Since 2009 Linc-Cymru Housing Association has been using telecare solutions from Tunstall to cater for the individual care requirements of tenants at Glyn Anwen. The scheme comprises 41 self-contained apartments developed in partnership with Newport City Council and are designed specifically for older people some of whom have sensory, physical and cognitive impairments.

The customised telecare packages help manage risks in the home and provide tenants with access to 24-hour on-site care, giving them peace of mind and improving their quality of life.

For Mr J the move to Glyn Anwen has seen a marked improvement in his health. He is enjoying the reassurance of being able to summon help 24 hours a day, and having company as he felt "shut away" where he lived before. He said: "If it wasn't for Linc Extra Care I would have gone into a nursing home and there is no doubt in my mind I would have faded away very quickly."

Tunstall's advanced telecare solution, Communicall Connect was specified as a requirement for Linc-Cymru's Extra Care scheme as it provides a platform for flexible care which can be tailored to each tenant. Communicall Connect can support a range of installed telecare sensors that are based on the individual requirements of each resident and can be adjusted according to their changing needs. Staff can also communicate with residents and each other via the system, helping them to respond more quickly to incidents and deliver a higher level of care.

Tina James, Linc-Cymru's Extra Care Manager at Glyn Anwen, said: "Telecare means we can offer an increased level of support to our tenants, ensuring their safety without being intrusive. The sensors mean we are immediately aware if there's a problem in one of the apartments, such as a fire, flood or someone falling. The tenants feel safer and the staff can work more efficiently."

Richard Rawcliffe, Sales Director for Tunstall, said: "Telecare transforms the lives of those with care needs. The use of telecare and advanced solutions like Communicall Connect in housing schemes such as Glyn Anwen, shows how telecare packages can be tailored to support the changing health and care requirements of each individual tenant, giving them and their loved ones peace of mind that they are able to receive immediate support around the clock should they need it."

Apartments at Glyn Anwen are installed with smoke detectors and a heat sensor as standard, and tenants are given a pendant allowing them to call for assistance when needed. Links to onsite CCTV have also been provided by Tunstall, enabling tenants to view callers at the door via their televisions, and grant access using a remote unit. Other telecare sensors are used according to the needs of the individual; for example a bed occupancy sensor can be used for someone at risk of falling or leaving the premises during the night. The sensor will detect them leaving their bed and if they fail to return within a short time on-site staff will be alerted via their handset and can check on their wellbeing.

The telecare sensors work together to manage risks by raising an alarm with on-site staff or the monitoring centre. If a sensor is triggered, staff receive an audible alert and a text message via their DECT handset, indicating the location and nature of the incident, as well as the name of the tenant involved. Using their handsets staff can determine who is able to respond the quickest and request additional help when necessary.

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About Tunstall
Tunstall Healthcare Group is the market leading provider of telehealthcare 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 telehealthcare can improve quality of life, visit www.tunstallhealth.com.