Technology enabled care

Technology enabled care refers to the use of telehealth, telecare and telemedicine in providing care for people that is convenient, accessible and cost-effective. These services use technology to support people to live safely and independently in their own homes, and can be helpful to people at risk of falls.

Community alarms

If you’re worried about falling while you’re alone at home, a community (personal) alarm could help. Community alarms are designed to be carried with you, either as a pendant or wristband, allowing you to call for help even if you can’t reach a telephone.

Community alarms are usually connected with a fixed landline telephone. However, some community alarms now connect to mobile telephone networks via a built-in sim card.

In an emergency

In the event of a fall, you can use the alarm to call a 24-hour response centre. The operator will:

  • try to speak to you through the alarm unit’s built in microphone and loudspeaker without the need for you to lift the telephone handset
  • call the best person to help you – this could be a neighbour, relative, friend or the emergency services; in some areas there’s also a mobile team who’ll come and help you up from the floor

Enhanced telecare

There are a range of other automatic sensors that can be provided as part of a telecare package, including: 

  • automatic fall detectors – these are designed to be worn and will send an alert to a 24-hour response centre if they detect that you’ve fallen
  • bed and chair occupancy sensors – these are designed to send an alert if they detect that you’ve got up during the night and not returned to bed; these sensors can also be linked to your lamp, which’ll automatically switch on when you get out of bed which can reduce the risk of falls taking place at night

Further information

You can find more information about community alarms and telecare through Care Information Scotland.

Telecare Self-Check online tool

Visit the Telecare Self-Check online tool to find the right support for you in your area. This easy to use online tool allows you to find helpful information on telecare services that could help you live independently at home for longer.

Last updated:
14 March 2023

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