23/04/2008 Leading expert praises Your Homes Newcastle's Community Care Alarm Service

A leading expert on hi-tech communication technology that can help vulnerable people stay independent for longer has praised Your Homes Newcastle’s Community Care Alarm Service.

Speaking after addressing a conference organised by the service, telecare expert Dr Kevin Doughty of the University of York said:

"The enthusiasm and energy of the telecare team in Newcastle is contagious - no wonder they have succeeded in developing an effective partnership that includes the major provider of social housing, the Fire and Rescue Service, the local Falls Service and the Ambulance Service that will reap dividends over the next few years."

Dr Doughty is the deputy director of The Centre for Usable Home Technology and is recognised as a leading expert on telecare and how it may evolve in the future.

Telecare is a system that can allow vulnerable people to live independently and safely in their own homes for longer. Telecare devices monitor a person’s environment round-the clock, alerting YHN’s Response Centre if there is a problem so that they can send help from family, emergency services or YHN’s Mobile Wardens. For example, one product features a motion sensor that alerts the Response Centre if an older person has fallen and can’t get up again.

The conference, called A Bright Future for Telecare in Newcastle, was attended by more than 160 delegates who learned about Your Homes Newcastle's strategy and its partnership with other organisations.

Your Homes Newcastle director of tenancy services Neil Scott said:

“Our telecare conference was a huge success, attracting a number of leading experts in the field. I’m pleased to see it is receiving such high praise."

Visit Community Care Alarm Service to find out more about telecare systems.