEC?
If, following a social care assessment of your needs, you are deemed to be eligible, you may be offered technology enabled care as an option. If this is the case, we may source the equipment on your behalf and organise installation if needed.
If you are not deemed eligible or TEC is not provided within your support plan, you may be able to purchase this technology through the SCH website or in many high street shops or online retailers.
Useful links
You can find out more about technology to help you: