There are lots of types of technology and equipment available to help you to remain independent. Please note that not all of this technology can be provided by Sefton Council.
There are different ways to remind people to take their medicine. It is best to use existing systems before trying new ones. This could mean:
- using the calendar on a mobile phone.
- using an existing smart home assistant.
- downloading an app which prompts you to take medication.
- using a multi-alarm wristwatch or clock.
If these do not work, we would discuss the use of an automated pill dispenser. Alarms can be added to the box to raise alerts if medication is not taken.
If you are struggling to manage a complicated medication schedule, speak to your GP or pharmacist. They can review your medication with you. You can find out more about medication prompts at Pivotell.
Seizure activity is often complex, but certain types of seizure can be detected electronically via combinations of continuous movements, noise and, in some cases, pulse rate change. Detectors are usually used overnight under the mattress of your bed, but there are alternative options which you can wear. Alerts can be raised via a pager or a smart device.
If you have a cognitive impairment, door alarms can help to ensure your safety by notifying someone else if you go through a door. Alarms can be applied to internal or external doors and can provide reassurance for family members.
These can assess how you are managing at home by looking at your activity levels around the property over a period of time. With this information, we can support you and your carers to make informed decisions about support options to maximise independence where possible.
Just Checking uses small motion detectors to check on the movements and activity of a person. Find out more about Just Checking.
You can wear these devices alongside a community alarm pendant. They can detect a series of events such as an impact, a change of height, and acceleration. Using this information, the falls detector can raise an alert independently of the wearer to indicate that there may have been a fall.
If you have a fall, you will be able to get help more quickly. Having these devices can help you to feel more confident when walking around your home and can provide peace of mind to family members.
For overnight we may also suggest a bed sensor in addition, or instead of, a falls detector. This will raise an alert if you do not go to bed or are out of bed during the night for an unusual period of time, which might indicate a problem.
This includes smoke or flood detectors to raise alerts remotely when activated. Other solutions include panic buttons and smart doorbells.
Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters. Together with their accompanying in-home displays, smart meters will help you keep track of the energy you use in your home, and will cut out the need for meter reading. The UK Government plans for every home and business in the UK to have a smart meter for electricity and gas.
Smart thermostats are a new type of heating control which connect to the internet, allowing them to be accessed and adjusted remotely. They can give you much greater control over your heating from wherever you are, at any time of day. There are a range of different smart heating controls currently on the market - each works slightly differently and has different features.
A smart plug is a device that plugs into an ordinary socket. The device itself has its own outlet, so in a sense it's like an extension. Instead of plugging your lamp into the wall, you plug it into the smart plug (which is itself plugged into the wall).
The benefit is that the smart plug can be controlled remotely, whether by using a home automation smart hub or connecting to the smart plug with the relevant mobile app. Some plugs are even programmable so that they automatically turn on or off depending on certain timers or events.
Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters. Smart meters and the in-home displays will help you keep track of the energy you use and will cut out the need for meter reading.
Smart thermostats are a new type of heating control which connect to the internet, allowing them to be accessed and adjusted remotely. They can give you much greater control over your heating, from wherever you are, at any time of day. There are a range of different smart heating controls currently on the market.
Video calling is a means for people to keep in touch with each other, particularly if family and friends are not local. To be able to make a video call you will need a telephone with a video display, capable of simultaneous video and audio for communication in real time. This is particularly useful for people who are deaf or speech impaired, who can use them with sign language.
This can be used to promote social inclusion and enable individuals to communicate with family and friends. Social media can promote independence, reduce social isolation and improving well-being. Social media can be accessed from Smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers.
Mobile devices and apps can be used to support good health, wellbeing and fitness. Apps can help with variety of issues including, food intake, mood and advice on public health (for instance giving up smoking). Apps can also link with health devices to track blood pressure and weight. Apps can also be used to access information and advice and services offered by the NHS, local authority and other providers. These apps often don't cost much and can sometimes be free. The NHS has a list of approved apps on their website.
You can also search on Orcha, who are commissioned by the NHS support them with reviewing the NHS health apps.
In Your Pocket is RNIB’s accessible newsagent, library and information delivered to your pocket.
Staying in touch with family and friends has never been more important. In Your Pocket, by RealSAM, is the fully voice controlled Mobile Phone for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Designed to be easy to use, 'In Your Pocket' is able to:
- Make calls.
- Read messages.
- Listen to books or newspapers.
- Get navigation help.
These actions can be used with voice activation. There's no need to learn a complicated touch screen or struggle with reading small buttons, you can just press one button and talk. In Your Pocket can also connect directly to Bluetooth enabled hearing aids. Find out more on the In Your Pocket website.
'Brain in Hand' is a digital self-management support system for people who need help with:
- Remembering things.
- Making decisions.
- Managing anxiety.
It's often used by people who are autistic, have learning difficulties, or are managing mental health challenges. You can find more details about the app on their website.
These are internet-connected devices that can help you with everyday tasks and managing your home environment. You can interact with them by asking questions or giving instructions verbally.
For example, you can use them to:
- Set reminders to take medication at a certain time of day.
- Play music or a radio station.
- Control things in your home such as lighting or heating.
- Keep in touch with friends and family.
Digital assistants at home are often used in the form of 'smart speakers' such as Google Home or Amazon Echo and are not provided by the service.
Listed below are some free apps that service users and families can download as GPS trackers.