Technology to help me live independently
These devices are easy to use. They can help you to stay safe, well and independent.
There are lots of ways that technology can help you around your home. They can remind you to take your medication and help you to get support if you fall and cannot reach the phone.
Devices can be standalone, linked to family or carers, or they can be connected to a team of trained advisors in a monitoring centre who will ensure you get the support you need.
Care Technology for different rooms in your home
There are lots of devices you can get to help you in different areas of your home.
- a flood detector provides an early warning of flood situations. An audible alert is sounded within the home, and if the device is linked to a monitoring unit, an alert will be sent to the monitoring centre
- bath fill detector is a sensor that attaches to your bath and alerts you when the water reaches that level
- bed occupancy sensor which raises an alert when you leave the bed and do not return within a specified period of time
- smart plug which helps by turning on and off the lamp via your smart speaker or other internet enabled device
- floor mat or movement sensor which checks the safe return to the room or bed
- epilepsy monitor will detect a seizure and send an alarm call to a relative or carer
- chair occupancy sensor which raises an alert when you leave the chair and do not return within a specified period of time
- room temperature monitor will detect a sudden rise or fall in room temperature
- medication dispenser will automatically provide access to medication over a 28-day period, with alerts to the user each time medication should be taken
- smart plug will help by turning on your kettle remotely
- carbon monoxide detector which senses dangerous levels from gas appliances
- fire safety stove guard which cuts off an electric cooker if it gets too hot
- smoke alarm for hearing loss. like a standard smoke alarm, but it has a siren, a flashing light and alerts can be sent to a pillow pad that vibrates too
- front door opening and closing sensor, this checks for doors left open or opened at unusual times
- falls detector will detect stumbles, trips and falls
- wearable alarm pendant or wrist strap let people press a button to speak to a trained operator for help
How to get technology to help you live independently
Most care technology is available to buy online, or from specialist shops. Costs vary and can be one off or may include a monthly payment. Sometimes there is also a charge to install the technology.
If you need help from us, you can ask for an assessment. Care technology might be provided following an assessment if this is the best way to meet some or all care needs. Equipment recommended following an assessment can be issued on loan free of charge from NRS Healthcare.
After an illness or hospital stay care technology might be provided for a short time while recovering strength and ability. Talk to your hospital social care team. See our hospital discharge and regaining independence section.
Care technology and your privacy
We know that care technology can be helpful for some residents. However, some of it is not owned, operated, or managed by Buckinghamshire Council. This means we cannot guarantee the security of any personal data uploaded by users through some care technology. It is important to read the Privacy Policy of any items before sharing your personal data.