City of York Council is harnessing the latest technology to enable elderly and vulnerable people to remain in their homes for longer after receiving more than £200,000 in government funding.

The funding was provided during the last financial year and again for 2007/08 for Telecare equipment, which will allow the council to drastically enhance its existing community alarm system, known as Warden Call.

Around 4,000 residents currently use Warden Call. Warden call users have a large push-button phone, as well as a pendant that they can press to summon help if and when they need it. As soon as the pendant or the large red button on the phone is pressed, contact is made with the wardens, who can provide assistance or summon help.

Telecare takes this approach a step further by using electronic sensors to summon help, rather than relying on customers to raise the alarm themselves. Examples of how the system could work include:
- If a person with dementia becomes forgetful and leaves their gas turned on but unlit, a gas sensor can alert Warden Call to the problem. Alternatively, a mechanism can be installed to shut the gas off immediately until safety checks have been carried out.
- If someone who regularly falls wears a small electronic 'falls detector', an alarm call will automatically be generated when they do fall.
- An electronic medication dispenser has the ability to notify a relative or the warden if someone has not taken their tablets.
- A door exit sensor can detect when a vulnerable or confused person leaves their home, ensuring that timely support can be provided so that they don't become distressed, lost or injured.

The council is setting up a 'smart' flat at Haxby Hall residential home, which contains a range of Telecare equipment for customers and staff to view. The flat will be open to the public for visits, by appointment, later this year. Any customers who would like to find out more or feel that they may benefit from Telecare is asked to contact their social worker or occupational therapist. Anyone who does not currently have contact with the council's adult social services team can call 01904 554141 to find out more and check whether they might be eligible for support.