According to figures from Carers Trust, there are around 6.5 million carers in the UK (one in eight people). And with an ageing population, this figure is rising.
Alarmingly, 72% of carers said they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring. Each year Carers Rights Day brings organisations together to help carers in the local community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to.
This year Carers Rights Day is 24 November 2022. Carers UK website is a great resource if you look after someone and you want to know your rights as a carer and find out about the practical and financial support available.
Despite campaigns like Carers Week raising awareness, it’s important that more systems are put in place to support those who have a duty of care. Here are four telecare solutions that are designed to help:
Personal alarm pendant
This is a discrete device that can be worn around the wrist or neck. Push the button and an alarm is immediately raised. It offers 24-hour support for the individual and round the clock reassurance for the carer.
How does it work?
The pendant works with the personal alarm service, raising a call to the 24-hour contact centre if an emergency arises. Here the caller’s name, address and medical details are instantly displayed on an operator’s screen. The operator can offer support through the personal alarm unit’s loudspeaker whilst help is arranged.
How does it help?
This device allows carers to leave the house, take a break and sleep soundly knowing that they will be informed if anything happens.
450 GPS tracker
Small discrete GPS device that allows the carer to accurately track their loved if they leave the house. This is especially helpful when trying to locate someone prone to wandering, for example someone with dementia.
How does it work?
If in need of assistance outdoors, the wearer can press a SOS button to call straight through to our team who will provide help quickly. Geofencing ‘safe zones’ can also be set up so the carer/operator will be altered if they leave this area.
How does it help?
The 450 allows carers to leave the house whilst being reassured their family member will be able to be located if they left the home without telling anyone where they have gone. The *new* app i-care® plus also allows the carer to be involved directly in the care of a loved one through alerts and access to information and insights.
KeySafe
This is a simple way to keep a set of keys safe, whilst giving carers peace of mind. Fitted outside a property, the Supra C500 KeySafe is a secure and police approved solution.
How does it work?
This device can only be opened with a unique code. In the event of an emergency, Careium will pass this code onto the emergency services. Importantly, they can then enter the property without forcing entry.
How does it help?
Carers can quickly access the property without having to carry a spare key. For individuals, KeySafe can be lifesaving. Furthermore, they don’t need to worry about leaving a key under the mat or in a plant pot; This system is completely secure.
Telephone Checking Service
How does it work?
Our telephone checking service operators will call your loved one at certain agreed times to remind them to, for example, take pills, check they’ve eaten and gently remind them that it is time to go to bed if they have dementia.
How does it help?
Our telephone check-up service ensures that carers can leave the house for short periods of time knowing their loved one is being supported at home through telephone calls. It can help also those who have anxiety, live alone or have memory issues.
Call 0300 333 6511 or email [email protected] for more advice and support on how telecare can support carers.