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Telecare and e-Care

ICT in Support of the Aged and Infirm

These days everyone recognises the importance of maintaining independence particularly as we get older and at the same time, there is a population of those with medical and other special requirements who will always require assistance. The care services offered by local authorities and the health services provide one form of assistance, while in recent times, the there is an increasing recognition of the value of technology to improve the ability for independent living. This has developed in two areas:

  • Support for the care services: The use of devices to log attendance and actions taken by care workers is becoming the norm, while devices such as smartcards to profile the client's requirements, cater for the frequent changes in care staff arriving to provide assistance to clients they have never met.
  • Telecare: Emergency pull-cords, emergency panic alarms worn on the wrist or round one's neck are in widespread use and represent the beginnings of Telecare, defined as the use of ICT to support people in their homes. But Telecare has come a long way and covers a range of services including
    • Alarm signalling: initiated by the client as described above
    • Alarm monitoring: managed by a central control, listening for client breathing, monitoring movement in the home, direct monitoring of heartbeat
    • Client monitoring: central reception of client statuses such as heart rate, blood pressure, sugar levels
    • Drug administration: central control of drug administration, for example, signalling to an injection device fitted to the client to administer an injection
    • Messaging: two way messaging from central control by voice or data to a digital tv set etc.

While telecare is a deserving and high growth industry, it only solves part of the problem; what happens when the client leaves home, perhaps using dial-a-ride services to go to the library? The ability to move telecare services out of the home is called e-care and in providing independence for people, is as vital as telecare. Not only does it give people independence as well as giving them back their dignity, it also frees up much needed support resources.

e-care extends telecare from the home by using wireless technology such as WiFi or more likely the 3G mobile network. Clearly the Internet provides a ubiquitous mechanism or linkage between the client and the controlling network once connectivity is achieved. In addition the use of RFID devices to identify and profile the client will be required, as well as the provision of adequate security over the network.

The ability to fully understand the operation and implication of new technologies and how they may be applied to those needing support to achieve a better level of independence, is a vital first step in developing and integrating specific solutions. For those who have already made some investment in telecare equipment there is a need to know how to expand and grow to take advantage of new technology developments without having to throw away the investment already made. In addition, to avoid many non-interoperable proprietary solutions, standards and common interface designs are required.

ALCO Consulting specialises in the understanding and application of new technology, as well as in helping to set standards and develop interfaces between new and legacy systems and equipment. Whether you are just embarking on telecare or are ready to consider moving toward a full e-care provision we can help. For further information contact us on info@alco.eu.com