NEW technology used in adult social care is helping to transform people’s lives and give them more freedom in their daily lives.
Diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013 and facing serious mental health struggles, David thought he would never work again, live independently or even go for a walk in the countryside on his own
But Technology Enabled Care (TEC) has transformed his life. He now uses a falls alarm with GPS, a tablet and the Brain in Hand app, all provided through Dorset Council’s TEC lounge appointment system in Dorchester.
“If I was to have a seizure and fall to the ground, the alarm would send an alert to a call response centre,” he said.
“It has a GPS built in, so wherever I am, it will send an alert with my location. So it really gives you a sense of security. The battery lasts a long time, so that will do me a good day’s walking.”
Services are tailored for those with long-term health conditions, dementia, or disabilities, and are available via assessment to arrange installations
Amanda Shelvey, an occupational therapist with Dorset Council’s TEC team, said: “It is important to support people with their independence. It means that they have control over the decisions they want to make and can feel safe and be able to call for assistance when they want to.”
Like many people with epilepsy, David says memory is one of his biggest struggles. His tablet has eight different alarms, including visual prompts to remind him when to take his medication. He also uses the Brain in Hand app, which includes a traffic light system to help him manage his mental health.
“If you are struggling, you explain what you are struggling with – say anxiety or low mood,” he said. “It has solutions like doing a short breathing exercise or writing down what is making you feel how you are. In my case, I put on music.”d
David feels TEC is sometimes seen mainly as a way of making processes easier for the workforce, rather than as something that can transform an individual’s daily life. “It needs to be an enhancement to people’s care,” he said.
He has now started working part-time as a “voice of lived experience”, speaking up not just for himself but for other people who draw on care and support.
“I’ve been a carer for other people as well as having care and support needs myself,” he added. “I never thought I’d work again – I’m so pleased to be given this opportunity.”
Walking remains central to his wellbeing.
“Walking is so important to me – the elements – the wind, sun, rain, the grass, everything – it makes you feel alive,” he said.d
Talking about the care and support he has received, David added: “They’ve made a huge difference to my life – I wouldn’t be where I am today – working, thriving and living on my own without their support. Care can’t wait.”
