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What is Technology Enabled Care?
Technology enabled care (TEC) is one of the solutions that we are using to help people live independently in their own homes, across Cornwall.
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) solutions encompass:
- assistive technology
- telecare
- telehealth
- telemedicine
- tele-coaching
These technologies provide health and care services at or near home, enabling people to live independently and safely.
TEC can help to put people in control of their own health, wellbeing and support. It helps to keep people safe, well and independent and offers them and their families and carers peace of mind.
Different types of TEC
- Assistive Technology is products or systems that help individuals with disabilities, restricted mobility, or other impairments to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. These devices improve or support daily quality of life by easing or compensating for an injury or disability
- Telehealth is equipment designed to help people manage long-term health conditions at home, allowing health monitoring without frequent GP visits
- Telecare is remote monitoring, alarm services, and technology devices that help people stay safe and independent at home
- Telemedicine is the use of technology to deliver clinical care at a distance.
- Telecoaching is technology and digital aids used to deliver coaching and support remotely
TEC can include commonly used home electronics such as Alexa, and also sensors and apps that can be set up to deliver a personalised service. These can be used to support fitness, health, care and wellbeing for individuals and carers. Other terms that you may hear to describe TEC services include:
- assistive technology
- digital health
- health IT
- mHealth (mobile health)
- eHealth (electronic health)
- smart home technologies
- artificial intelligence
- internet of things (also called IoT)
TEC Services Association explanation videos:
How to use Technology Enabled Care to Slow Progression of Need
The Digital Switchover: Analogue to Digital for Telecare Services
How could TEC help with my situation?
Technology Enabled care (TEC) includes a range of innovative technology that helps you to live at home independently, including:
- Lifeline personal alarms
- Fall detectors
- Movement sensors
- Carer pagers
TEC is a proven life-saving personal technology service, particularly as certain TEC solutions connect to the Alarm Response Centre (ARC) meaning that emergencies can be triaged through alerts from TEC solutions. The range of equipment on offer means you can have a personal care plan which is tailored to your needs. The range of sensors and alarms can give you peace of mind that someone will be alerted if something goes wrong. It will also give your family members or carers reassurance that someone will be alerted if you need them.
How TEC can support carers:
Corserv Care have worked in partnership with Cornwall Rural Community Charity as part of the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF) project since April 2024. This has involved supporting carers to manage their caring duties through the use of a TEC solution, Andi Hubs. We have found that TEC can benefit carers by supporting them to take breaks from their caring role with the knowledge that the cared for person is safe, and if anything happens, the carer can be alerted quickly.
Cornwall Council Case Study: Watch Grant Peace of Mind with Andi - the Person-Centred TEC Solution
How TEC has supported other people with their independence
See some typical examples in these videos:
- App supporting Cornish resident to live more independently
- Technology is supporting adults to live independently at Pendennis House in Wadebridge
- Mandy and how iCareiMove has made a huge difference to her life
- Robin on passive monitoring system helping support him and his partner Lesley with their independence
- Vera and how GPS technology is helping people to live independently in Cornwall
The wider TEC world in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly - what is happening?
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is here in Cornwall.
There are a number of projects and programmes across the CIoS Health and Care Partnership to update and embed TEC for Adult Social Care and Health across Cornwall.
For example, care homes in Cornwall have different levels of information technology (IT). This affects their ability to use technology enabled care and remote monitoring capability. The Care Homes and increasing digital capability page has more information on progress in this area.
We are also working with partners and universities to develop new technology to support people to meet their needs in different ways and to live more independent lives. Find out more about the programmes:
- Exeter University and partners' research project called Smartline
- University of Plymouth and partners' research project called EPIC
From time to time, the Council runs small capital grant scheme/s. These are a jigsaw type of funding stream to hopefully stimulate local TEC solutions for new or existing projects to use across Adult Social Care and health in Cornwall.