St Cecilia's was short-listed for an Innovation Nation Award, an initiative between The Guardian and Virgin Business Media which seeks to uncover the UK's most innovative organisations and people. The installed equipment, which assists the 21 people living with dementia at the home with issues such as falls, incontinence and getting out of bed or leaving their room during the night, was found to have an extremely positive effect on residents' health.

St Cecilia's introduced a telecare scheme in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, using a range of sensor and monitoring devices to provide better support for residents and assist staff in delivering care more efficiently and less obtrusively. The home, which was recently visited by Shaun Gallagher, Director of Social Care Policy with the Department of Health, to assess the effect of the new technology, has been recognised for its use of cutting edge technology within a residential setting.

Mike Padgham, Dementia home owner and chair of the ICG (Independent Care Group) in North Yorkshire and York said: "Reaching the short-list from the large number of entrants who were put forward for the award is a tremendous honour, and a great tribute to all of our staff here at St Cecilia's and at North Yorkshire County Council, for the hard work and commitment they have demonstrated.

"The introduction of telecare monitoring has enabled us to appropriately manage people's risks and target support where it was needed most. The technology has delivered significant benefits to our residents with dementia, maximising their independence and improving their quality of life. I am positive that the equipment has helped staff to make more productive use of their time and it has even enabled us to accept residents with higher care needs," he added.

Managing Director at Virgin Media Business, and Innovation Nation Judge, Mark Heraghty, said: "We wanted to showcase and celebrate the most unique and cutting edge people and organisations in the UK today, and are thrilled with the number of quality entries at this year's awards. I am confident that next year will bring even more astonishing examples of those who strive to do something different. I'd like to thank everyone that took part and look forward to continuing to support the innovation that is taking place across our industries."

The telecare equipment deployed at St Cecilia's includes Tunstall's Nursecall system, as well as enuresis sensors, bed occupancy sensors, chair occupancy sensors, fall detectors and door exit sensors. The solutions are now a standard component of care within the home. The average cost of the equipment was £255 per person.

Residential home staff have indicated that they feel less stressed in dealing with the day-to-day issues and demands of caring for people with dementia as a result of telecare. Quick and timely alerts to incontinence, and residents who are out of bed or outdoors has provided great improvements to the health and safety of residents. Telecare has removed the need for intrusive "just in case" checks to be performed by care staff, and has contributed to the maintenance of residents' personal dignity and respect.

Overall, the use of monitoring equipment has enabled staff to spend more quality time with residents, and has added greater peace of mind for relatives through the reassurance that enhanced health and safety is being practiced within the home.

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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, helping them to live independently by effectively managing their health and well-being. Its solutions have been proven effective in the world's largest telehealthcare trial. Tunstall provides technology, expertise and advice to millions of people enabling them to lead independent more fulfilling lives.