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Norman Lamb MP Sees Benefits of Telecare Solutions
Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary visits Norfolk telecare user to experience how the technology enhances care provision and quality of life.
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat shadow health secretary and MP for North Norfolk has experienced first-hand how innovative telecare solutions from Tunstall Healthcare are providing support, and enhancing quality of life for older people and those with long-term needs in Norfolk.
Mr Lamb visited a telecare user in Cromer to see how Tunstall's solutions, deployed in thousands of homes by Norfolk County Council, helps individuals to live safely and independently in their own homes, reassures families and carers, and improves efficiency in delivering care services.
Norfolk County Council recognised the potential of telecare to transform and enhance its care services, and integrated the technology into its assessment and management processes. An analysis of the outcomes from telecare deployments showed an average saving of £11,152 per service user. Without telecare, many users would have been re-directed to residential or nursing care.
Furthermore, in several instances during the study period, use of telecare solutions avoided hospitalisation for users, reducing distress and realising further savings.
Mr Lamb commented: "With the issue of long-term care being so high on the political agenda right now, it is critical that we find new ways to help people retain their independence and a good quality of life for as long as possible. I believe telecare is key to achieving these aims, while managing the costs of social care. Norfolk County Council's approach of personalising care to the individual is an excellent blueprint for delivery of next-generation services."
As part of the study into the outcomes following telecare deployments, the majority of service users agreed that they felt safer, and more secure and independent in their own homes.
Jon Lowe, Managing Director for Tunstall, said: "The way that telecare has been integrated by Norfolk County Council into its mainstream services highlights the benefits of the technology, both for users and in terms of cost savings and efficiency gains. This integration with other services and disciplines is key to achieving rapid, ongoing benefits from telecare."
Telecare is a low-level, cost-effective alternative to traditional institutional or residential care, and can assist in reducing some of the pressure on care providers, by giving people access to round-the-clock support and care.
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