Assistive technology to support people in Shropshire to live more safely and independently

Shropshire Council is keen to raise awareness of the technology available which enables people to live more safely and independently, in a place of their choice.

The council offers a great range of assistive technology through its telecare service. It also partnered with the Tunstall advisory service (http://uk.tunstall.com/) last year to make it easier for local people to access the latest technology and to help themselves or their family independently, or as part of a wider package of care.

Assistive technology includes a wide range of equipment, from simple low-tech items such as calendar clocks to more high-tech items, such as sensors that can detect accidents or emergencies in the home that can be monitored by a community alarm service, known as Telecare.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, said:

“There are various gadgets and aids available around today that can help to support independence and improve quality of life for local people.

“Used correctly they can go a long way to prevent certain conditions from worsening or even going unnoticed. In addition to this, they can provide great reassurance to carers who are concerned for their loved ones and/or feel that they are struggling to cope and continue in their caring role. And many of these are free or available at little cost.

“We are committed to increasing people’s independence and well-being so that they have the freedom to live their lives to the full. This is especially important to ensure the sustainability of adult services as the population ages and resources get more stretched.”

To find out what is available, go to your nearest Let’s Talk Local drop in session or call the council’s First Point of Contact team on 0345 678 9044.

Alternatively you can obtain further information on assistive technology that might be suitable for you by using the Ask Sara website (www.asksara.dlf.org.uk) where you will also have the option of having some items on loan to try out.