Telecare

What is telecare?

Telecare consists of a range of personal and environmental sensors that enable people to remain safe and independent in their own home for longer. It aims to provide reassurance 24 hours a day to those living on their own or caring for vulnerable people, helping you to stay safe and have the right support in crisis situations.

A basic alarm system will include a hub unit which is plugged in to your landline or broadband at home. You then have a button that you can wear around your neck or on your wrist. When you need help, you activate the button which creates a call through to a 24-hour monitoring centre. An operator in the call centre will arrange and co-ordinate the support that you need. Some systems can also expand to include other alerting devices, such as door sensors or automatic fall detection.

Who could benefit from the service?

Telecare may be able to help you if you're:

  • Worried about falling
  • Recently discharged from hospital and require additional support and assistance at home
  • Living alone
  • Caring for someone who needs extra help
  • Living with disabilities
  • Living with a long-term health condition, for example, dementia

Some examples of equipment available are:

  • Falls detector
  • Smoke alarms
  • Sensor pads
  • Sensor lights
  • Door sensors

Take a look at our options page for some examples of the equipment available.

Where do I get a community alarm service from?

Shropshire Council have an arrangement with Tunstall Healthcare (UK) Ltd to provide the 'community alarm service' in this area. If you're in receipt of a means-tested benefit and are eligible for a community alarm service, this can be provided with a monitoring charge of £3.45 per week, payable by direct debit or invoice. If you'd like to be assessed for a community alarm, please call 0345 678 9021. 

If you're looking to arrange telecare services privately, there are many providers who you can contact directly. There are some listed below for you to consider. Please note that Shropshire Council doesn't endorse or make any recommendations on their services.