Councillor defends Telecare scheme (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Councillor defends Telecare scheme

1:52pm Thursday 9th August 2007

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COUNCIL bosses have hit back over accusations that a £1.7 million hi-tech home care system has been a waste of money.

Telecare, which places sensors around elderly and vulnerable people's homes to monitor whether they are in danger, came under fire this week after just 200 people across Lancashire took up the service in its first nine months.

Lancashire County Council was told it should spend the cash on face-to-face care instead.

But County Councillor Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services, said in a letter to the Lancashire Telegraph that his department was "determined to make this work."

He accused Burnley council leader Gordon Birtwistle and Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe of "undermining the system" with "ill-informed comments."

He added: "I would rather it was slow and successful than hasty and a failure.

"We need to build people's confidence in the technology and our commitment."

And at the Lancashire Local Pendle meeting held on Wednesday night at Kelbrook Village Hall, adult and community services manager Tom Daniels announced a campaign centred on "Telecare week", starting on September 11, with leaflets, displays and opportunities to visit show homes where the technology is in place.

He said: "I know from other areas where the scheme has been introduced that it is often slow to take off because people are wary, but it is technology with fantastic potential and I am convinced it is here to stay.

"It does not replace domiciliary care. It blends in with the face-to-face support."

More than 1,000 of Social Services, housing and NHS workers are also set to receive extra training to give advice on the scheme, which will be free to many, but could cost up to £8.86 per week for others. Costs could rise as grant money runs out.

Councillors in Pendle where, with 22 users, take-up has been the highest in East Lancashire, said they would back the initiative.

Speaking at the Lancashire Local meeting, Pendle Council leader Alan Davies said: "In many cases families would be delighted to pay that per week for their peace of mind. It's a wonderful scheme and it really needs promoting."

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