Technology Enabled Care

How can Technology Enabled Care (TEC) help me?

TEC covers a wide range of monitored and unmonitored devices and equipment designed to support you with daily activities. TEC is designed to help people who need a bit more support in their lives. This could include elderly people or people living with a physical or mental disability. 

TEC gives you and your loved one’s reassurance and peace of mind that you can reach help whenever you need it. 

Watch these short videos to see how TEC has helped others.

Types of TEC available

• Pendant alarms 
• Falls alarms 
• Medication reminders 
• Fire and smoke alarms linked to our monitoring centre
• GPS and SOS buttons to call for help if you are out in the community
• Movement sensors and lights that come on at night
• Phone Apps
• Off the shelf TEC such as ALEXA and ECHO

How do pendant alarms work?

Most TEC equipment does not need a landline. It connects to a monitoring centre using a sim card and mobile networks.  

All alarm units work on mains electricity and have a battery backup. If the mains power stops working the battery will automatically start working. This means help will still be available in the event of a power cut.  

When the alarm is activated, either manually or via an automatic device, you will be connected to the specialist call centre. They will establish what kind of help you need before taking appropriate action. This could include contacting the responder service or agreed contact person. They will then visit and check that the individual is alright. If necessary, the adviser will contact the emergency services. 

Arranging TEC

If you think TEC can help, you can arrange your own private TEC. There are many companies and charities that can help you.

If you are unable to arrange TEC for yourself, you may be eligible for funding from the council. To arrange an assessment please contact Adult Social Care and ask for an assessment. A trained person will carry out an assessment ot see if you are eligible for support.

You can refer yourself using our assessment referral form or by calling Reading Adult Social Care on 0118 937 3747.

Who provides Reading Borough Council TEC

Reading Borough Council TEC is provided by The Berkshire Community Equipment Service (BCES), provided by NRS Healthcare. NRS Healthcare are responsible for correctly installing, maintaining and servicing all TEC equipment.

12 week pendant alarm package

We are piloting a 12 week free pendant alarm package, for those individuals who are not eligible for funded TEC from the council but would like to trial a falls and pendant alarm free of charge for 12 weeks. This offer includes a TEC Trusted Assessment and installation of prescribed TEC.

If you would like to speak to someone about this, please contact Adult Social Care on 0118 9373747 or email TEC@reading.gov.uk 

Need to return or report an issue with your council pendant alarm?

Contact NRS Healthcare directly on 0344 893 6960 (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 6pm) and they will arrange for the equipment to be collected. 

If the TEC is no longer meeting your needs, please contact Reading Adult Social Services on 0118 937 3747 and speak to one of our advisers.