A techie way of taking care

The extreme weather shouldn't knock the confidence of over 800 vulnerable residents who are safer in their homes thanks to a palm sized piece of technology being used by Brent Council to promote independence and security.



Telecare, a system which uses sensors and alarms installed in residents' homes to notify emergency services or loved ones when help is needed, is being used by a record number of Brent residents.

Telecare is available to anyone in Brent regardless of age and is helping the increasing number of residents who need help or support, due to old age, vulnerability or disability, but who still want to live at home and keep their independence.


The sensors can detect if a sink or bath is overflowing, the gas has been left on, there is a fire or if a person has fallen and cannot get up.



At the push of a button, usually worn around the neck or on the wrist, the system alerts a call centre and a member of staff on the other end will talk to the person in their home and check they are ok or arrange emergency help if necessary. Telecare can even detect if the temperature in a clients home has dropped to a dangerous level and alert them to increase their heating.



Cecila Sam, 75, from Kilburn is just one of the many residents benefiting from this system. Cecila had her Telecare system installed in her home four years ago and says she ‘wouldn't be without her little friend'.



An active grandmother and mother of two, Cecila was diagnosed with Ataxia which slows her speech and makes her very unsteady on her feet and prone to falls. Previously a busy catering manager for BT, Cecila had an active social life which she was determined would be unaffected by her illness. She had no desire to move out of her home or have a carer move in and has found the Telecare system to be the perfect solution.


"If you want to carry on with your lifestyle then get Telecare."



"Its gives you the reassurance that your not alone. When I was first diagnosed I used to be so cautious about getting around but I am so confident now that I have my little friend. Two years ago I fell down, I didn't hurt myself, but I pressed my pendent just in case. Immediately someone from the call centre spoke to me and checked I was ok, then they called my daughter to let her know of my fall and she was here - just like that."



Cllr Reg Colwill Lead Member for Adults, Health and Social Care said: "The bad weather and snow has meant that people are staying in their homes unable to venture out and check on their loved ones as often as they may like. Telecare is vital in these types of situations.



"If a client is spending more of their time at home then they need to know help is close at hand even if a friend or family member isn't. It also gives there loved one some peace of mind knowing someone can be there for them straight away."


The Telecare service also offers medication dispensers that remind clients when to take their tablets, provides epilepsy sensors placed in clients beds or property sensors which can detect if a client has left their home or their door open. All of which alerts the contact centre who will call the client directly or notify a loved one.