Lifeline and Technology Enabled Care
Technology Enabled Care refers to any gadget that is used to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing.
Used effectively, technology enabled care can:
- Promote independence;
- Improve confidence;
- Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
- Support a person to remain living at home;
- Help with memory and recall;
- Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
- Provide reassurance to carers and family members.
Lifeline is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre when, for example:
- A person falls; or
- A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
- A person needs assistance.
Examples of Lifeline equipment include:
- A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
- A falls alarm;
- A door sensor.
Technology Enabled Care and Lifeline can be provided:
- As part of an Enablement service; or
- To support hospital discharges; or
- Alongside services to meet on ongoing care and support needs; or
- Independent from all of the above.
It is available to people who live in:
- Their own home;
- Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
- Supported living;
- Extra Care;
- Shared lives placements.
If a person lives in residential or nursing care technology enabled care and Lifeline is normally the responsibility of the provider to assess and arrange.
In the 'local staff guidance' section of the council intranet there is a 'Signposting Tool for Community Solutions in Cornwall'.
This tool can be used to provide information and advice on all matters relating to Lifeline and Technology Enabled Care.
Information about current charges can be found in Cornwall Council's Charging Policy.
If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any technology enabled care or Lifeline that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.
Technology Enabled Care and Lifeline should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.
Any social care practitioner can assess the need for Technology Enabled Care and Lifeline as part of a needs assessment if they are confident to do so.
Lifeline and Technology Enabled Care should be arranged in line with local processes and requirements.
All monitoring activity should be recorded in line with local recording requirements.
At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease.
Any technology enabled care or Lifeline that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.
Repairs to Lifeline and Technology Enabled Care should be arranged and carried out in line with local processes and requirements.
Lifeline and Technology Enabled Care should be removed in line with local processes and requirements.
Note: If a review has determined that technology enabled care or Lifeline equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.
Last Updated: December 2, 2024
v37
