Assistive Technology – What is it ? Assistive technology is equipment or sensors which are specifically designed to help reduce the risks associated with independent living for vulnerable people. Some of these sensors are placed around the home and can detect environmental issues e.g. fires, floods others are used to detect a fall or when someone has left the property at an in-appropriate time of the day e.g. during the night. Some of the equipment works with the Rothercare community alarm system. Rothercare is the Council's community alarm service which provides an emergency call handling service and mobile response service 24 hours a day 365 days per year. Environmental package These four sensors generate an alert to Rothercare when the following are detected: • Smoke • Carbon Monoxide • High temperature or low temperatures • Water (floods) Falls Package This package consists of a fall detector which is worn on the waist, this generates an alert when the person falls anywhere in the home or garden during the daytime. A bed sensor can be provided, which is used during the night time. If the person gets out of bed during the night and does not return within a predetermined time it generates an alert which may indicate the person has had a fall. Purposeful walking package A voice announcer plays a message to try to deter the person from leaving the property at inappropriate times of the
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day e.g. during the night time. If the person does exit the property an alert is generated to either Rothercare or a carer’s pager. This does require a family/carer responder. It is very useful for people with Dementia. Carers package This package consists of a portable pager and possibly a vibrating pillow alerter, it informs an on site carer when a telecare alert is generated e.g. fall detector. Can also be used to alert a person with a hearing impairment of a telecare alert e.g. smoke alarm. Gas detector This plug in gas detector will generate an alert to Rothercare if natural gas is detected. It can also be linked to a complete gas shut off solution. Heat detector The heat detector is specifically for use in the kitchen as an extra fire safety detection device. It is ideal for people that are at extra risk in the kitchen e.g. leaving gas ring switched on. We can offer five items without the need for a social care assessment. Magi plug – this is a simple devise to prevent bath/sink from overflowing using a pressure activated valve. It also indicates when the water is at a safe temperature to use. Keysafe – this can be provided for an individual who has formal or informal carers needing to access the property or if the user has Rothercare alarm system to enable Rothercare assistants or emergency services to gain entry to the property in response to an alert or emergency.