Telecare demonstration and training facility

CARERS, councillors, staff and members of the public are amongst those that have already visited a new Telecare demonstration and training facility in Carmarthenshire.

The facility, at Pant Y Boblen Sheltered Housing Scheme in Tycroes, is fully fitted with a wide range of equipment which is used to help people live independently in their own homes.

Telecare is an innovative system which uses a range of discreet equipment, including smoke, carbon monoxide and flood detectors, fall detectors and property exit sensors, to help people manage risks within their home environment.

The service is linked to the council’s 24/7 Careline+ monitoring service, and provides extra peace of mind for carers and relatives of older or vulnerable people living at home.

Should any of the detectors or sensors be activated, Careline+ operatives speak to service users in real-time to offer reassurance and call for appropriate help.

Telecare manager, Jeanette Munn, said: “Through partnership working with colleagues in the housing department, this demonstration and training facility has been a wonderful development. It is especially useful for carers and staff who can access further advice and also have hands-on experience learning about how each piece of equipment can benefit the service user.

“Members of the public can arrange to visit if they are helping an older or vulnerable relative or friend to make a decision about having Telecare installed.

“We’ve already had a lady coming to see the facility whose mum was thinking about using the service, and it has helped her to understand how it could be used around the home.”

She added: “We would welcome arranged visits from groups, or we can demonstrate some of the equipment at community group meetings if that is more convenient.”

Cllr Pat Jones, Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, is one of several local councillors that have visited the demonstration house in Pant Y Boblen.

She said: “Telecare is a service that can change a person’s life, giving them more independence and providing reassurance to relatives and carers. With over 1,400 packages installed across the county, it literally is saving people’s lives.

“This demonstration facility is an ideal way of showing the service in action, and gives people the opportunity to learn more about the various detectors and sensors and how they can be of benefit.”

For further information, or to arrange a visit, call 01558 825395.