Care Technology
Care Technology refers to any gadget that is used to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing.
Used effectively, it can:
- Promote independence;
- Improve confidence;
- Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
- Support a person to remain living at home;
- Help with memory and recall;
- Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
- Provide reassurance to carers and family members.
Telecare is the term used to describe the range of technology that can alert a call centre when, for example:
- A person falls; or
- A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
- A person needs assistance.
Examples of Telecare include:
- A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
- A falls alarm;
- A door sensor.
Anyone can choose to purchase their own Care Technology privately. Information and advice about this can be found on the Liverpool City Council website.
See: Care Technology.
Subject to a needs assessment, Care Technology can also be provided:
- As part of a Reablement service; or
- To support hospital discharges; or
- Alongside services to meet on ongoing care and support needs; or
- Independent from all of the above.
It is available to people who live in:
- Their own home;
- Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
- Supported living;
- Extra Care;
- Shared lives placements.
If a person lives in residential or nursing care, Care Technology is normally the responsibility of the provider to assess and arrange.
When arranged by adult social care, one off pieces of equipment up to £1,000 are free under the Care Act 2014. Where equipment costs more than £1,000 or the Care Technology has an on-going service charge attached (for example Telecare), please refer to our local Charging Policy.
If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any Care Technology that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.
Unless being arranged privately, Care Technology should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.
Care Technology should be arranged in line with local processes and requirements.
All monitoring activity should be recorded in line with local recording requirements.
At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease.
Any Care Technology that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.
Care Technology should be removed in line with local processes and requirements.
Note: If a review has determined that equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.
Last Updated: May 10, 2024
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