A HI-TECH project which could be a life-saver for older people has been unveiled in Cheshire. Sensors can detect falls, a gas leak and even a pan left on the stove. Other alerts which can be picked up include smoke, fire or flooding, whether somebody has got out of bed and has had a fall or if someone leaves home at an unusual time and has not returned. A panic button can also be fitted near the front door to help ward off bogus callers. The sensors link to a telephone line open 24 hours, seven days-a-week where an operator from the monitoring service can ring up and speak directly to the older people, call relatives or different agencies for help or visit if necessary. Cheshire County Council manages the budget for the Telecare system and is working in partnership with Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Macclesfield Borough Council, Dane Housing and Chester and District Housing Trust to provide this service. Close work will also be undertaken with organisations such as Primary Care Trusts, Cheshire Fire Service, Cheshire and Merseyside Ambulance Service and voluntary groups. About a thousand staff employed by the five organisations are receiving training in aspects of the system. If it is delivered as part of a social work assessment the service will cost older people various amounts up to a maximum of £9-a-week. Intermediate care teams who focus on preventing hospital admissions and supporting older people to leave hospital safely will be able to provide this service. Occupational therapy from health services will also be able to deliver this service in the near future. 'The project is now being rolled out across the county after four very successful pilot schemes,' said Cheshire's executive member for adult services, Lynn Hardwick. 'We are one of the first counties to operate this system which will help around 1,200 older people remain independent and able to stay in their own homes. 'Its potential is amazing and not only does it help the older people involved but also the partnership. 'Without this service and the development of extra care housing, care home placements could rise by 18% and home care by 14%.' Martin Jones, manager of the Telecare Service at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: 'With Telecare, people no matter what their age, can continue to enjoy life to the full and live in their own homes for as long as possible knowing that help is at hand if anything goes wrong.' Fran Taberner from Chester and District Housing Trust said: 'By having mobile response connected to the Telecare system we can ensure safety in the homes of vulnerable and elderly people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.' Cheshire has received £373,000 from the Government for 2006 to fund the project and will receive a further £626,000 in 2007. It is hoped that during the two years the project will have demonstrated sufficient benefits to become part of a continuing service. | 
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