FAQs
Funding
Is there a cost for the assistive technology to clients?
During the assessment stage a financial assessment will be completed to determine financial status and eligibility for assistive technology provided by us.
What happens if a device becomes faulty?
Faults and damages are managed through the assistive technology supplier and replacement devices may be provided if suitable.
Referrals and eligibility
How do I refer for an assistive technology assessment?
Discuss your needs with health or social care professionals who are involved with support at home, and who will enable you to make an informed choice about the equipment you may need.
Alternatively, contact First Point of Contact on 0345 678 9044 to arrange a care act assessment if you don't currently have social care input.
What is the eligibility criteria for assistive technology?
Care Act eligibility applies. When we receive referrals, we carry out a detailed screening process to determine the most suitable device for each person. We may also contact the referrer for more information if we're unsure as to which device would be best suited, and to establish risks etc.
Reviews
Once implemented, does the assistive technology get reviewed?
A series of implementation reviews will be carried out in the first stages of implementation until we reach the ‘successful’ stage.
Care Act reviews / reassessments will also be carried out as normal, and will consider the use of assistive technology within these assessments.
How does ongoing maintenance/PAT testing of the devices work - who does the tests?
This is managed by the suppliers as part of their contract.
Is the device updated automatically or does this have to be carried out manually by the client?
Yes, updates are managed by suppliers and automated. Information on any functionality changes as a result of the updates is shared with users and care providers.
Training
Who carries out training?
The allocated supplier will carry out training on the product during the initial implementation visit, and will also provide training for associated care providers.
Is there ongoing support for training and learning?
The allocated supplier will continue to offer support throughout, and where additional training is identified this will be arranged. The project team will also undertake reviews of the implementation during the trial stage.
Technical
Are the devices secure?
All devices are end-to-end encrypted and secure. There's no open access to webpages on any of them.
Do the devices require wifi?
Yes, all devices run via a wifi network and require a power socket to charge. If the client doesn't have wifi available at their property, they can still be referred into the project. In these cases, options such as a wifi dongles will be explored.
Children's services
Is provision for assistive technology available for children's services?
Yes.
Virtual Care Delivery Pilot (VCD)
How are you assessing for suitability for virtual care?
There's a dedicated social work resource who will confirm suitability based on the user’s ability to engage with the project and devices etc. The project team will be responsible for making the determination on the most appropriate device for each user that's put forward for the project.
If the tech has glitches and outages what happens?
Live data is used to monitor all device and user activity, so we can quickly identify if devices have been switched off or have lost connectivity.
What hours do the Virtual Care team operate?
The Virtual Care team are available 9am-5pm weekdays only. Out of hours and weekend hours provided by care providers won't change. However, the prompts and other aspects of the devices will operate every day and at all times required.