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With a growing elderly population, increasing expectations
and a smaller workforce it is imperative that new ways of helping
people to remain living independently in their own homes are found.
Advanced Assistive Technologies (AAT) such as
TeleHealth
and
Telecare
are seen as one of the ways of supporting the elderly as well as
those with long term conditions.
The Governments White Paper
"Our health, our care, our say" laid out a
new direction for community services and stated that it would be
looking to set up a National Demonstrator Program to prove the
benefits of assistive technologies.
Kent Adult Social Services in partnership with both
Eastern and Coastal Kent and
West Kent
PCT's put forward its proposal to become one of these.
Following a rigorous selection process, by the
Department of Health and other Government
departments, Kent was chosen as one of only three local authorities
in the country.
The program has significant additional investment attached to
it, which will directly benefit the people of Kent through
increased investment in these technologies.
In addition to demonstrating how these technologies can be used
to support integrated health and social care, working within a
whole systems approach, a single assessment process coupled with
integrated Information systems are key to the program.
This is an exciting high profile program designed to determine
the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the addition of AAT's
over and above a redesigned service as well as qualitative benefits
to the people and carers of those who use it.
In awarding the Kent partnership one of these demonstrators
Central Government have recognised Kent's track record and ability
to deliver innovative high quality services in a multi agency
partnership way.
Return to a guide to Telecare |