Technology to help you

There are a range of devices, such as Alexa or Google Home, that can give visual or spoken prompts to remind you to do something. For example, taking medication, attending an appointment or preparing a meal. 

There is a range of easy-use equipment that has been adapted to meet different needs. For example, mobile phones with large buttons or braille buttons. Smart devices like Alexa or Google Home can also be used to call for help. 

TEC can be used to raise an alert if somebody has a fall, seizure, or becomes confused or disorientated. There are devices, such as pendants or smart watches, that can be used to detect a fall inside and outside of the home. 

Smart devices can help to improve comfort and safety in the home. They include smoke, temperature and flood detectors. There are also systems which can control lights, heating, TV or curtains using a remote control, hand gestures or voice control. 

Technology can be put in place to reassure carers that the person they are caring for can stay safe. These include bed sensors and door sensors which can notify carers and/or family members if a person gets out of bed or opens the front door. 

Carol, 52, lives with a physical disability that affects her balance and mobility. She often feels unsteady on her feet and experiences anxiety when moving around, which puts her at high risk of falls.

Carol was missing visitors and important deliveries, including her medication delivery, because she couldn’t reach the door in time. This caused her significant distress and increased her anxiety.

To support Carol, a video doorbell was installed. The doorbell sends a notification to her smartphone or Alexa whenever someone is at the door. Carol can then speak to the visitor through her phone, letting them know she is home but may need a few extra minutes to reach the door. Alternatively, she can ask delivery drivers to leave parcels safely on the doorstep.

This simple solution has given Carol peace of mind, improved her sense of independence, and significantly reduced her risk of falls when answering the door.

Ryan, 18, has a learning disability and recently moved into his own flat with support from the Preparing for Adulthood team. Ryan wanted to become more independent but was anxious about managing appointments, daily routines and cooking meals.

To support him, Ryan was given a smart home device to help with:

• reminders and prompts for personal hygiene, locking doors and appointments
• guided recipes to build confidence in cooking
• sleep routines linked to smart lighting, encouraging healthy habits and reducing late-night screen time

Ryan is now more confident managing his daily life. The TEC also enables him to be more independent and reassures his family.

John, 82, and his wife were both diagnosed with dementia. They were experiencing anxiety and disorientation related to time, routine and safety. 

To support their independence and wellbeing:

• they were given a dementia clock which clearly displays the date and time, helping to reduce John's wife's anxiety and enabling her to confidently and independently check the time
• their son set up reminders for medication and important activities, including a Sunday church session
• John wears a falls watch when he goes out, giving his wife peace of mind and enabling him to go for walks independently

The TEC has helped to:

• improve their daily routine
• reduce anxiety
• improve their confidence
• enhance their social participation, including attending a local coffee morning together 

"Having the TEC in place has given me reassurance as their main carer. They both seem happier and less anxious about their daily routines.” — John’s son