Suchergebnisse

The fear of falling in older people can affect health, well‐being, care needs and quality of life. Fall‐monitoring equipment that can automatically raise a call for assistance is increasingly being developed, and may reduce the fear of falling. This study sought to discover the views of users and providers on technology of this type of and to quantify the impact fall detectors have on the fear of falling. The results of the study suggest that fall‐monitoring equipment is not considered routinely as part of a care package, and knowledge of devices is poor. A trial of automatic fall detectors provided indicated that they may reduce fear of falling for certain users and so should be considered in falls management, but more evidence and understanding are required to appreciate both the benefits and shortfalls of providing equipment of this sort.

The launch of the £80m Preventative Technology Grant in 2006 has resulted in a considerable interest in telecare. Yet where in this emerging area should efforts be concentrated, and what lessons can be learnt from previous trials to aid future deployments? Based on practical experience and the work of the Housing & Telecare Learning & Improvement Networks at the Care Service Improvement Partnership (CSIP), Department of Health, this paper presents some of the common issues experienced and identified when implementing telecare. It makes a number of useful suggestions on how organisations working across housing, health and social care can make best use of telecare when planning, commissioning and delivering services.