5 October 2010
Peter Aldous checks out the vital gadgets to help older people stay safe.
At this week's Conservative Party Conference, Waveney's MP Peter Aldous checked out new gadgets that could transform the lives of older people and those with long term needs as well as saving the local council and health services money. Visiting the Carers UK/Tunstall Healthcare exhibition stand Peter (pictured) volunteered to have his vital signs checked.
Using the latest telehealthcare equipment provided by world leaders Tunstall Healthcare meant Peter's readings could be immediately available to a nurse, paramedic or GP, even if they were hundreds of miles away - allowing them to discuss his condition with other medical professionals and call out help if required.
In Waveney there are 3,838 people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), which includes emphysema and bronchitis, and is the most common cause of hospital admissions. Technology which monitors people's health at home can be an early warning system and prevent older people from falling ill and having to go into hospital or residential care.
Peter Aldous said:
"As we get older we all hope to stay in our own homes as long as possible. This kind of technology takes the pressure off families, hospitals and social care services by helping people to stay independent for longer.
Telehealthcare can also give families, who care, unpaid, peace of mind and much needed breaks from their caring duties and can allow them to return to work on a part or even full-time basis."
Carers UK Chief Executive Imelda Redmond said:
"Technology can play a key role in giving the families of older and disabled people peace of mind and the chance to live their own lives alongside caring. The increasing use of telecare not only means older and disabled people can stay in their own homes for longer but it also comes at a fraction of the cost of the alternative - care homes and hospital beds. This is, of course, of vital importance in light of the increasing strains on NHS and local authority budgets."
At this week's Conservative Party Conference, Waveney's MP Peter Aldous checked out new gadgets that could transform the lives of older people and those with long term needs as well as saving the local council and health services money. Visiting the Carers UK/Tunstall Healthcare exhibition stand Peter (pictured) volunteered to have his vital signs checked.
Using the latest telehealthcare equipment provided by world leaders Tunstall Healthcare meant Peter's readings could be immediately available to a nurse, paramedic or GP, even if they were hundreds of miles away - allowing them to discuss his condition with other medical professionals and call out help if required.
In Waveney there are 3,838 people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), which includes emphysema and bronchitis, and is the most common cause of hospital admissions. Technology which monitors people's health at home can be an early warning system and prevent older people from falling ill and having to go into hospital or residential care.
Peter Aldous said:
"As we get older we all hope to stay in our own homes as long as possible. This kind of technology takes the pressure off families, hospitals and social care services by helping people to stay independent for longer.
Telehealthcare can also give families, who care, unpaid, peace of mind and much needed breaks from their caring duties and can allow them to return to work on a part or even full-time basis."
Carers UK Chief Executive Imelda Redmond said:
"Technology can play a key role in giving the families of older and disabled people peace of mind and the chance to live their own lives alongside caring. The increasing use of telecare not only means older and disabled people can stay in their own homes for longer but it also comes at a fraction of the cost of the alternative - care homes and hospital beds. This is, of course, of vital importance in light of the increasing strains on NHS and local authority budgets."
