Telecare on track for Edinburgh

15 February 2007

The City of Edinburgh Council, Services for Communities in partnership with NHS Lothian has received a grant from the Scottish Executive of £565, 711 to develop telecare services. Telecare is assistive technology tailored to support individuals' needs so that they can live in their own home. It is of particular benefit to people who are vunerable. The Council and NHS Lothian are committed to enabling older people with support needs to be cared for at home rather than in care homes and hospital.

A range of options can be provided including activity monitoring and fire and gas alarms. Services for Communities already provide an alarm service for 8500 customers guaranteeing a 24 hr visiting response. This funding will allow further enhancement of that service.

Councillor Sheila Gilmore Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety said; "We welcome this funding which means we will be able not only to sustain but upgrade our systems which facilitate independent living. This is of particular importance to people who are vulnerable in our community who may otherwise need to be admitted to hospital or residential care."

Councillor Kingsley Thomas, Executive Member for Health and Social Care said, "This grant will help us to make sure that we are making good use of new technology which is improving the range of equipment which is now available to help people who are vunerable live more independent lives in their own homes. These new detectors and alarms can really make a big difference."

For more information about telecare please contact Elaine Scott, Care Housing Manager, Services for Communities on 529 2277.

The City of Edinburgh Council Services for Communities focuses on delivering better quality services to communities across the city, thereby improving everyone's quality of life.

For further information please contact: Kelly Murphy, Media and Communications Officer, Tel: 0131 529 7856, Fax: 0131 529 6221

Email: kelly.murphy@edinburgh.gov.uk