Telecare is a range of equipment aimed at monitoring people and their home environment. Its alarms and sensors promote independence, improve safety at home and provide reassurance.

It includes a base unit, linked to a telephone and a personal pendant which is worn around the neck, on the wrist or attached to a belt.

In addition, there are a number of sensors which automatically monitor the home environment. These sensors are linked to the base unit without the need for wiring. The sensors detect potential dangers such as smoke or overflowing water.

What happens when an alarm is activated

Trained staff at the monitoring centre will respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, when the alarm is activated. They may contact the nominated relative, friend or neighbour who has been provided as the key-holder and responder. They may also contact the emergency services if necessary.

How to get Telecare equipment

Through Oxfordshire County Council

We will provide you with an assessment of your needs and the risks in your own home. This is essential to decide which sensors will assist you. A pendant alarm can be provided through a telephone assessment. 

Buy them directly

There are several different alarm service suppliers in Oxfordshire. We use a collaboration of providers to supply the equipment, call monitoring and visit elements of our alarm service and it is possible to purchase an alarm service directly from the same providers. To do this contact Community Voice on carolball@communityvoice.org.uk or 0870 005 6411.

How much it costs

Some services are subsidised. Contact us for more information.

The equipment

	Smoke detector - this detector raises an audible alarm upon detecting smoke and alerts the response centre to ensure a response is generated.
	Movement/activity detectors - detects movement and raises an alert, providing the response centre with the ability to audibly verify and record the presence of an intruder or alternatively detect for inactivity.
	Fall detector - this detects if a person has fallen and not risen within a short time. Fall detector leaflet (pdf format, 116 KB)
	Bed occupancy sensor - the sensor is designed to automatically raise an alarm to the monitoring centre or a specified live-in carer or relative. Bed occupancy sensor leaflet (pdf format, 80 KB)
	Property exit sensor - this detector alerts the response centre if a person leaves the property on their own at inappropriate times of the day/night or leaves the door open.
	Bogus caller button - this button is fitted near the door, so a person can raise an alarm to the response centre if in doubt about a doorstep caller.
	Temperature extreme sensor - detects a rapid rise or fall in temperature, like central heating failure or an unattended boiling saucepan and alerts the response centre.
	Flood detector - detects and alerts the response centre if a bath or basin has overflowed.
	Carbon monoxide detector - raises an alarm and alerts the response centre of potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as from a faulty boiler or gas fire.
	Epilepsy sensor - detects and alerts the response centre when a person experiences a range of seizures.
	Enuresis sensor - provides an immediate warning on detection of moisture to allow effective action to be taken.
	Sounder beacon - consists of a light and a loud siren in order to alert people with sensory impairments to a certain type of alarm activation (eg smoke detector) or to an incoming telephone call.
	Pillow alert - provides an alert to a sleeping user through a vibrating pad, which is positioned underneath a pillow. The vibrating pad is linked to smoke detectors within the home.

Visiting the Independent Living Centre 

If you wish to see the sensors, you can visit the Independent Living Centre at the Guidepost Trust at Northfield Farm Lane, Witney OX28 1UD. Please make an appointment by telephoning 01993 899985.