Skip to content

Working Together To Safeguard Children 2026 Update.

The Mental Health Act 2025 Reforms.

Company Logo
Assistive Technology and Telecare

Assistive Technology and Telecare

1.1 Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to any gadget that is used to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing.

Used effectively, assistive technology can:

  1. Promote independence;
  2. Improve confidence;
  3. Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
  4. Support a person to remain living at home;
  5. Help with memory and recall;
  6. Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
  7. Provide reassurance to carers and family members.

1.2 Telecare

Telecare is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre when, for example:

  1. A person falls; or
  2. A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
  3. A person needs assistance.

Examples of Telecare equipment include:

  1. A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
  2. A falls alarm;
  3. A door sensor.

2. Assistive Technology or Telecare

Advice and information about equipment that can help people stay independent is available on the Somerset Council website.

See: Equipment to help you

Assistive Technology

Our assistive technology policy is currently under development and further information will be provided in due course.

3. The Care and Support Plan

If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any assistive technology or Telecare that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.

4. Establishing the Need for Assistive Technology or Telecare

Assistive technology and Telecare should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.

Any social care practitioner can assess the need for assistive technology and Telecare as part of a needs assessment if they are confident to do so.

5. Reviewing Assistive Technology and Telecare

Any assistive technology or Telecare that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.

Note: If a review has determined that assistive technology or Telecare equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.

Last Updated: December 16, 2022

v23