Assistive Technology Equipment

DISPERSED ALARM UNIT
This unit receives the remote triggers from the sensors and creates the call to the monitoring centre. The unit has an integrated speaker so that the call centre staff can communicate via the unit, with the individual concerned, to ascertain their well being and need for support. A protocol is in place if contact cannot be made.

CARER ALERT
This alerts a carer in the environment that an alert has triggered.

PERSONAL TRIGGER (pendant)
This can be worn round the neck as a pendant, on a wrist strap or can be provided with a clip. The button is pressed to alert the need for help.
Please Note:  If all that is required is ONLY an emergency pendant/personal trigger, this is NOT provided by the Assistive Technology service.  This instead can be arranged via a private service provider such as: Support Link (Wirral Partnership Homes), Help the Aged/Eldercare, Age Concern or Tunstall etc.

PANIC / BOGUS CALLER BUTTON 
The personal trigger can be mounted on a bracket and used as a panic button. It can be placed in strategic places such as by the bath, shower, toilet, bed etc in case of falls. It can also be placed by the front door and used as a bogus caller button.  

BED OCCUPANCY SENSOR 
This provides an early warning by alerting that the user has left their bed and not returned within a preset time period, indicating a potential fall. The sensor can also be programmed to switch on lamps, helping people find their way to and from bed easily. It can also be programmed to warn that someone is not up and about at their usual time.

CHAIR OCCUPANCY SENSOR
This provides an early warning by alerting that the user has left their chair and not returned within a preset time period, indicating a potential fall.

CARE SENSOR
This provides a unique non-intrusive, non pressure dependent solution by signalling that the user is starting to get out of bed or has left the bed and not returned within a set time.  As it is non pressure dependent, – the type of bed does not restrict its uses. The use of the ”bed occupancy sensors” can be limited by hospital beds, pressure mattresses, person weight, etc. 

FALL DETECTOR
This can be worn around the neck or attached to the user’s belt or clothing and can notify a carer or monitoring centre immediately that a user has had a fall, increasing their chances of returning to independent living. The Fall Detector is an integrated Trigger and Fall Detector and separate devices are not usually required.                                                              

PIR MOVEMENT DETECTOR 
This is a wireless movement detector that can be used for both activity and inactivity monitoring.  Inactivity monitoring assists in identifying that someone has stopped moving around their home. This can be helpful in cases of diabetic hypoglycaemia, epileptic fit, strokes etc. Activity monitoring may assist those caring for someone with dementia or a learning disability – letting carers know when someone has moved within a
room where they may be at risk or need help e.g. kitchen, bathroom etc

PROPERTY EXIT SENSOR 
This specifically monitors for people leaving a building at unusual times of day or night.  It can also detect if a main exit door has been left open.

DOOR CONTACTS 
The security and safety of vulnerable users can be ensured discreetly and remotely. Using magnetic contact devices the opening of doors and windows can be automatically monitored. This allows the call centre to raise the alarm if a person leaves the house at an unusual time. It can also trigger an alert to carers on site that someone has moved to a room where they need assistance/ support.

PRESSURE MAT 
This Monitors movement into a specific area.

PULL CORD 
To raise alerts in areas where personal triggers are unlikely to be worn e.g. positioned next to the bed. However panic buttons are now a more usual alternative.

MESSAGE PROMPT 
Messages can be programmed via a Dispersed alarm unit to remind the user of important repeated daily events relating to issues such as medication or security. The unit flashes and beeps and when checked, a pre recorded message will advise the user of the actions to be taken. If the message is not collected the unit calls the monitoring centre where staff can also prompt and ensure the person’s well being.

SMOKE DETECTOR
These are provided in partnership with the expert advice of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The detectors are suitable for those who can not always respond to a standard smoke alarm and would need someone else to alert the fire service, to ensure their safety.

FLOOD DETECTOR
To provide an early warning of flood situations, such as taps being left on.

X10 CONTROLLERS
These are used in conjunction with the Bed/Chair Occupancy and Property Exit Sensors in order to switch on lamps, as mentioned in relation to each of these sensors.

ENURESIS SENSOR
Provide an early warning for individuals prone to incontinence while sleeping. A sensor pad placed between the bedding and mattress allows detection of excess amounts of moisture. If this occurs, an emergency alarm call can be transmitted. This may be appropriate in some cases of epilepsy where incontinence occurs before/ during a non-shaking fit.

BED EPILEPSY SENSOR
These provide an early warning for individuals prone to epilepsy while sleeping. A sensor pad placed between the bedding and mattress allows detection of rapid movement, for a consistent time span.