Telecare Support
Telecare offers peace of mind for vulnerable individuals, ensuring you can live safely at home with 24/7 support.
What is Telecare?
Telecare involves using a system of sensors placed around the home or worn by the individual. These sensors are activated either by specific actions, such as a door opening. Once activated, the system contacts the NHS or their care provider. The Hub operator will try to contact the individual to assess the situation and send the best person for assistance – whether that’s a nominated responder (e.g., family, friends, neighbours) or emergency services in the event of a crisis.
Who Telecare Is For
Telecare is available to anyone living in the Highlands (specifically Ross-Shire and Sutherland) who is considered vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, or other risk factors. The service is particularly beneficial for:
- People who want to remain independent and safe at home but may benefit from extra support
- Individuals at risk of falls, with mobility issues, long-term health conditions, dementia, or epilepsy, or anyone who may struggle to manage alone
- People living alone or with others who are vulnerable and need reassurance that help can be summoned quickly
- Situations where a 24/7 safety net is required - such as for emergencies (falls, fire, medical incidents) or monitoring (smoke, gas, flood, door sensors, exit sensors, medication reminders, etc.)
ILM Highland does not manage enquiries. Please contact the NHS directly for assistance.
Internal Telecare
For people who have carers living in the same property, we offer internal telecare. Instead of the sensors raising an alarm to the Hub, they activate a pager carried by the carer. This allows the carer to be immediately alerted, helping them respond faster and providing more freedom, better sleep, and less stress.
What Is Available?
We offer a range of Telecare systems to suit various needs:
Basic Telecare System
Suitable for most
- Digital unit: A home hub that connects to the monitoring team via a built-in two-way speakerphone
- Button: Worn as a pendant or wristband, press to alert the monitoring team who will arrange the right help
Enhanced Telecare Sensors
Available for people with more complex needs, including (but not limited to):
- Bed sensor: Alerts if someone gets out of bed and doesn’t return
- Door sensors: Alerts if someone opens a door, indicating they may have left the property
- Automatic falls detectors: Detects if a fall has occurred
- Smoke detectors: Alerts if smoke is present
- Heat detectors: Detects high temperatures, indicating a potential fire
- Flood detector: Alerts if moisture is detected, indicating a possible overflow or forgotten tap
- Epilepsy Sensor: Provides early indication of a seizure and alerts
- Carer support pager: Alarm call raised immediately to a hand held device
To see how Telecare could help you, try the Telecare Self-Check Online Tool.
How Can Telecare Help?
Fall Risk
If you are at risk of falling, a button allows you to call for help quickly.
Technology enabled care system
Buttons can offer extra confidence and reassurance to both client and family.
Medication
Medication dispensers can be central to a domestic care package, enabling clients to live safely at home for longer.
Leaving the home
Door sensors can alert others if you leave your home, helping prevent confusion or disorientation.
Carer Support
A pager alerts carers if help is needed, allowing them to rest easy knowing they won’t miss anything.
Find out more
If telecare support sounds right for you, get in touch with our team for more details.
How to Apply for Telecare
To apply for the service, contact the NHS Highland Telecare Referral page. Before starting the referral, ask your nominated responders if they are willing to be contacted and collect as many contact details as possible.
If you need more advanced Telecare features, you will need to contact your local adult social care team for an assessment. For more information, visit the Single Points of Access (SPOA)
Digital Switch
As part of the UK’s transition to digital phone lines, all Telecare services have been upgraded to digital units. New clients will automatically receive a digital Telecare box. This change will not affect how the service works.
Scam Calls
Beware of scam calls asking you to sign up for Telecare services or claiming your system is outdated. ILM Highland will never call asking for payment or to upgrade your system. If you are unsure about any calls, contact the Telecare team. Some help and support regarding scam calls can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is Telecare, and how does it work?
Telecare is a monitoring system that helps vulnerable individuals stay safe at home. It involves sensors that detect activity or emergencies (such as falls, fire, or smoke), and it alerts the NHS Highland Hub, who will then notify the appropriate responders or emergency services.
How do I apply for Telecare in Ross-Shire and Sutherland?
You can apply for Telecare through NHS Highland by completing the Telecare Referral form. You’ll need to provide details of three nominated responders who are willing to help in case of an emergency.
Is there a cost for the Telecare service?
Yes, the service currently costs £6.35 per week. However, if you’re on a low income or receiving palliative care, the service may be provided free of charge.
How do I know if Telecare is right for me?
What is needed to get Telecare?
To access Telecare, you need to nominate three responders (who must live at separate addresses) within 30 minutes of your home, and they must be willing to respond in case of an activation. We can accept referrals with two responders.
What happens after I apply?
Once your referral is processed, ILM will contact you to arrange a visit for installing your Telecare equipment. During this visit, we will explain how the system works and request a home fire safety visit from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. We will also ask SSE to add you to their SSE Priority Register.
