(openPR) - TV and Radio programmes demonstrate how Tunstall’s telecare solutions help older people and those with long-term needs to live independently

01 February 2008 – Telecare solutions from Tunstall have been prominently featured on BBC Breakfast television and Radio 4’s flagship consumer affairs programme ‘You & Yours’, demonstrating how the technology is helping older and people with long-term needs to live fuller, more independent lives.

The programmes were linked to the You & Yours Care in the UK series, which has run throughout January, exploring the state of care in the UK today.

Tunstall’s solutions featured as an integral part of the telecare service provided in partnership with Aragon Housing Association and Bedfordshire County Council to residents, to ensure they have access to emergency care and help if needed.

The programmes interviewed Bedfordshire-based couple Edna and Wally Burton, who currently benefit from using a Tunstall telecare solution provided by Aragon, to help Edna care for her husband, who has Parkinson’s disease.

A sensor has been placed under Mr Burton’s mattress which alerts the monitoring centre if he rolls out of bed. The Burtons' telecare solution has meant an end to sleepless nights for Edna and has encouraged Mr Burton to stay in bed. Without telecare Edna thinks that residential care would be a distinct possibility, meaning the couple would no longer be able to live together.

Edna Burton said: “I get a better night’s sleep - that’s the main thing. I do get exhausted but it is better with the sensor. I have got the peace of mind that there is somebody on the end of the line if I need help. I am very happy with the situation, it has made life more comfortable for Wally and myself and for us it has been the best way forward.”

The programme also showcased Aragon Housing Association’s demonstration flat, which features a range of Tunstall telecare sensors, including the bed sensor, extreme temperature, carbon monoxide and smoke sensors, chair sensors, movement detectors and property exit sensors, DDA pager, flashing beacon and vibrating pillow alert, and Tunstall’s new Lifeline Connect+ home telecare unit.

Tunstall’s Technical Director Steve Sadler was also interviewed for Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ programme on the future of telecare technology.

"The simple thing about telecare is that you can put together a set of sensors to detect risks and effectively manage them, linking the event to a remote carer to ensure timely and proactive intervention.

“Telecare is being used at home by older people and those with long-term needs; 2008 will see a continuation in this trend as social care providers increasingly favour more person-centric models of care.”

Telecare technology consists of a range of sensors which monitor risks and environmental conditions around the home, automatically raising an alert to carers, family or the monitoring centre if assistance is required. It ensures help is always on hand, while empowering both the person using the equipment and the carer with greater independence and freedom.

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To view the video clip and read the news story at BBC Online visit: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7213684.stm

Tunstall Contact
Stephen Aryan
01977 661234
stephen.aryan@tunstall.co.uk

Press Contact
Context
Craig Coward or Luke Ford
01625 511966
Tunstall@contextpr.co.uk

About Tunstall

Tunstall is the market leading provider of telecare and telehealth solutions, with over 2.5 million users globally. Tunstall’s solutions support older people and those with long-term needs, to live independently, by effectively managing their health and well-being. Tunstall provides technology, expertise and advice to millions of people enabling them to lead independent more fulfilling lives. For more information on how telecare and telehealth can improve quality of life, visit www.tunstall.co.uk