Telecare, telehealth and telemedicine

How are telecare, telehealth and telemedicine different to receiving care in my home?

The aim of TEC is to help you to live at home and stay safe. 

Can I benefit from TEC?

You might benefit from TEC if you:

• live with a long term condition or disability
• have started to feel frail or at risk of falls
• you are temporarily unable to do certain things in your home. 

How can TEC help me?

Whichever the case, TEC aims to help you overcome daily barriers. This is so that you can stay safe, independent and in control. 

TEC is not intended to replace the support you receive from carers or support workers. Instead, TEC aims to help both you and your carers be more informed and in control.

What technology enabled care tools are available?

There are a lot of online tools available through TEC packages today. Some are being offered through the NHS or local councils. Some tools will be free and others will incur a cost. There are also tools aimed specifically at carers. 

TEC can also make use of technologies you might already have. These can be phones, tablets, computers and even TVs or smart speakers. 

You might want to choose a TEC tool or package for yourself or someone you are looking after. But it is a good idea to take some time first to understand the different tools that are available. This could help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the many tools available.

What is the difference between different types of TEC tools?

TEC can range from basic equipment to more enhanced technology. 

What is basic TEC?

Basic options include:

• emergency pendants or smoke detectors that can raise alarms
• it works great for those who are mostly independent
• it can provide extra security and peace of mind. 

• anything from medication dispensers to infra-red sensors
• it is aimed at individuals with more complex needs
• these technologies can target these needs specifically.

Which needs can TEC address?

Carers UK have created a great list to categorise TEC. 

It summarises technologies according to the health and lifestyle needs that they target.

• Everyday needs: there are various apps and online websites available. They can help with daily tasks such as shopping or looking after money. They can also help you keep in touch with friends and family. 
• Environmental monitoring: some technology can help you manage your home. You can do this using many devices, apps, smart home controls or even your voice. They can help you manage your heating, lighting or even door entry. There are also specialist systems called environmental control systems. These can help with more complex needs. 
• Remote alerts: this technology can help check whether a person at risk is safe in their own home. If something goes wrong, automated alerts can be raised. These are sent to carers or to 24-hour alarm and response centres. 
• Monitoring vital signs: technology can measure health signs. This includes blood pressure, blood glucose, heart rate or even sleeping patterns. This can be done through apps or bespoke devices. Some tools can even raise alarms. Others can help avoid lengthy hospital visits for routine checks. 
• Accessing remote healthcare and advice: some technologies can help you access services remotely. This means that you might be able to receive advice via telephone, email or video sessions online. 
• Medication management: some devices can help keep track of medications. They can remind you when you need to take prescribed medicine and offer reassurance. 
• Self-enhancement: some tools you can use to improve your skills and abilities. These range from hearing aids to fitness apps.

Who are the tools for?

TEC offers benefits to both people receiving support and their carers. 

If you are a carer yourself, finding the right TEC for the person you support can help them stay independent. But it can also give you peace of mind. There are also a lot of tools that aim to make caring easier. So when you’re looking for a tool, consider your needs alongside those of the person you support. You might be able to find some technologies that tick both boxes. Some apps aim to help families organise care or manage emergencies. 

They can also provide an overview of the wellbeing of the person they look after. There are also tools aimed at the person receiving support. Sometimes, these can be provided through housing associations or care providers.

How can I find out what is available in my local area?

What is the Telecare Self-Check Online tool?

It is available for anyone in Scotland to use. The tool allows you to check if telecare would benefit you. It can also recommend specific types of equipment that might help.

How can I find out what is offered in my area?

The services offered will depend upon where you live. Select the area in which you live and click the 'Go to local area' button. This will take you directly to the relevant local service who will help you work out what to do next. 

The tool will also offer you helpful advice based upon your answers: www.telecareselfcheck.scot. 

Charges and type of equipment available will vary by health board and service provider.

How can I choose the right tool for my needs?

The Telecare Self-Check tool should be your first stop. 

Are there other sources I can use?

There are other useful sources of information you can try:

• ADAM is a tool developed by Alzheimer Scotland. It can to help people living with dementia and those around them find the technology they need. It is free to use by anyone and can offer very useful prompts and advice. To use it, answer some questions about what you would like help with. In return, ADAM will offer recommendations tailored to your needs and preferences. 

• Care Technologists are part of a project by Scottish Care. The project works with people in care homes and care services. The aim was is to use technology to increase independence and improve lives. You can access the ‘Care Tech Catalogue’ on the website. This includes a list of the technologies used in the project.