What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology is any product designed to offer independence for disabled and older people. 

Some of this technology is known at Telecare. These include a range of technological devices such as alarms and detectors to support people and their carers to help in everday living. These devices can range from a simple pill reminder to fall detection alerts. These helpful devices can help prevent people going into hospital or residential care.   

Alarms and detectors

Who provides it?

You can purchase this equipment yourself or, if you are eligible, you can receive the equipment on loan from the Assistive Technology Service run by Cambridgeshire Community Services.

To make a referral for an assessment see below for how to get in touch.

Telehealth

Cambridgeshire Community Services now provide 'Telehealth monitoring' for chronic long-term conditions. This means that they are able to monitor patients' vital signs from afar which will hopefully lead to greater self-management and less hospital admissions providing the most intensive care in the least intensive setting - the patient's own home.

How to get in touch

Cambridgeshire Community Services can be contacted on 01223 883756 or email c-pct.asstteltech@nhs.net and will deal with your referral as well as offering additional support. You can visit their website below.

 

Community alarms

There are various community alarm services in Cambridgeshire. A community alarm is a pendant alarm in your home which, when pressed, contacts a response centre to notify the service that you need help. A community alarm service can contact the emergency services, and arrange for a GP, district nurse, next of kin, or named key holder to visit or help you.

Help is available at the press of a button whenever you need it 24 hours a day, every day of the year, which will help you remain living independently in your own home.

Community alarms are a valuable source of help for people of any age. Many people can benefit from the service, including people with long-term health needs, disabilities, restricted mobility, who live alone or who have special needs of any kind.

Community alarm services are provided by or on behalf of local councils. To find out more contact your nearest service below:

Cambridge
City Council Emergency Alarm Service
Phone: 01223 457648
Email: independent.living@cambridge.gov.uk

East Cambridgeshire
Hereward Housing
Phone: 0800 9161422

Huntingdonshire
Luminus Group Lifeline Community Alarm
Phone: 01480 428562

Peterborough and Fenland
Cross Keys Homes
Phone: 01733 385100

South Cambridgeshire
Community Lifeline Service
Phone: 0345 045 0051

Other Providers
BT In Touch 2000 Care line
Phone: 0800 800 150

Tunstall Telecare, lifeline
Phone: 01977 661234

MS Society Lifeline
Phone: 020 8438 0700

Easy Link UK
Phone: 01536 744788

Ridgeons Independent Living Centre
Phone: 01223 902000

Voluntary Agency providers

Senior Link enquiries line
Phone: 0845 603 4576

Age UK Aid-Call Alarm
Phone: 0800 772266

Alternatively, contact Adult Social Care enquiries who will be able to tell you about any of the services above. Contact them from 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays, on 0345 045 5202.

In an emergency out of normal office hours contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01733 234724.

Alarms and detectors