Wanless Review TSA Press Release
3 April 2006
Securing Good Care For Older People
Securing Good Care for Older People
Wanless Social Care Review
March 2006
The Wanless review offers an authoritative independent analysis of the potential of Telecare. It captures and summarises data with which those involved in the industry will already be familiar. But set in this context, with the fanfare of publicity which surrounded its launch, the report must be seen as a further welcome endorsement. It will be especially valuable with audiences who perhaps still remain to be convinced, or who are looking for a degree of comfort from such a well respected source such as this.
The 310 page report dedicates a full six pages to Telecare in Chapter 9,
New Services and Technology. It reviews the likely impact and cost-effectiveness of the main new service models. The report concludes that:
"Often it is clear that these improve the quality of life of older people, but it can be harder to judge the overall impact on costs. Telecare brings health and social care directly to an older person, usually in their own homes, supported by information and communication technology. It has the potential to postpone and divert older people from moving into residential care and possibly hospital, and many pilot studies have shown positive results. But there has been no consensus over assessing costs, so it is difficult to model the future
Cost impact of the national implementation of Telecare. "
To those involved in the Telecare industry the Wanless endorsement is further welcome evidence of its potential. Paul Gee Chief Executive TSA, highlights the closing remarks in the Summary: "There is enough evidence now to bring Telecare services into the mainstream."
He continues: "TSA members already support the majority of the 1.5M entry level Telecare (social alarm) users in the
Telecare Services Association
www.telecare.org.uk