SECOM has launched SECOM CAREHUB. It’s a monitoring service with the aim of supporting vulnerable elderly people to maintain independence. As the security firm says, with technology enabled care playing an increasingly important role in assisting the UK’s ageing population, the new service will help elderly people maintain contact with friends, family and emergency responders.
SECOM is bringing its technology-enabled care services to the UK. In 2018, the UK telecare market was worth £2.9 billion, and the UK is Europe’s biggest user of these services, with 14pc of individuals aged over 65 using telecare. But this market is set for growth, the firm says, as demands such as an ageing population place more strain on health services and carers.
The number of people aged over 85 in the UK is predicted to more than double by mid-2041 to more than 3.4 million. As a result, more technology to assist will be a must, the firm says.
Neil Fitzwalter, Care Technology Manager said: “The SECOM Carehub enables us to be there even when we’re not and gives both elderly people and their families the peace of mind they need. It also allows people to remain independent for longer and offers them a much higher quality of life by removing worries and keeping them in touch.”
The firm suggests that in the UK, it’s been estimated that these technologies could save the NHS up to £1.2 billion, with benefits including a 20pc fall in emergency admissions and 15pc fewer visits to A&E.
As well as helping people stay in their own homes for longer, such communication can relieve emergency services and encourage older people to get out and about more, safe in the knowledge they can get help should they suffer a fall. However, the firm adds, many technology enabled care solutions are hampered by potentially needing specialist engineer visits to get them running. What’s more, some older people may be unwilling to activate services that have direct contact with emergency services for fear of embarrassment, being a burden or having to go into hospital. Carehub solves these issues by having spoken instructions, and allowing people to choose who to contact should they require help, allowing them to prioritise friends or family.
Created with the telecare supplier Chiptech, the standard system includes a SECOM Pearl wearable pendant for use around the home, while an optional GPS-enabled SECOM Go device can be worn anywhere, whether in the garden or further afield.
David Hammond, CEO, Chiptech said: “We are delighted to be working with SECOM, a trusted name that is well known for providing superior products and service in personal safety and security. Through our partnership, SECOM will be delivering the best in person centred digital telecare solutions, providing a lifeline to customers both inside and outside the home so they are protected and safe wherever they go.”
When the Pearl pendant is activated, it enables two-way communications via Secom’s Care App between the wearer and a designated contact, whether a family member, neighbour, or SECOM’s monitoring, whuch can provide direct assistance or call emergency services if required. Throughout any communication, other contacts are kept fully up to date via their smartphone, thereby offering peace of mind not just for elderly people, but also friends and family. Care Tech can also be connected to a range of other wireless devices such as door contacts, smoke detectors, fall sensors and pressure mats and more. Thus carers can monitor vulnerable people’s activities.
Fitzwalter added: “We’ve designed Carehub to ensure its easy-to-use and is suitable for people who may have a wide range of requirements. With a large number of connectivity options and additional devices available, including brooches, wrist worn and easy-press buttons for those with less dexterity, it’s easy for anybody to find a Care Tech solution that fits their unique needs.”
