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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.

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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Individual alarms and pendant triggers

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.

Bed or chair occupancy sensor

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.

Flood detector

Triggered by a blocked sink, bath or a tap left running accidentally.

Smoke 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.

Carbon monoxide detector

Raises an alert to the monitoring centre if unusually high levels of carbon monoxide are detected.

Bogus caller button

Placed by the door with a two-way speech function. It enables help to be summoned if the user is worried by unwanted callers.

Fall detector

This sensor detects a sudden drop to the floor and after 15 seconds will activate an alert to the monitoring centre.

Temperature extreme sensor

Triggers an alert if the household temperature becomes unsafe.

Property exit 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.

 

Cost

The cost of technology enabled care depends on the sensors and alarms you have. Charges include:

  • £32.50 one-off installation charge
  • £18.60 per month for a basic lifeline and pendant or wrist alarm
  • £26 per month for a basic lifeline plus additional sensors (for example linked smoke alarms, bed monitor)

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 £18.30 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)

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: 

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.

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