Request technology enabled care
Technology enabled care (telecare) is a remote monitoring service, using sensors and emergency alarms which can help you live safely and independently in your home.
It gives you, your family and carers the reassurance that help is at hand if you need it.
Any home can be fitted with technology enabled care.
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How technology enabled care works
Technology enabled care supports by raising an alert if:
- you have fallen
- a smoke, carbon monoxide or natural gas detector alarm is activated
- there is flooding in your home
- it is too cold or too hot in your home
- if you have left the house at unusual time of the day
- a main door has been left open
The alert is raised to the monitoring centre. Alerts are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What happens when the alarm is triggered
When a sensor is activated or you press an alarm, the person at the monitoring centre will immediately know who is calling and what type of sensor or alarm has triggered the call.
They will offer support by talking to you over a speaker unit or send the appropriate help depending on the nature of the alert.
You may have a family member, friend or neighbour who you would like the monitoring centre to contact if you need help.
If you do not have anyone to call on
You can still have technology enabled care if you do not have anyone to call on. If you fall or if you need medical assistance, the monitoring centre can contact the emergency services.
We also have a responder service who, when capacity allows, may help you in some situations as long as you have a key safe that holds a key to your home.
Different sensors and alarms
There is a range of equipment available for technology enabled care. Find out about some of the most common types of sensors or alarms below.
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By pressing the button on a pendant worn around the neck or wrist or the call button on a small unit, you will be put through to the monitoring centre. Individual alarms and pendant triggers
A pad placed under the mattress or seat cushion which detects when you have left the bed or chair. The sensor can also be programmed to raise an alert if you have not returned to bed within a pre-set time. Bed or chair occupancy sensor
Triggered by a blocked sink, bath or a tap left running accidentally. Flood detector
Works in the same way as a usual smoke detector by sounding an alarm to alert you if there is excessive smoke. The alarm also triggers an alert to the monitoring centre. Smoke detector
Raises an alert to the monitoring centre if unusually high levels of carbon monoxide are detected.Carbon monoxide detector
Placed by the door with a two-way speech function. It enables help to be summoned if the user is worried by unwanted callers. Bogus caller button
This sensor detects a sudden drop to the floor and after 15 seconds will activate an alert to the monitoring centre. Fall detector
Triggers an alert if the household temperature becomes unsafe. Temperature extreme sensor
This is placed by a front or back door. It checks for people leaving a building at unusual times of the day or night. A delay can also be set so that an alert is only raised if someone does not return within a set period. It can also detect if a main exit door has been left open.Property exit sensor
Cost
The cost of technology enabled care depends on the sensors and alarms you have. Charges from 8 April 2024 include:
- £34.80 one-off installation charge
- £19.90 per month for a basic lifeline and pendant or wrist alarm
- £27.80 per month for a basic lifeline plus additional sensors (for example linked smoke alarms, bed monitor)
- £10 per month for monitoring only (for people who use their own equipment)
These charges do not include VAT. You may be exempt from VAT if you make a declaration.
There is no further installation charge for additional sensors added at a later date.
The charge for lost or damaged equipment, will include the cost of the equipment plus £19.60 for delivery and reinstallation.
If a sensor or alarm is activated, you may also pay for the cost of the phone call to the monitoring centre.
Payment
Payment for the initial installation and subsequent service is by direct debit.
You will receive a form to set up the direct debit. If you need help completing the form, let the telecare installer know.
How to request technology enabled care
You can request equipment online by using the button below and logging into your South Gloucestershire Council online account.
You can also request technology enabled care by:
- phone: 01454 868007 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Fridays 8.30am to 4.30pm)
- email: CSODesk@southglos.gov.uk
For online requests you will need to set up an online account with us if you do not already have one. You can ask for someone you know to act on your behalf if you need help managing your services with us.
How to set up and manage an online account with us.
Request a review of your current care
You can also use the phone number and email address above to request a review of your current care.
What happens next
When you request technology enabled care, we will contact you to arrange a home visit so we can recommend the most suitable solution.
Get advice
You can discuss your needs with us if you would like further advice by:
- phone: 01454 868007 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Fridays 8.30am to 4.30pm)
- text: 07950 080111
Privacy notice
Learn how we collect, use and share your data in our privacy notice for the technology enabled care service.
Terms and conditions
Before you request technology enabled care you must accept our terms and conditions.