University Research Points to Positive Impact of Telecare

West Lothian Council's Opening Doors for Older People initiative, recognised as one of the most advanced social health projects in Europe, has been praised in an interim report published by the University of Stirling, which examined the impact of the home technology service. Its findings highlight the positive impact of telecare technology as part of the council's health and social care support system, improving quality of life, alleviating worry and improving safety and security in the home.

The ongoing evaluation of the initiative has shown that the home safety service - which feature telecare technology from Tunstall, the leading provider of personal and home reassurance telecare solutions - have saved lives in cases of fire, flood and serious falls. As a direct result, West Lothian is set to expand the initiative to a further 800 homes, helping residents over 60 to live independently in their own home with the help and reassurance they need thanks to pioneering telecare technology.

West Lothian Council has successfully integrated telecare technology into the whole system of care and support. Before the technology was installed, users described how having no means of calling for help meant that they could be left in a cold bath or on the floor after a fall until the next carer visit. Now, thanks to the home safety service, users can summon help immediately with personal radio triggers and pendants providing instant access to a network of carers and relatives.

David Kelly, Director of Community and Support Services at West Lothian Council said: "We welcome the findings of the report, and hope that they can be used to assist similar technical developments throughout Scotland and to provide support and care in the home for those that need it."

The telecare technology - which includes a Lifeline home unit and a range of sensors to detect inactivity, intruders, falls, smoke, flooding or extremes in temperature - gives users a better quality of life and an improved level of safety and security, allowing them to remain independent, safe in the knowledge that should an incident occur help will be available.

Tunstall has worked in partnership with West Lothian Council since May 2002 to provide supporting technology to some 1,700 people. The technology has proven to be an integral part of West Lothian's care and support system, and enables carers and relatives to respond rapidly to calls and to deliver efficient, targeted support when required.

A recent report by the charity Independent Age found that people in Scotland had fewer concerns about coping with old age and a more positive attitude. Almost 90% of over 65's in Scotland wish to remain in their own homes, and the expansion of the West Lothian initiative demonstrates how telecare solutions can offer residents the security and also the independence they require.

Installing an advanced Tunstall telecare package with 24 hour mobile response service is helping older people in West Lothian to maintain this independence, whilst providing increased safety and security for users. In the interim report from the University of Stirling on Smart Technology, one resident said: "Since January I would say it's saved my life three times. One time I accidentally left a pan on the stove and a fire started in the kitchen, and another time I had a nasty fall. The Lifeline detected the fire and the fall and sent out help for me. I wouldn't be here today without it."

The research carried out by the University of Stirling also highlights the strong economic benefits of telecare technology and the home safety service. Telecare solutions have reduced pressure on the health authority, allowing them to deploy resources efficiently and cost-effectively. The gross annual cost for providing one care home place stands at £21,840, compared with £7,121 for the support in the community package, which includes the telecare technology, 24 hour response and ten hours of care.

Steve Sadler, Technical Director at Tunstall said: "This research is welcome confirmation of the fantastic results West Lothian has achieved with this initiative. We will be working closely with West Lothian Council to develop the project further and to give residents the support and security they need."


Notes to Editor
The Lifeline 4000+ home unit provides an easy to use, flexible home hub to support a comprehensive range of telecare services, enabling a wide range of vulnerable people to live independently.

The home unit can be used to raise an alarm call from anywhere in the home by simply pressing the radio trigger, or the large illuminated red button on the unit. Calls are received at the dedicated 24 hour response centre, where the appropriate action can be taken whether it be calling a local key holder, family member, doctor, carer or the emergency services.

The Lifeline 4000+ can also provide additional peace of mind and reassurance by monitoring a wide range of events through the use of telecare sensors. These include detectors for falls, floods, temperature, gas and smoke. Through the use of PIRs, the Lifeline also provides 24 hour inactivity and intruder monitoring for a greater level of both personal and home reassurance.

For further information about Lifeline home units and telecare technology visit www.tunstallgroup.com