Getting older
Technology Enabled Care (TEC)
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) refers to the use of digital tools and technology to support health, care, and wellbeing, helping individuals live independently through remote monitoring, personalized health and care management, and timely interventions.
TEC includes smart home devices, movement sensors, personal alarms, and fall detectors to manage risks and enhance safety. A key form of TEC is Telecare, which functions as a monitoring and alert system, providing reassurance to users, carers, family, and friends that emergency help is available 24/7. By utilizing digital tools for continuous support, Telecare enables individuals to live safely and independently for longer in their own homes.
AskSARA (Self-Assessment Rapid Access)
AskSARA (Self-Assessment Rapid Access) is a needs-based assessment tool that you can use for yourself or on behalf of someone else to assist with daily living activities and provides a personalised report along with recommendations for potential aids and services that may be beneficial.
Get advice to making daily living easier
In this section
- How does TeleCare work?
- How smartphones and voice-enabled devices support independent living
- How much does Telecare cost?
- What do I need to fit Telecare?
- Apply for Telecare
- Telecare repairs and replacements
- Digital switchover
How does TeleCare work?
TeleCare links alarms, sensors and equipment in your home to an adviser in the Alarm Response Centre.
Devices no longer need to be connected to a phone line, as they have a SIM card that connects to the response centre when the pendent alarm is pressed.
How smartphones and voice-enabled devices support independent living
Here are some useful alternatives you may consider using if you have a smart phone or a voice-enabled device such as Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, which can perform tasks such as playing music, setting reminders or controlling other smart devices in your home.
Medication reminders
Set alarms or use apps like Medisafe to remind users to take their medication on time.
Smart devices can announce reminders out loud, which is helpful for those with memory issues.
Emergency assistance
Voice-activated calling allows you to call family or emergency services without needing to dial.
Apps like Red Panic Button or built-in features like Apple Emergency SOS can be life-saving.
Home automation and safety
Smart lights and thermostats can be voice-controlled or automated to prevent falls and improve comfort.
Smart doorbells (e.g., Ring) allow older adults to see whos at the door without getting up.
Staying connected
Video calling (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom) keeps you in touch with family and friends.
Smart devices can read out and reply to messages, reducing the need to type.
Our digital and IT provision offers a range of courses that will give you the skills, confidence and knowledge you need to digitally manage your everyday life.
Voice-controlled assistance
Alexa and Google Assistant can answer questions, read news, give weather updates, and even tell jokes to keep you engaged.
Voice commands make these devices easy to use for those with vision or mobility issues.
Entertainment, activities, and mental stimulation
Audiobooks, podcasts, and music streaming can keep the mind active.
Games like crossword puzzles and trivia can be played through smart devices.
The council offers two 12-week programmes for free to support residents in building strength and reducing falls, along with some exercise videos you can do at home.
We have a range of support groups and activities, borrowable resources, physical activity opportunities and events and trips for residents living with dementia.
Shopping and meal planning
Voice assistants can help order groceries online or remind you about upcoming grocery trips.
Meal planning apps and recipe suggestions make cooking easier and healthier.
Transportation and navigation
Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft can be used to book rides without needing to drive.
Google Maps and voice navigation assist with independent travel.
How much does TeleCare cost?
This service is free to residents aged 75 and over. The service is also available to other residents who are not eligible for a free service for a cost.
For additional equipment, above the standard TeleCare base unit and pendent, an assessment will need to take place to assess additional needs and which equipment may be best placed to support you. Any additional charge will be included in your financial assessment.
The basic equipment supplied is a TeleCare base unit and pendent and the service is charged weekly, varying from £1.30 to £5.74 depending on whether a responder service is required.
Basic equipment own responder's service
The standard service comprising of a TeleCare base unit and pendant, the resident must have 2 named responders who hold a key and agree to respond to an emergency any time (£1.30 per week)
Basic equipment Hillingdon responders' service
In addition to the standard equipment, this also includes access to a mobile response service for those residents who do not have named responders (£5.74 per week)
What do I need to fit Telecare?
You will need:
- 2 named responders within a 5 mile radius
- a key safe for emergency access
- an electrical plug socket
Apply for TeleCare
To apply for TeleCare, complete our online form.
If you need help with your application or would like further information, please call Social Care Direct on 01895 556633.
TeleCare repairs and replacements
If you are an existing TeleCare user and need to request a repair or replacement, please use our online form.
Requests/issues may include:
- replacement pendants
- replacement neck or wrist straps
- low batteries
- equipment flashing or beeping
- issues with connection to the call centre.
If you are having trouble with the TeleCare between 9am to 5pm, call 01895 556633.
If you need assistance outside of these hours, please ring 01895 250111 or press your TeleCare pendant.
I no longer need my TeleCare equipment
If you have a TeleCare system (supplied by Hillingdon Council) that is no longer required, you can drop this off at one of our libraries or the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.
Please note: do not remove the batteries from the units when returning to the library or the Civic Centre so they can be easily issued to another resident.
Digital switchover
Landline telephone services in the UK are switching to a fully-digital network. This means phone calls will be carried out over the internet (instead of analogue landlines). This is what's known as the digital switchover.
If your telephone service has already been upgraded to digital, we recommend carrying out a test call once a month to ensure it's working as expected.
If you receive a request from your telecomms provider to upgrade you phone to digital, please make sure you inform them that you have a TeleCare alarm system in place.