Case Studies
We value our relationship with our partners and are proud of the work we have done. In this section we look at some reference case studies. We have selected these references to show partnership working and best value in delivering the best solution for the individual.
- Chubb Helps Carer and Care User in Hull
- A Real Lifesaver Tower Hamlets Council
- Chubb Community Care and Falkirk Council Protects Against Bogus Callers
- Chubb Community Care Offers Modern Solution to Shoreline Housing
- Chubb Community Care Protects Three Oaks Residents
- Birmingham Careline Recommends the Chubb Saturn System
- Telecare-enabled medication dispenser case study - Contour Homes
- Flintshire County Council Upgrade BT 21CN
- Tower Hamlets Offer Telecare Free to their Residents
- Telecare in Rehabilitation Environments, Your Homes Newcastle
Telecare-enabled medication dispenser case study - Contour Homes
Mr Gordon Skidmore
Contour Homes one of the North West’s biggest social housing providers is investing in a number of initiatives that look at supporting anyone who wants to continue to enjoy independent living.
Such is its commitment to this initiative it has seconded Sheltered Housing Management Officer Dawn Thornber to look at ways of improving the Telecare system to provide a more personalised service.
“Contour Homes has around 1600 sheltered units,” she said. “The company is keen to forge ahead with Telecare and develop services that meet the personal needs of residents. I have been seconded to work with several local authorities in the region to co-ordinate what’s on offer, look at improving services and create greater efficiencies that benefit the end user.”
63 year old Gordon Skidmore provides a great example of how Telecare can work in practise. Gordon already has support needs when in May 2005 he was diagnosed with diabetes. He had to take medication three times a day. However, by August 2007 the Contour Homes scheme manager raised concern that the medication was not being taken correctly.
Dawn said: “Contour Homes tried several ways to remind Gordon to take his medication, using a prompting service and mobile wardens. This was not only
costly but also intruding on Gordon’s privacy and independence. It also had implications about the times he could attend a day centre – which he really enjoys.”
Early this year Dawn arranged for Gordon to be assessed by Telecare. It was agreed that Gordon should have pill dispensers which was relatively easy to organise. Numark Pharmacy in Bolton town centre agreed to pilot the idea and within a few weeks it was up and running. The tamper proof issue was easily resolved by the pharmacy holding the keys for the dispenser.
Gordon is delighted with the new way of working. It takes away the worry of forgetting, he tests his blood sugar by himself every couple of weeks and his health has improved. The pill dispenser may be a small thing but it has given Gordon control of his own situation and maintained his independence.
“A pill dispenser may seem almost insignificant,” said Dawn. “However by taking the time and trouble to do this, we have saved the cost of 2 daily visits from a home care worker. Gordon still has to have some home visits – but not as many- and the time they spend with him now is not taken up with deciding on whether or not he has remembered to take his pills.”
Gordon has written a poem to express how he feels about the new service and has also become involved in helping Numark Pharmacy advertise their service – resulting in meds delivery services for other residents.
“Whilst Telecare provides considerably more sophisticated electronic devices to monitor the health and safety of vulnerable people in their own homes,” said Dawn, “this example demonstrates that it can actually be quite human. Residents don’t have to worry about whether or not they have taken medication. It gives them dignity, control and independence and that’s what Telecare is all about.”