(openPR) - Tunstall’s new guide will provide a model of care and support for millions of people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments across the UK

04 February 2008 - Leading telecare and telehealth provider Tunstall, has launched its Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments - Solutions for Independent Living guide to show how telecare is being used to promote independent living for people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

In the UK approximately 23 million people live with a physical disability or sensory impairment. 40% of people over the age of 65 have hearing loss and 85% of people over the age of 65 have a visual impairment.

The guide will be launched at the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)'s Moving & Handling People event on the 31st of January at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The DLF is a national charity that provides impartial advice and support to disabled people about solutions for independent living.

Nicole Penn-Symons, CEO for the Disabled Living Foundation, said: “We believe cutting-edge telecare solutions can have a positive impact on the lives of people with physical and sensory impairment.

“Every person is different and the beauty of telecare is that it can be tailored to individual needs. It can be applied in many different ways to help people live independently, whilst providing much needed reassurance for their families and carers. We believe telecare has the potential to make a huge difference to many people’s lives.”

The guide presents new case studies such as Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, where Tunstall’s telecare technology is being used to improve the care and quality of life of people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

Mrs E is a full time carer for her young son who suffers from tuberous sclerosis and can have a severe epileptic seizure at any time of day or night. A deterioration in his condition means he can no longer support his own weight, and Mrs E now sleeps downstairs with him as she can’t manage to lift him.

A telecare solution was installed including a Lifeline home unit and pendant so Mrs E could call for support at any time. Further sensors specific to her son’s disability including an epilepsy sensor linked to a pager, transmitter and under-pillow pad, were also installed to ensure a message is sent to Mrs E if an alert is generated.

“Knowing we will be alerted when our son has an epileptic seizure has given us peace of mind, reduced anxiety and sleepless nights. It has also given me more time to spend with my other child during the day.”

Tunstall has also worked in partnership with the DLF on its Telecare Made Easy website. The charity’s website will be launched shortly and will provide advice on all types of disability equipment for older and disabled people, their carers and families, helping them choose and arrange a telecare service best suited to their specific needs.

To obtain a copy of the new Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments - Solutions for Independent Living guide or for more information on telecare, visit www.tunstall.co.uk/guides or contact us on 01977 660479.

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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