Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

This is a general term that describes the monitoring of environmental sensors, personal alarms and activity monitoring. Alerts from these devices are monitored by alarm receiving centres (ARCs).

Reactive emergency services built on monitoring sensors in the homes of older and vulnerable people

Telecare services offer remote care of frail and physically less able people, providing the reassurance needed to allow them to remain living in their own homes. Typically, a monitoring service is provided which will escalate alarm activations to a named responder or, if appropriate, the emergency services.

Technology that enables you to remain independent and safe in your own home, by linking your home with a monitoring centre that can respond to problems. Examples are pendant alarms that you wear round your neck, automatic pill dispensers, and sensors placed in your home to detect if you have fallen or to recognise risks such as smoke, floods or gas-leaks. The monitoring centre is staffed by trained operators who can arrange for someone to come to your home or contact your family, doctor or emergency services.

There is widespread confusion over the specific meanings of terms used in the Care Technology sector (Telecare, Tech Enabled Care, Care Tech, Assistive Tech, Telehealth, Telemedicine etc). There is an urgent need for a clear set of definitions covering (a) the different types of care tech (reactive vs preventative/predictive), (b) the distinction between technological products and physical aids, (c) the level of proactive input required from the care recipient.