Sensors, alarms and monitors

Technology is becoming increasingly popular in supporting people’s independence in the home and community.

This could be something a person already has such as a smart speaker, smart tablet and smart phones.

These can be used to maintain a person’s routine through reminders, supporting them to stay connected and managing tasks such as shopping and correspondence.

There are also sensors, alarms, monitors and technologies such as Telecare, Telehealth, Telemedicine and self-care apps. These can transform the way people manage their health and social care needs in a way that is right for them. As part of this Kent County Council has launched its Technology Enhanced Lives Service to deliver these services to Kent residents.

The service is tailored to the person and makes use of technology a person may already own such as a phone or smart speaker and/or technology provided through the Technology Enhanced Lives service such as standalone technology, Wi-fi enabled devices, GPS, and sensors linked to a call monitoring and alert centre.

The monitoring and alert centre can help people live independently in their own homes by providing them, their carers, family, and friends reassurance that help is available in an emergency.

One of the more commonly known examples of equipment is the Lifeline and Pendant alarm. There is a unit placed in the home and connected to the telephone line or broadband; a built-in loudspeaker and microphone allow a hands-free conversation to a monitoring and alarm centre.

When activated, the equipment connects to the monitoring and alarm centre, where fully trained operators will speak through the unit. They will find out what kind of help is needed and take appropriate action, such as contacting a family member or friend, carer, neighbour or emergency services if required.

Not everyone will require a specialist technology and for some utilising what a person may already own is the preferred option. A common item a person might own could be a smart speaker. Smart speakers can be a great device to set up reminders for a person and to support routine during the day. Most smart speakers can also be linked to environment controls such as smart plugs and smart light bulbs to give a person better control of their home environment. Smart watches can also be used in a number of ways to support a person such as monitoring sleep routine, tracking health and enabling a person to call someone in an emergency. Mobile phone apps are increasingly popular and are able to offer a range of benefits that can make a difference to a person and provide reassurance to others.     

Technology Enhanced Lives service is centred around providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

• Take a look at our Technology House to explore adaptations, gadgets and gizmos to help around the home and out in the community
• View our Equipment House to see what equipment can help aid independence in the home