There are numerous outlets with a huge range of equipment available to help you around the house. The choice and variety can be confusing but here are a few points to bear in mind:
You may be able to obtain some equipment through an occupational therapist.
For equipment to help with sensory impairment, see our sections on Sight loss and Hearing loss.
See our information about Safety in your home for advice about fire safety and smoke alarms.
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) offers independent, professional advice and information to help you find out what is available for private purchase. They have a Helpline on 0300 999 0004 where you can discuss areas of daily living you find difficult with an experienced advisor.
Click on our Equipment House below to find advice and suggestions on the right equipment to help you.
What is telecare?
Telecare is a monitoring and alert system that can help to support people who wish to remain independent in their own homes by providing them, their carers, family and friends, with the reassurance that help is available to them in an emergency 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Telecare covers a wide range of equipment such as alarm systems and motion sensors which are connected to a team of fully trained advisers in a monitoring centre who will respond when an alarm is raised.
How does telecare work?
Your telecare equipment is connected to your telephone system and linked to a monitoring centre by a unit with a built-in loud speaker and a microphone. All alarm units work on mains electricity and have a battery back-up. The battery will automatically cut in if the power is disconnected or fails.
When the alarm is activated, either manually or via an automatic device, an adviser will speak to you through your unit. They will establish how you are and what kind of help you need before taking the appropriate action, such as contacting someone who have assigned as your responders (a local family member, neighbour or friend) to visit and check you are alright. If necessary, the advisor will contact the emergency services. Where possible, the advisor will stay on the line with you until help arrives.
Click on our Telecare House below to find out more about some of the equipment which is available*
(*Descriptions are for equipment provided by Hampshire County Council’s partner, Argenti. Other suppliers will provide similar but not always identical products.)
The Disabled Living Foundation has more detailed information and advice about Personal alarm systems and telecare.
Hampshire County Council may fund the provision of telecare equipment following an assessment which shows that you have an eligible need and you meet the criteria for funded telecare. The equipment will be supplied by its preferred telecare provider, Argenti.
If you are purchasing privately and want quick access to care technology please go the Argenti website or call 0345 265 8003 option 2 to speak to an adviser. Packages start at £19.99 per month and include an initial assessment in your home as well as installation and training on how to use it.
Watch a video about the Hampshire County Council and Argenti telecare service.
Other providers of telecare are available with different options available in different parts of the county. You can search online for providers or equipment or you can contact:
You can use this form to register any query or complaint you may have about this website or any of the content within it. Simply fill in the details below and this will be sent directly to us to investigate. We will always try and respond within one working day.
Page Reference: Equipment around the house
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If you have a question about social care, please contact your council.
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