More residents are set to benefit from the installation of potentially life-saving technology in the home.
The new ‘Telecare’ system fits electronic sensors throughout the home of a vulnerable person.
The type of sensor used will depend on the needs of the individual but can include systems to detect an overflowing bath, extremes of temperature and the occupant’s movement around the home.
In Wandsworth the information will be relayed to the housing department’s 24 hour control centre. Emergency wardens will identify the problem and contact carers and other services if necessary.
If carers are not available a warden will call at the premises.
The scheme is designed to help older people who may be confused or suffer from dementia to remain living in their own home.
The first users will be connected to the system in January with numbers expected to rise steadily to around 100 over a two-year period.
The growing availability of technology as an aid for people living alone will also be promoted by the housing department’s WATCH scheme. Users, who have personal alarms linked to the control centre, will be able to install simple temperature, fire and flood detectors linked to their alarm system.
Cabinet member for social services Vanessa Graham said:
"The Telecare service is aimed at the most vulnerable older people living alone for all or part of the day . It will bring huge peace of mind to carers who simply cannot be there at all times of the day and night.
“The system can make a real difference to the quality of life for people by enabling them to remain living at home for a little longer.
"Technology will never replace home care but it can help to take a little of the worry out of caring for an older person."
The council has already agreed to fund a £30,000 pilot project. The first sensors will be installed this month.. The two-year expansion will start in April at an annual cost of £164,000.
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