Telecare in Scotland

Telecare is a term that covers a range of devices and services that harness developing technology to enable people to live with greater independence and safety in their own homes. Download our Glossary of Terms & Definitions [92Kb] to read our definition of Telecare, as well as other associated terms.

Examples include devices that trigger a response from a call centre, such as falls monitors and motion sensors. The responses may range from a phone call to the person, to alerting a local carer or neighbour or social service, to alerting emergency services if appropriate. Other examples include devices that directly alert the person in the home to a particular hazard, such as a water level monitor in a bath.

IT developments are continually extending the range of devices and services available and, as a result, the scope for telecare to support people with particular health and social care needs – such as older people and people with disabilities – to remain in their own homes and optimise their independence and quality of life.

National Telecare Development Programme (2006-2008)

JIT is supporting the development and enhancement of Telecare services in Scotland through a National Programme that was launched in August 2006. The Programme makes funds for Telecare developments available to health and social care partnerships across Scotland through an £8m Development Fund.

You can find out more about the Telecare Programme via the menu on the left hand side of this page. Latest information for the various sections will be displayed on the right hand side of each page.

Please contact us if you wish to speak to someone in JIT about the National Telecare Programme.

Carers Scotland Winter Newsletter 2008

Carers Scotland has now issued their winter newsletter. You can access a fully copy of the newsletter here.

Carers Scotland Winter Article [4Mb]

New Stand Alone Unit Called Design, Technology and Care

The Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling has launched a new stand alone unit called Design, technology and care. This post graduate module begins on 12th February 2009. This module explores the use of assistive technology and design and its role in developing and maintaining quality of life for people with dementia. It includes discussion of specific projects, controversial aspects of use of technology and ethical considerations in the use of technology to help people with dementia.

You can download the flyer here

Post Graduate Module [108Kb]

The Joint Improvement Team will consider funding members of partnerships on this placement. If you would like to be considered for a funded place please discuss this by emailing Brian Kerr or by applying on line at the Dementia Centre or contact Brigitte Innes on 01786 467691. Alternatively email DempPG@stir.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 12th January 2009.

Falkirk & Forth Valley Falls Management Project

Falkirk Councils joint venture with Forth Valley Health on Falls Management amongst the 6000 users of the Community Alarm Service has made it through the long leeting process and onto the short leet for a 2009 CoSLA Excellence Award in the category for Advancing Citizen and Community Wellbeing and is therefore a guaranteed silver award winner and hoping for gold on 5 March 2009.

The Falkirk Falls Management Project utilises automatic falls monitors as part of its work which has seen significant reductions in the number of falls experienced amongst this service user group through the provision of falls prevention information for all service users and multi-factorial assessment of the reasons for falls at an early stage for those experiencing multiple falls. Linda Macpherson, the Project Manager, Falkirk Council, will give a short presentation of the project as lead of one of the forum groups at the next JIT event in February 2009.