Can it be tried before there is a commitment to the service? Expand Yes, we can provide a trial installation to allow the person who will be supported to check whether technology can meet their needs and is right for them. There will be a small cost associated with this which will be refunded against the subscription/service fees upon confirming a permanent package.
How does TECS work? Expand Following a detailed TECS assessment completed by Cornerstone’s Responder team, we will develop an individual package of technology sensors which meet the supported persons individual support needs, chosen lifestyle and desired outcomes. The collection of data from sensors is only the first stage in the process. The platform is then programmed with a set of Rules that are unique to the person being supported which then determine the notifications or alerts that will be automatically triggered when parameters are exceeded for the Responder team to action. For example, different rules may apply to alerts triggered at weekends when the supported persons chosen living pattern is different to that during the week.
Is TECS suitable for everyone? Expand Technology is not right for everyone, for example, it may not be well-suited for individuals with complex needs. We will work with the person who is to be supported and their support network (family/social work/health team), our technology providers and our Responder team to undertake a detailed TECS assessment to establish whether a technology installation can support that individual to live the life that they desire. If this cannot be established, we will work with the supported individual to help them to determine other ways in which we may be able to enhance their service. We will never install technology into a home just because we can. We will only use technology when we can demonstrate a benefit to individuals and make a positive difference in their life.
Is the technology only for monitoring overnight support? Expand TECS does not stop when the sun comes up! While technology is particularly well suited for linking to an overnight responder service as a cost-effective alternative to sleepover support, it has applicability to daytime support. The technology has applications 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Is the technology proven? Expand Yes, the continuous, automatic, remote monitoring of real-time data to manage the risks of independent living has been available for many years. The capabilities have been expanded with technological advancements and we are now able to use data to provide meaningful insights which were not possible through more traditional types of monitoring available, such as static door alerts of emergency pull cords.
What if the person being supported needs to speak to someone? Expand The individual’s bespoke technology installation can include a tablet which provides voice and video capabilities that will be set up with Rules in line with GDPR for the Responder team to action. An enhancement to the technology platform is the Carezapp Companion App (downloadable from the Apple Appstore or Google Play Store) which allows communication links to be established to the supported persons family and wider circle as appropriate.
What is TECS? Expand TECS stands for Technology Enabled Care and Support. Cornerstone’s TECS service combines cutting-edge technology with our local Responder Service to replace, where appropriate, traditional methods of service delivery based on paid support whilst still providing a truly personalised service.
What type of sensors will be installed? Expand This will depend on the supported persons TECS assessment, their chosen lifestyle and their desired outcomes. We use a range of ‘best of breed’ sensors including but not exclusive to the following: Motion sensor to detect real-time movements in a room or zone. Contact sensor to detect open and closed events such as from doors or windows. Action button that is customised to be pushed at any time from the desired location. Occupancy sensor to see if a person is going to bed at the usual time or staying in bed during the night. Enuresis (incontinence) sensor suitable for a bed, pillowcases, chair, or wheelchair to detect moisture. Epilepsy bed monitor that detects tonic-clonic seizures. Smoke sensor that is a smoke detector and fire alarm in one. CO sensor that detects precise measurements of carbon monoxide. Flood sensor that detects a water leak or changes in temperatures. Tablet that can be used to communicate using video or voice calls to the person being supported.
Will the person being supported be at higher risk? Expand No, in many respects the person being supported will be safer as the real time data from the sensors allows automatic notifications and alerts to be generated and timely responses to be triggered. The knowledge that this automatic, continuous monitoring is being remotely monitored and is receiving appropriate responses from Cornerstone’s local qualified and experienced Responder team will give the person being supported and their family peace of mind. Added to this, the ability to analyse the data over time to give a more detailed picture of the supported persons patterns assists in planning with all relevant professional’s involvement, for more meaningful outcomes.