1.7 Give examples of how consumer devices and products can be used to provide TEC

This guide will help you answer 1.7 Give examples of how consumer devices and products can be used to provide TEC.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) uses digital tools and equipment to support people’s health, safety and independence. Consumer devices are everyday products that are available to the public. These may not be created solely for care settings, but they can be adapted or applied to meet care needs. Many people already use consumer devices at home before they receive formal care services. By linking these devices to TEC systems, support can often be delivered more quickly and effectively.

Consumer devices are often familiar to service users. This familiarity can make them easier for individuals to accept and use. Examples include smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, wearable devices, home security products, and household monitors. Each can provide different benefits in a care context.

When choosing a consumer product for TEC, the main aim is to match the features of the device to the needs of the person. This means thinking about their physical ability, cognitive ability, lifestyle, and living environment. In this section we will look at specific examples of consumer devices and how they can be used in TEC.

Smartphones and Tablets

Smartphones and tablets are now common in many homes. They can run apps that provide health monitoring, safety alerts, appointment reminders and video calling.

Practical uses in TEC include:

• Video calls with carers or healthcare professionals
• Reminders to take medication at scheduled times
• Accessing online health records
• Sending alerts to family or emergency services in case of problems
• Using accessibility features such as large text or voice control

An example is a tablet with a telehealth app. A service user could use it to speak to a nurse each morning, report their wellbeing and receive advice without needing to leave home. For someone with mobility issues, this can save significant effort and reduce travel stress.

Smartphones can link to other TEC equipment. For instance, a wearable heart monitor can send data to an app which alerts both the user and a clinician if readings are outside safe ranges.

Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants

Smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Nest use voice commands to carry out tasks. In TEC they can support daily routines and provide hands-free assistance.

Uses include:

• Allowing a person with limited mobility to control lights or heating by voice
• Reading out reminders such as “Take your tablets now”
• Contacting a carer or family member by voice call
• Giving real-time information about weather, news or appointments
• Linking to other smart devices to operate doors or appliances

These devices can reduce isolation by making it easier to communicate with others and access entertainment. Someone with sight loss could ask the smart speaker to read books aloud.

Wearable Health Devices

Wearable devices include smart watches and fitness trackers. They monitor health indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, sleep patterns and activity levels.

In TEC they can:

• Detect falls by sensing sudden changes in movement
• Send alerts if vital signs move beyond safe limits
• Track daily activity levels for care staff
• Encourage gentle exercise through step goals or reminders
• Provide location tracking for individuals with dementia who may become disoriented

A smart watch could alert a monitoring centre if an older adult falls. Staff can respond quickly, possibly preventing more serious injury.

Home Security Products

Consumer security products such as CCTV cameras, video doorbells and smart locks can improve safety. They can support people who feel vulnerable at home and give reassurance to family members.

Examples of use in TEC:

• Video doorbells allow users to see and speak to visitors without opening the door
• Indoor cameras enable remote checking in by carers
• Smart locks can be controlled by authorised staff or relatives using an app
• Motion sensors can detect unusual movement patterns, aiding early intervention

For example, a relative could use a video doorbell to check who is calling before the person opens the door, which can help avoid scams or unwanted visitors.

Home Automation Devices

Home automation devices are products that control household systems automatically. Examples are smart plugs, thermostats, lighting systems and appliance controllers.

Applications in TEC include:

• Turning off appliances remotely to prevent hazards
• Adjusting heating to maintain comfortable temperatures
• Switching lights on automatically when motion is detected
• Controlling equipment via smartphone or voice, reducing physical effort

These devices can help create a safer living environment. For a person with arthritis, using voice commands to turn on lights or boil a kettle can reduce strain and pain.

Health Monitoring Equipment

Some health monitoring consumer devices are sold for home use without a prescription. These include blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, glucose meters and temperature sensors.

In TEC they can:

• Allow regular checks without visiting a clinic
• Send results directly to healthcare professionals
• Alert users to take action if readings show risk levels
• Support condition management for long-term illnesses such as diabetes or COPD

For example, a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitor could store readings in a secure app. A nurse can review this data weekly and adjust treatment as needed.

Personal Safety Devices

Personal safety devices are portable products designed for rapid alert and location sharing. Popular examples include SOS buttons, GPS trackers, and mobile panic alarms.

Uses in TEC:

• Sending immediate alerts to carers or emergency services when activated
• Tracking the location of the user in real-time
• Providing two-way audio so staff can speak to the person
• Offering discreet reassurance when travelling alone or in public spaces

A small GPS tracker in the pocket of a person with memory problems can help locate them if they become lost.

Medication Management Devices

Many consumer devices help organise and prompt medication use. These range from simple alarm clocks to smart pill dispensers.

Example applications:

• Timed alerts to remind the user to take prescribed doses
• Lockable compartments to prevent accidental double-dosing
• Monitoring refills and sending notifications when supplies run low
• Connecting to apps that report adherence to healthcare providers

A smart pill dispenser could beep at the correct time and only release the required tablets. It can send an alert if doses are missed, prompting a follow-up from a carer.

Environmental Monitoring Products

Environmental monitoring products track conditions inside the home, such as temperature, humidity, air quality and carbon monoxide levels.

Practical TEC uses:

• Alerting the user if conditions become unsafe
• Warning of carbon monoxide leaks
• Maintaining comfortable living conditions for those with respiratory illness
• Adjusting heating or ventilation automatically based on sensor readings

For instance, an air quality monitor can help someone with asthma avoid exposure to poor indoor air conditions.

Consumer Video Communication Tools

Video communication platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime are widely used for social contact. In TEC, they can improve access to remote support.

Applications include:

• Virtual appointments with doctors, nurses, or social workers
• Group calls with family and friends
• Support group meetings and social activities online
• Training sessions for carers or support staff

They can reduce loneliness and help maintain family contact for people living far from relatives.

Integration of Consumer Devices into TEC Systems

Consumer devices alone do not always provide a full TEC service. However, they can be linked with specialist systems. This integration can deliver professional monitoring, rapid response, and secure data handling.

Examples:

• A smart watch connected to an emergency response service for fall detection
• Home security cameras feeding images to a monitoring centre
• Health apps sending real-time readings to GP systems
• Voice assistants programmed with customised care routines

Integration allows both the person and their care team to gain maximum benefit from the device.

Benefits of Using Consumer Devices in TEC

Consumer devices bring several advantages:

• Lower cost compared to specialist-only equipment
• Familiarity for the user, making them easier to learn
• Flexibility to use them in many locations
• Easy replacement if damaged or lost
• Wide choice of products to suit personal preferences

Many people already own consumer devices, meaning there may be no need for new hardware. This can make TEC more accessible for those on limited budgets.

Risks and Limitations

Consumer devices may have limitations in a TEC context. These include:

• Data privacy concerns, if devices share information without proper controls
• Limited technical support compared to specialist care products
• Reliability depending on internet connectivity
• Not all devices are designed for people with sensory or mobility impairments
• Batteries may need frequent charging

Care providers need to assess risks and consider how to reduce them. For example, ensuring data is encrypted and stored securely can protect service users.

Final Thoughts

Consumer devices and products can play a major role in Technology Enabled Care. Many people already use these tools in daily life, which can make them a natural part of care planning. When chosen carefully, they can improve communication, support independence, and keep people safe.

It is important to match the right device to the right person. Needs, abilities, and preferences vary widely, so careful selection and good support are required. Consumer devices can be a useful bridge between everyday living and professional care systems. By using accessible tools that people recognise, services can provide effective support while helping individuals stay connected and confident in their homes.