Tower Hamlets Offer Telecare Free to their Residents
Published 05th May 2009
As of the 1st October 2008, The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has offered their telecare service free of charge to residents who meet a low needs
criteria.
Their objective for telecare is on the prevention agenda, they believe that people feel happy and safer within their own homes and using telecare want to prolong the need for residents to move into alternative accommodation such as sheltered housing and nursing homes. The main aim is to keep people independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
Before October 08, telecare was offered within the borough but to substantial and critical needs people; this they felt left out a lot of the lower needs people.
Due to this, Tower Hamlets have adjusted their criteria for telecare and now offer the service to residents on the following:
- History of falling or accidents within the home
- Difficulty getting around inside the home
- People worried about becoming confused and leaving the home when it may not be safe to do so
- People who would like someone to telephone occasionally to check they are OK
Each referral is assessed by Tower Hamlets to find out which telecare sensors available are suitable for them.
Working in partnership with Chubb Community Care, Tower Hamlets has seen a high intake from people over 65 since the free service was launched with first month referrals of 120, this has now steadied to around 60 referrals per month. Under 65s also qualify for this service and this user group is steadily growing.
Speaking about the Tower Hamlets Telecare Service, Council Leader Lutfur Rahman said
“As a local councillor, I know just how important it is for the NHS and local councils to provide preventative services that stop people requiring more intensive help later. Telecare is exactly this kind of service. And so it is essential that we get rid of the barriers and obstacles that discourage older residents from taking it up. That is why it will now be made free to pensioners with low and moderate levels of need, as well as those whose needs are critical or substantial.”
Lead Member for Adult Services, Anwara Ali added
“I believe it is absolutely right that we do not impose additional financial burdens on the most vulnerable members of our community just because their health is failing. Ending the charge on Telecare is another step to help us meet that objective.”
People have their own reasons for choosing telecare but the great majority of Tower Hamlet’s customers said that the service gave them and their relative’s peace of mind, a feeling of greater security and reduced feelings of isolation.
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