Assistive technology (Wightcare)

Our Wightcare assistive technology, is a solution for those who need help due to age, disability, isolation, illness or vulnerability. We offer community alarm, Telecare, and Telecheck services to assist Island residents to live independently in their homes. We provide a response service 24 hours per day to give you peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Community alarm

This service works via a special alarm unit which has a built-in button that you press for assistance. The alarm can be activated by a pendant which is worn around the neck or on a wrist band. Pressing the button will send a signal automatically to our Wightcare response team. We’ll be able to speak with you and assess your needs without the need to use your phone.

When needed, we’ll be able to get in touch with your emergency contacts and send out our Wightcare mobile responders to assist you. If emergency services are needed, we’ll stay on the line with you until help arrives.

Telecare

Our service connects any additional equipment with your community alarm system that can be tailored to your individual needs. These might include:

motion sensors that will detect any slips, trips, and falls
sensors to detect environmental dangers such as fire or gas
sensors which detect movement, such as a door opening or closing.

The sensors are monitored 24 hours per day by our Wightcare response team to help you or your loved one feel safe at home, knowing that support is there when needed.

Community alarm	Price (ex VAT*)
Option 1 Supply of a community alarm with one pendant Monitoring by our Wightcare response team If a Wightcare mobile responder is required, a call-out charge will be applied of £30.00 per hour per mobile responder or part thereof	£33.36/month**
Option 2 Supply of a community alarm with one pendant Monitoring by our Wightcare response team 24-hour daily support from our Wightcare mobile responders	£47.66/month**

Telecare	Price (ex VAT*)
Supply of a community alarm with one pendant Monitoring by our Wightcare response team 24-hour daily support from our Wightcare mobile responders additional sensors or GSM (global system for mobile) unit (will not require a home phone line as it uses mobile networks to operate).	£55.16/month**

Additional charges	Price (ex VAT*)
Installation charge incl. key safe	£90
Supply and installation for key safe only	£30
Charge for additional or lost pendants	£39

Telecheck

Our service offers welfare calls to check that individuals are safe and well. We also offer social calls for a friendly chat and catch-up.

Telecheck provides both short- and long-term support for you or your loved ones:

with a change in circumstances
when returning home from hospital
with feelings of loneliness and isolation
whose families and support networks are away, on holiday, or temporarily unavailable.

Telecheck	Price (ex VAT*)
7 welfare/social calls per week	£21.73/month**
14 welfare/social calls per week	£32.59/month**

*You will need to pay VAT at the chargeable rate of 20%, if you do not have a long-term medical condition allowing exemption.

** Each service is payable via monthly direct debit.

If you need a specialised solution to suit your needs, we can help. We will work with you to ensure the right equipment is provided to create a bespoke package for you.

You may be entitled to some government benefits, such as attendance allowance, to help pay for our services. Please see our finance and benefit information for further guidance.

Wightcare feedback survey

We are currently reviewing the packages of service that Wightcare offers. If you are a Wightcare customer or have an interest in the future of the Wightcare service, please let us know your thoughts by completing our Wightcare customer survey by 18 May.

Paper copies of the survey are also available on request and from council libraries. Current customers will also receive a paper survey by post.

Contact wightcare@iow.gov.uk or call 01983 821105 to request a paper or large print survey.