Assistive technology

New technology can help us live independently and stay in control of our own health and wellbeing. You may hear this kind of technology referred to as telecare and telehealth.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth equipment is designed to help people who live at home to manage their long-term health conditions. These devices allow you to monitor your health without having to keep visiting your GP.

When you get equipment you will be shown how to take readings and send them automatically to a health professional who will check your results and keep an eye on your health needs.

How could telehealth help me?

Here are some ways telehealth can help you if you have long-term health conditions.

• If you have high blood pressure, a monitor can help you measure your blood pressure at home and automatically send the results to your GP.
• If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you can get a device that measures levels of oxygen in your blood to show how well you’re breathing. Your doctor or nurse can check these readings and give you help at an early stage.
• If you’re diabetic, a glucose meter can keep a check on your blood sugar levels. You can also get a low blood sugar alarm that looks like a wristwatch. You wear it at night to warn you if your blood sugar drops when you’re asleep.
• If you get recurring urinary infections, a simple telehealth device can test for this. You send the results electronically to your healthcare professional so you can get early treatment.

Ask your GP, health visitor, or community nurse about what is available in your area and whether you’re suitable for telehealth monitoring.

What is telecare?

Telecare refers to devices that detect when a person has had a problem, and send alerts to a designated call centre which then organises assistance. 

For example, the alert might get sent if you left the gas on by accident, or a personal alarm would allow you to call for help if you had a fall.

How to get telecare products and services

There are different ways you can access telecare services:

• You may be eligible for help from your local council. Contact your local adult social services department and ask for a free care needs assessment. Depending on your needs, you may have a telecare service provided. Ask whether there’s a trial telecare scheme in place so you can make sure it’s suited to your needs.
• Speak to your GP or an occupational therapist. They may recommend a telecare system as part of a continuing health or care package, but there’s often a charge for telecare services.

Age Cymru's Factsheet 42w Obtaining disability equipment and home adaptations in Wales also has further information on this topic.