SOUTH WEST SURREY AREA SAFE AT HOME TELECARE PROJECT : Executive on 03/10/2006

Waverley Borough Council Committee System - Committee Document

Meeting of the Executive held on 03/10/2006
SOUTH WEST SURREY AREA SAFE AT HOME TELECARE PROJECT

Summary & Purpose

Waverley and Guildford Councils have been awarded Ł151,205 for 2006/07 from the Preventative Technologies Grant in Surrey to work together with our partners in Social Care and Health to develop a number of projects to embed technologies in the homes and lifestyles of vulnerable adults to enable them to remain safe at home.

This report, which was considered by the Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 11th September, informs members of the local projects and seeks approval to recruit a part time Careline Officer to support the work involved.

APPENDIX Q

Waverley Borough Council

Community Overview & scrutiny Committee -
11TH September 2006

EXECUTIVE – 3RD OCTOBER 2006

Title:

SOUTH WEST SURREY AREA SAFE AT HOME TELECARE PROJECT

[Wards Affected: All]

Summary and purpose:

Waverley and Guildford Councils have been awarded Ł151,205 for 2006/07 from the Preventative Technologies Grant in Surrey to work together with our partners in Social Care and Health to develop a number of projects to embed technologies in the homes and lifestyles of vulnerable adults to enable them to remain safe at home.

This report, which was considered by the Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 11th September, informs members of the local projects and seeks approval to recruit a part time Careline Officer to support the work involved.

Environmental implications:

There are none arising from this report.

Social / community implications:

There are major implications for enabling older and vulnerable people to remain in their own homes, confident that they will receive help and assistance when they most need it through the use of technologies suited to their particular circumstances.

E-Government implications:

The delivery of remote monitoring services uses the latest Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Telemonitoring equipment supports the e-government agenda by stimulating joined-up working and supporting person-centred public services.

Resource and legal implications:

The partners in the South West Surrey Area have a service level agreement for the delivery of six projects for 2006/07 with Surrey County Council.

The funding from the Preventative Technologies Grant for the South West Surrey projects includes all the costs of the additional equipment and monitoring charges where required, the costs of installation and an additional part-time post of Careline Officer for Waverley. The budget for the part-time post is Ł21,557 for a year. This will be paid for by the additional grant.
Background

1. With the launch of the ‘Independence, Well-being and Choice’ the Government Green Paper for Social Care (2005), local authorities are being encouraged to shift the focus of their delivery of services to a more proactive, preventative model of care. One of the suggested ways of achieving this is through better use of technology to support people in their own home. The white paper, ‘Our Health, Our Care, Our Say, is the latest in a number of recent legislative documents, which advocates the use of assistive technology in provision of care and further encourages change in strategic thinking.

2. ‘Surrey Safe at Home’ is the umbrella for the development of assistive technology and telecare within the county and is part of a Surrey Local Area Agreement (LAA).

3. The project, as set up under the LAA, aims to develop infrastructure from which to establish a comprehensive countywide assistive technology and telecare service to improve the quality of life for vulnerable and at risk adults. The aim is to enable them to live independent lives in their own homes and communities, and to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital, residential or nursing care. The project scope includes exploring the potential of telemedicine and tele-monitoring to monitor chronic conditions, to enable better disease management as well as communication between service users and medical professionals.

4. The fuller Consultation Document, Surrey Safe at Home, May 2006 can be found at Annexe 1. The new structure outlined is now being implemented and the South West Surrey Area group has now been established.

Waverley’s Careline Service

5. Waverley provides a basic telecare service of a home alarm system connected through the telephone system 24/7 to the Care Centre at Guildford. Waverley’s Careline Officers have been installing and removing alarms in both the private sector and tenants homes since 1984/85.

6. The alarm systems are triggered by a pendant worn by the customer that, when pressed, will open a voice-to-voice link with the 24/7 Centre. Their personal details collected by Waverley’s Careline Officer come up at the Centre and the operator is able to respond and call the emergency service or a local contact as required. This service has given the users confidence to continue to carry out their day to day activities and improves their quality of life.

7. In Waverley, as at March 2006, there were 2,544 private sector customers and tenants linked through the Careline Service. 316 new installations and 334 removals took place during 2005/06, a turnover of 650.

8. Whilst the quality and style of the individual alarm equipment and the pendant triggers have improved over the years, the basic service has remained the same. However improvements in technologies can now link telemedicine equipment, pill dispensers, smoke alarms, passive monitoring systems, bed occupancy sensors and other equipment through the basic home alarm system into the 24/7 centre. The key to the 24/7 centre is that there is a person who answers calls and talks to the user to solve problems. The use of computer facilities means that passive monitoring can also be managed with intervention only when required.

Preventative Technologies Grant – Safe at Home in the South West Surrey Area

9. In September 2005, Members were informed in the report, Assistive Technology and Telemedicine that a joint initiative between Waverley Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council, Surrey County Council and the Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust was developing a telemedicine pilot project. The University of Surrey Social Research Unit is also involved in the evaluation of this project.

10. This meant that when Surrey County Council was seeking project bids for the Preventative Technologies Grant and local area groups to manage these Officers were able to react quickly in proposing a variety of projects.

11. The local area group successfully bid for Ł151,205 to develop and implement the following six projects in the South West area and projects groups are now working on developing and implementing each of these.

(i) Hospital Discharge Project

The aim of the Hospital Discharge project is, within the budget provided, to provide an alarm unit and pendant free of charge to clients, for a period of twelve weeks on discharge from hospital. Additional sensors will also be provided, if appropriate (bed occupancy sensors, smoke detectors etc). It is anticipated that referrals will come from hospital discharge teams at Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH), Frimley Park Hospital, and community hospitals. Installations will be carried out by Waverley Borough Council (WBC) or Guildford Borough Council (GBC).

(ii) Monitored Smoke Detector Project

The aim of the project group is, within the budget provided, to prepare, and subsequently manage, a plan to provide smoke detectors in the homes of vulnerable people living in the Guildford, Waverley and Woking Borough Council areas who need their smoke alarms to be monitored through the alarm system to the 24/7 centre. These will be vulnerable people who would be unable to react to the smoke detector going off and take appropriate action. Referrals will be invited from informal carers and statutory agencies, or through Surrey Fire and Rescue Services.

(iii) Prescription Compliance and Dementia Support Monitoring

The aim of the project group is, within the budget provided, to prepare, and subsequently manage a plan to provide pro-active call-outs from the Alarm Receiving Centre, to up to thirty clients with a cognitive disability, to assist them with medication compliance in their own homes. The plan should also identify, where appropriate, clients who would also benefit from the provision of telecare technology, eg monitored medication reminders/medicine dispensers for this purpose.

(iv) Passive Falls Monitoring Scheme

The aim of the Falls Monitoring project group is, within the budget provided, to provide an appropriate falls monitoring package - alarm unit and pendant, bed occupancy sensor and two movement detectors (PIRs) – to clients identified as being at serious risk of a fall. The range of equipment provided should monitor daytime falls and inactivity and also cover risks from falls overnight. In addition, this project will ensure that any calls due to falls from any of all the ordinary home alarms in the Waverley and Guildford areas will be communicated through appropriate channels to their health care worker.

(v)

Dementia Monitoring in Extra care Sheltered schemes and Residential Care Homes

The aim of this project is to provide passive monitoring lifestyle telecare equipment to enable people with dementia to live more safely in these environments. This equipment is being used at Dray Court in Guildford.

(vi)

Extension to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder Telemedicine Project

A joint partnership between Surrey County Council, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils, and Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust, already exists to provide Tunstall Safe 21 Telemedicine monitoring units in the homes of people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), to evaluate the efficacy of the equipment, and assess the contribution that the equipment can make to clients managing the condition at home, wherever possible. The PTG grant will enable the purchase of three additional monitors to supplement the project already in existence.

Resource and legal implications

12. The partners in the South West Surrey Area have a service level agreement for the delivery of the 6 projects for 2006/07 with Surrey County Council.

13. The funding from the Preventative Technologies Grant for the South West Surrey projects includes all the costs of the additional equipment and monitoring charges where required, the costs of installation and an additional part time post of Careline Officer for Waverley.

14. The budget for the part-time post is Ł21,557 for a year and officers are proposing that a temporary part-time Careline Officer be recruited within this budget to support the projects in Waverley. This will be paid from the additional grant and have no impact on existing approved budgets.

Conclusion

15. These projects will be very valuable in allowing both older people and professional staff to assess the usability and value of telecare and telemedicine to enhance their quality of life and service delivery.

16. There is a range of new activities associated with these projects for Waverley’s Careline service and the recruitment of a temporary part-time Careline Officer will support the team to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee

17. The Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the value of the project in allowing both older people and professional staff to assess the usability and value of telecare and telemedicine to enhance their quality of life and service delivery.

18. The Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee were also of the view that members could help promote this project and requested that a workshop be set up to enable members to familiarise themselves with the equipment.

Recommendation

It is recommended that:

1. the funding for the Safe at Home Projects from the Preventative Technologies Grant for the range of valuable telecare and telemedicine projects be welcomed;

2. the proposal to recruit a temporary part-time Careline Officer funded from the Preventative Technologies Grant to support the Careline team with these projects be welcomed; and

3. a workshop be set up to enable members to familiarise themselves with the equipment.

Background Papers (DoH)

Service Level Agreement for the provision of the Safe at Home project plan in the South West Surrey Area.

CONTACT OFFICER:

Name: Mrs Sheila Goodall Telephone: 01483 523355
E-mail: sgoodall@waverley.gov.uk

comms\executive\2006-07\131.doc

Annexe 1

CONSULTATION DOCUMENT
SURREY SAFE AT HOME

May 2006

Background

1. With the launch of the Independence, Well-being and Choice government green paper for social care (2005), local authorities are being encouraged to shift the focus of their delivery of services to a more proactive, preventative model of care. One of the suggested ways of achieving this is through better use of technology to support people. The white paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say, is the latest in a number of recent legislative documents, which advocates the use of assistive technology in provision of care and further encourages change in strategic thinking.

2. Surrey Safe at Home is the umbrella for the development of assistive technology and telecare within the county and is part of the Surrey Local Area Agreement (LAA).

3. The project, as set up under the LAA, aims to develop an infrastructure from which to establish a comprehensive countywide assistive technology and telecare service to improve the quality of life for vulnerable and at risk adults. Our aim is to enable them to live independent lives in their own homes and communities and to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital and residential or nursing care. The project scope includes exploring the potential of telemedicine and tele-monitoring to monitor chronic conditions and enable better disease management and communication between service users and medical professionals.

4. The current project structure is a Project Board comprising representatives from district & borough council, county council, PCT, voluntary sector and independent sector and area groups based on the Adults & Community Care (ACC) areas. There are currently groups established in East and Mid Surrey, a joint group in North & Northwest Surrey, and a group recently set up in the Southwest area.

Consultation Proposals

5. The development of assistive technology and telecare is dependent on productive partnerships and what has been taken forward so far has only been accomplished through good integrated working. The significance of the agenda for so many stakeholders means that we want to consult on the project proposals as we recognise the impact and the importance for people and the need to create a practical and workable structure that will realistically provide support.

6. The infrastructure that was originally put in place to support the project has worked well. In light of the widening of the potential of assistive technology and telecare, we are proposing a revised structure to support moving the agenda forward.

7. The following proposals outlined in this document are therefore intended to demonstrate how we could support the progression of assistive technology and telecare in Surrey in terms of both strategic direction and implementation in order to support the service users, carers and professionals. At the end of the document is a feedback form where you can let us have your ideas and comments or areas of concern.

Surrey Safe At Home Proposed Project Structure

Surrey Safe at Home Project Groups

8. The proposed structure is intended to provide opportunity for all stakeholders to help deliver and influence the project.

Steering Group
8.1. The proposal suggests that the Steering Group would comprise a small group holding a high-level strategic role to consider issues such as the long-term integration of assistive technology and telecare and would involve and consult with the proposed User/Carer Reference Group as well as the Operations Group and other groups as appropriate. The Steering Group would also invite guest representatives/specialists in relation to specific topic areas, e.g. the development of integrated community equipment services.

8.2. The Steering Group would report on the progress of the project as part of the Surrey LAA to the Government Office South East (GOSE), to the Surrey Strategic Partnership and also Surrey County Council’s Executive.

9. Operations Group
9.1. The Operations Group would have a critical role in driving forward the delivery of the overall Surrey Safe at Home project based on local knowledge and input from the Area groups and direct influence from the User/Carer Reference Group.

9.2. The Operational Group will be able to influence the Steering Group and its forward agenda through nominated links (e.g. Operations Group representatives on the Steering Group).

10. Area Groups

10.1. The Area Groups would be involved in the implementation of assistive technology and telecare projects in their local area, ensuring good engagement from stakeholders and identifying local issues and need. The groups would also continue to be an invaluable means of information sharing and networking.

10.2. The Area Groups will be able to influence the Steering Group and its forward agenda through nominated links (e.g. area representatives on the Operations Group and Operations Group representatives on the Steering Group).

11. User/Carer Reference Group

11.1. The proposal is to establish a User/Carer Reference Group inviting elected representatives from other existing forums such as the 50+ network, carer forums, the empowerment boards, Surrey Users Network and Progress In Sight Reference Group.

11.2. The role of the group will be crucial, as it will help to ensure that the project is focused on the needs of the service user, that developments are accessible to service users and carers and will also make a realistic and practical difference. It is proposed that the Group will link into the Operations Group, as that is where responsibility for project delivery will rest, but that there will also be engagement with the Steering Group.

Surrey Safe at Home Proposed Terms of Reference

12. The proposed Terms of Reference for the groups are outlined below, but may be subject to change following the consultation period and sign-off from the proposed groups once established.

13. Surrey Safe at Home Steering Group
13.1. Membership to include representatives from county council (e.g. project manager), district & borough council with lead for LAA Surrey Safe at Home (e.g. Project Sponsor), PCT, voluntary sector and independent sector and potentially a GP

13.2. Meets quarterly

13.3. Sponsors & promotes assistive technology and telecare

13.4. Responsibility for strategic policy and development for assistive technology and telecare to facilitate the project implementation

13.5. Reports on the project’s progress to the Surrey Strategic Partnership and government departments such as the Government Office of the South East and the Department of Health

13.6. Holds authority for the project and its outcomes

13.7. Responsible for identifying and reviewing funding available from a variety of sources

13.8. Seeks specialist advice such as operations or technology-related, where appropriate, to help inform decisions in the project’s development

13.9. Considers opportunities to integrate initiatives

13.10. Ensures the links between the various groups within the structure are maintained

14. Operations Group

14.1. Membership to include representatives from county council, district & borough council and PCT with two representatives being elected from each of the area groups and potentially one county council telecare champion from each of the areas, if there was no social care representation elected from an area group

14.2. Meets monthly or as agreed by the group

14.3. Champions assistive technology and telecare across Surrey

14.4. Agrees and owns the work programme of the steering group and monitors progress against agreed targets

14.5. Supports area groups to remove barriers to implementation of assistive technology and telecare projects

14.6. Provides progress reports to the steering group

14.7. Shares best practice and information with the area groups

14.8. Coordinates activities with suppliers, community alarm services, practitioners

14.9. Responsible for the engagement of users, carers, and other stakeholders as required

14.10.Responsible for delivery of the project’s training and promotion on a countywide
basis (e.g. workshops, conferences)

14.11.Responsible for review of financial and operational performance of projects
funded within the Surrey Safe at Home framework

14.12 Responsible for any additional negotiation and agreement of contractual
arrangements with equipment providers related to the Surrey Safe at Home
project.

14.13 Provides technical advice to the Steering Group as appropriate

15. Area Groups

15.1 Membership to be based on current membership of groups (e.g. PCTs, social care teams, district & boroughs, carer representatives) with potential to include other stakeholders such as independent or voluntary sector representatives

15.2 Meet every 2 months or as agreed by each group

15.3 Collectively champion assistive technology and telecare to increase the take-up across Surrey

15.4 Agree and own the work programme of the area group and monitor progress against agreed targets, quarterly (financial and operational)

15.5 Oversee the development and implementation of assistive technology and telecare projects in line with the agreed outcomes and timescales

15.6 Support the removal barriers to implementation of assistive technology and telecare projects

15.7 Act as an expert source of information to respond to assistive technology and telecare enquiries

15.8 Work together to maximise resources and share best practice

15.9 Secure decisions from each partner organization to progress actions

15.10 Responsible for the local engagement of users, carers, and other stakeholders as required.

16. User/Carer Reference Group

16.1 Membership to include representatives from a range of appropriate user and carer groups (e.g. SUN, DE Empowerment Boards, Valuing People Partnership Boards, Action for Carers, Progress in Sight, 50+ network, Alzheimer’s Society, Wider Disability Network, Carers’ Strategy Groups)

16.2 To act as a resource and consultative body

16.3 Provide views on how assistive technology and telecare can benefit users and carers

16.4 Provide ideas for the effective promotion of assistive technology and telecare

16.5 Identify the training and information that needs to be provided in order for users and carers to access assistive technology and telecare

16.6 To support the sharing of ideas and contribute to the promotion of assistive technology and telecare by participation at Surrey events (e.g. conferences)

Timescales & Next Steps
17. Consultation with key stakeholders will be during May and June 2006

18. The current Project Board will finalise the proposed structure, subject to consultation, at its next meeting in July 2006

19. Implementation of the new structure, subject to consultation, will be from August 2006 and details will be communicated by the County Council and the project managers to all stakeholders via the existing groups and email

20. The current structure will remain in place until the outcome of the consultation

21. The structure that is implemented will be reviewed approximately twelve months after its implementation by all groups to ensure that it is appropriately supporting the project, service users and professionals.
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