Equipment and adaptations

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is the umbrella term that is used to describe how technology can be used to support your health and wellbeing and help you live safely and independently at home for longer.

‘Technology enabled care’ includes telehealth, telecare, telemedicine, telecoaching and self-care services that can put people in control of their own health, wellbeing and support.

How can technology help you?

Technology, especially when connected to the internet, can be a lifeline for many people, especially if you're older, have a disability or have an illness.

TEC also can include personalised sensors and apps that can support fitness, health, care and wellbeing for you and your carers.

Other terms used to cover TEC services include assistive technology, digital health, health IT, mHealth, eHealth, smart home technologies, artificial intelligence and internet of things just to name a few.

This type of digital or 'smart' ‘assistive’ technology can:

• alert others if you might need help, for example, if you have a fall
• allow you to control your home environment
• keep you connected to friends, family and your community

Types of technology

Sensors, monitors and alarms

These are devices can be worn or fitted around your home.

Some examples of this technology include: 

• wearable alarms which either send automatic alerts or can be activated by you manually
• lights which come on when you move, to keep you safe
• video doorbells which can show you who is at the door, so you can decide whether to answer it or not
• devices that will help people find you if you sometimes get lost

Digital assistants 

These are internet-connected devices that can help you with everyday tasks and managing your home environment. 

You can interact with them by asking questions or giving instructions verbally.

For example, you can use them to: 

• set reminders to take medication at a certain time of day 
• play music or a radio station 
• control things in your home such as lighting or heating
• keep in touch with friends and family

Digital assistants at home are often used in the form of 'smart speakers' such as Google Home or Amazon Echo and are not provided by the service.

Mobile apps 

There are thousands of apps you can use on your smartphone or tablet to:

• monitor your health, fitness and wellbeing
• make video calls to your friends, family or carer
• keep safe
• stay connected by using social media

These apps often don't cost much, and can sometimes be free. Here's a list of NHS-approved apps.

You can also search on Orcha, who are commissioned by the NHS support them with reviewing the NHS health apps.

How can we help you access technology to support you at home?

We may recommend and provide some assistive technology following a community care assessment which will look at all your needs and at the outcomes you want to be able to achieve and check whether any of them meet the national eligibility criteria for adult social care supports.

To request an assessment, please complete the online contact form or contact your local social work office.

Our assessor will work with you to create a support plan for your eligible social care needs.

Together, we’ll work out how much your independence and wellbeing is at risk if you don’t have help.

Paying for technology

You may already have some of it in your life but didn't know that it could help with keeping you independent and well.

You and your family may be able to pay for the technology you need privately. Arranging it yourself may be quicker and give you more choice and control.

You may be able to find what you need from:

• large retailers
• specialist technology and health shops online
• app stores using a smartphone or other mobile device 
• Alzheimer Scotland website
• Making Life Easier

If you need financial support

We may be able to help if you're not sure what to buy or need financial support. However, there will be limits to what we can do.

The technology flat

We have launched an innovative project at:

26 Gibb Grove
Bellshill
ML4 3FD

This showcases how technology can promote safety, wellbeing and independence within the home. 

A team of 14 staff are available by appointment to demonstrate how smart technology can be used to control small household appliances such as kettles, lamps and televisions.

Our staff will also demonstrate how we use assistive technology to alert people if help is needed within the home and to provide reassurance to carers.

To arrange a visit to the technology flat, email techflat@northlan.gov.uk