Assistive Technology and Telecare
Assistive technology (AT) refers to any gadget that is used to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing.
Used effectively, assistive technology can:
- Promote independence;
- Improve confidence;
- Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
- Support a person to remain living at home;
- Help with memory and recall;
- Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
- Provide reassurance to carers and family members.
Examples of assistive technology include:
- Bath boards;
- Raised toilet seat; and
- Bed lever.
Telecare is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre or someone in the same property when, for example:
- A person falls; or
- A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
- A person needs assistance.
Examples of Telecare equipment include:
- A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
- A falls alarm;
- A door sensor.
Assistive technology and Telecare can be provided:
- As part of a Reablement/Rehabilitation service; or
- To support Transfer of Care Services; or
- Alongside services to meet on ongoing care and support needs; or
- Independent from all of the above.
It is available to people who live in:
- Their own home;
- Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
- Supported living;
- Extra Care;
- Shared lives placements.
If a person lives in residential or nursing care you should refer to local policy about who should make the arrangements.
The Southwark Council dedicated webpage has a good source of information about Assistive Technology and Telecare. It contains relevant external links and details about where people can purchase equipment and gadgets from independently
See: Equipment and gadgets to help you with your daily activities
All one off assistive technology equipment is provided at no charge to the person.
A financial assessment will determine any contribution payable by the person for Telecare. Charges can increase or decrease on an annual basis so always check with the Telecare Team for the latest rates.
E-mail: Telecare@southwark.gov.uk
Telephone: 0207 525 1136.
If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any assistive technology or Telecare that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.
Assistive technology and Telecare should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.
Any social care practitioner can refer for assistive technology and Telecare as part of a needs assessment.
If advice or guidance is required at any point during the assessment the specialist Telecare Team can provide support.
E-mail: Telecare@southwark.gov.uk
Telephone: 0207 525 1136.
The internal referral process for assistive technology and Telecare is via Mosaic.
External referrals should be made using a referral form. This can be provided by Telecare Duty:
E-mail: Telecare@southwark.gov.uk
Where there is a need to monitor the effectiveness of any Assistive Technology or Telecare provided the referrer or social care practitioner with case management or review responsibility for the person's case should undertake this role.
All monitoring activity should be recorded on case observation notes and the Telecare Team should be notified of any concerns or queries.
At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease.
The SMART or Telecare Team will arrange to carry out an annual review of the Assistive technology or Telecare in place.
If the person also has a Care and Support Plan, the practitioner carrying out the statutory review of that plan should establish the outcome of any assistive technology or Telecare review that has taken place. If the review has not yet taken place efforts should be made to carry out a joint review process to avoid duplication for the person. Any changes to the assistive technology or Telecare made following a review should be reflected in the Care and Support Plan.
Outside of scheduled reviewed advice or guidance can be sought from the specialist Telecare Team as required if it appears equipment is:
- Not being used appropriately; or
- Not effective in managing risk.
Any faulty or broken equipment should be bought to the attention of the Telecare Team.
E-mail: Telecare@southwark.gov.uk
Telephone: 0207 525 1136.
If assistive technology or Telecare is no longer required the SMART or Telecare Team should be notified so they can arrange collection of the equipment.
Once equipment has been removed the SMART or Telecare Team should end any Mosaic workflow, including the Personal Budget if the person has no other services.
Note: If a review has determined that assistive technology or Telecare equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.
Last Updated: May 16, 2025
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