1.6 Identify how to access a range of TEC available: • regionally • nationally • other

This guide will help you answer 1.6 Identify how to access a range of TEC available: • regionally • nationally • other.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) refers to services and systems using technology to help people live independently, manage health needs and stay in contact with support networks. At a regional level, access is usually managed by local authorities, NHS Trusts, community health providers, and voluntary sector organisations.

Local councils often have adult social care teams that assess needs and recommend suitable TEC equipment or services. This could include falls monitors, medication reminders, telecare alarms or GPS tracking devices for people at risk of getting lost. Regional access allows services to be adapted to the local population’s needs and ensures compatibility with existing support networks.

Steps to Access TEC Regionally

• Contact your local council’s adult social care team.
• Request an assessment of needs.
• Speak with community health services, such as district nurses, occupational therapists or physiotherapists.
• Check for local charities or voluntary groups offering TEC support, sometimes funded through local grants.

In many areas, housing associations offer TEC solutions, especially in supported housing or sheltered accommodation. These may include intercom systems, emergency call buttons and environmental controls for heating and lighting.

Local health and social care partnerships sometimes offer pilot projects where residents can try new TEC solutions for free or at a reduced cost. Participation often requires a referral from a GP, social worker or another authorised professional.

Examples of Regional TEC Providers

• Local authority telecare services
• NHS community health teams and rehabilitation services
• Regional carers’ centres offering TEC training and demonstrations
• Housing association support teams
• Local disability support charities and advocacy groups

Regional TEC services have the advantage of being close to the user, with staff familiar with the area and able to provide direct home visits for installation and training.

Barriers and Solutions at Regional Level

Access can sometimes be limited by waiting lists or funding restrictions. Workers can help by gathering all necessary information about a person’s needs before applying and by exploring multiple local sources rather than relying on just one.

If a person lives in a rural area, mobile TEC demonstration units may visit periodically. Local libraries or community centres may host TEC demonstration days where people can see equipment in action and ask questions.

Accessing Technology Enabled Care Nationally

National TEC services are available across the UK and may be run by government agencies, national charities or private companies. These services often provide consistent standards and equipment recognised across the country.

National providers may offer call monitoring centres that operate 24/7, hardware that works anywhere in the UK, and national websites with information and self-referral options.

Steps to Access TEC Nationally

• Visit official government websites such as NHS.uk for listings of TEC-supported services.
• Use charitable organisation websites for equipment guides and contact details.
• Approach national private TEC suppliers that deliver directly to homes.
• Take part in national health campaigns promoting certain types of TEC, such as home blood pressure monitoring programmes.

Large national charities, such as Age UK, Scope or the Alzheimer’s Society, may provide direct TEC support to eligible groups. This could include supplying devices, funding installations or providing training sessions.

Private companies offering TEC nationally may have flexible subscription models. They can post equipment to the user’s home, often with phone-based or video instructions for set-up.

National health services sometimes provide free TEC solutions for certain conditions, such as remote monitoring for heart disease, respiratory illness or diabetes.

Examples of National Providers and Services

• Age UK TEC products and services
• Alzheimer’s Society GPS trackers and monitoring advice
• NHS remote patient monitoring and telehealth schemes
• Private TEC companies such as Tunstall Healthcare or Appello
• National online marketplaces listing approved TEC devices

National access increases choice and allows people to benefit from services not available locally. It can be useful for people living in areas with fewer regional resources.

Accessing Technology Enabled Care from Other Sources

Other sources of TEC can include specialist organisations outside formal health and social care structures. This might involve equipment from technology retailers, apps from app stores or devices sourced through community networks.

Many consumer electronics companies now produce health-related devices, like smartwatches with heart monitoring or fall detection. These devices may not be officially part of health care schemes but can still support independence.

Community groups sometimes run peer-support programmes where members share devices they no longer use. Religious or cultural organisations may fund TEC equipment for vulnerable members.

Universities and research centres may invite people to trial new TEC solutions as part of innovation projects. This can provide early access to emerging technologies.

Workplace wellness programmes sometimes offer TEC to employees, such as remote mental health support apps or activity tracking platforms.

Steps to Access TEC from Other Sources

• Identify reputable retailers or online stores with TEC products.
• Check for community funding support schemes.
• Look into technology exhibitions where manufacturers showcase equipment.
• Contact universities or technology hubs conducting care-related trials.
• Explore social media groups focused on independent living solutions.

When accessing TEC outside official channels, workers must check product quality standards, safety measures and whether data protection rules will be followed. Not all commercially available devices meet the same requirements as those provided by health or care organisations.

Regional, National and Other Access Compared

There are differences between sources that workers should recognise:

• Regional services offer local knowledge and direct home visits.
• National services provide wider choice and consistent standards.
• Other sources may give access to innovative equipment but may require extra checks for safety and reliability.

People may need a mix of these access points over time. For example, someone might get an emergency alarm through regional services, regular health monitoring through a national provider, and extra smart home devices from a retail store.

Role of the Worker in Facilitating Access

Workers should help individuals identify the most suitable access route. This often involves:

• Assessing the person’s health needs and daily living requirements
• Checking eligibility criteria for regional or national schemes
• Helping complete referrals or online application forms
• Advising on safe use and maintenance of devices
• Linking individuals to training resources

Workers may need to provide feedback to providers about how effective certain TEC solutions are for the person. This helps improve services and ensures continued support.

Information Sources and Contact Points

For regional access:

• Local council websites
• Community health service offices
• Housing association contact lines
• Local carers’ centres

For national access:

• NHS.uk TEC information pages
• National charity hotlines and websites
• Private TEC provider customer services
• Professional health bodies’ guidance documents

For other sources:

• Trusted online technology retailers
• Manufacturer helplines for specific products
• Community group noticeboards or websites
• University research and innovation centres

Accessing TEC requires knowing where to find reliable information. Workers should keep a directory of contacts in both regional and national sectors, plus trusted commercial suppliers.

Training and Demonstration Opportunities

Regional centres often host face-to-face training. This can be at day centres, hospitals or community halls. National providers may offer video tutorials, online guides or telephone coaching.

Retailers sometimes demonstrate TEC equipment in-store or in special events. This gives the user a chance to handle devices before buying.

Demo opportunities help service users feel confident. Trying equipment before committing can make it more likely that they will use it properly.

Funding for TEC

Regional funding may come from social care budgets, community grants or local charity projects.
National funding could be part of NHS initiatives or national charity sponsorship.
Other funding sources can include personal budgets, crowdfunding or employer schemes.

Workers can help by identifying funding options suitable for the individual’s situation. Cost can be a barrier if funding is not available, so exploring all sources is important.

Final Thoughts

Technology Enabled Care can be accessed through a variety of channels at regional, national or other levels. Each route has unique advantages and potential limitations. By understanding how each source works, you can guide people to the right solution for their needs and circumstances.

As a worker in health and social care, your role is to connect service users to the most useful and reliable TEC available, regardless of where it comes from. This means keeping up to date with current providers and maintaining strong links to local services, national programmes and wider community resources. Having a clear picture of available options helps individuals live more independently and safely with the support of modern technology.