Agenda item

            The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Adults and Community  on the Telecare Strategy 2010-2015.

            Members were advised that the Griffiths report into community care in 1988, placed a strong emphasis on the importance of establishing services to help people live in their own homes and retain independence, dignity and choice with an emphasis on early intervention. A number of policy documents had reinforced this approach and the use of technology had proven increasingly effective in maintaining people’s independence without the need for intrusive costly care.

            Attached to the report was the Telecare Service Evaluation document. Telecare had been operating successfully in Halton for over three years and had helped to improve people’s independence and confidence by allowing them to remain at home longer. The lifeline service was provided to 1765 people and 70 people received a service using environmental telecare sensors. The aim was to increase this service using environmental sensors to an additional 283 people.

            RESOLVED: That

1)                 the Strategy and Implementation Plan be approved; and

2)                 the establishment of a dedicated telecare team be approved.