Remote Monitoring

Whilst we do not offer such services, remote monitoring may sometimes be a useful addition to regular visits from a carer. In it's simplest form, this takes the form of regular check-up phone calls. In it's most advanced form, Alerts can be sent whenever the elderly or disabled person gets out of bed, returns, moves around in the house or even opens the refrigerator or medicine cabinet. An alert can also sent if there is no movement around the house within a specified time or when the "contact me" button is used.

In the Bracknell Area, Forestcare provide a full monitoring system for a regular monthly charge. They will install the necessary equipment, and in the event the fob is pressed, will first of all try to talk to the client. If they determine that assistance is needed, they will call the contact numbers on their list in sequence until they get a response. They may also call the emergency services if they believe the situation requires it.;height=154&amp;image=
Elderly SOS


Various telephones are available to buy, like the ones shown above, which have a remote call fob. The fob is typically worn around the neck, or on the wrist. When the button on the fob is pressed, the telephone will call a preset series of phone numbers and wait for a PIN number response. If no response is received the telephone will call the next number in the sequence. Once the PIN number has been entered, the recipient can talk to the caller, using the speakerphone. These numbers can be friends, family, ourselves, or ultimately, the emergency services.

Other call buttons are available 
where the fob itself is the monitor, and is connected using the mobile phone network. These have a GPS chip inside and work anywhere. They may be useful with people who have dementia, where the person may wander and get lost. A virtual fence can be defined, and if the person goes outside the area, an alert is triggered. Someone can then be dispatched to go and find the person and take them home.

It is also possible to buy a mains powered monitoring system which uses the mobile phone network. This might be suitable for a house or flat which does not have a landline. 
Some elderly people may feel that having an emergency call fob will mean that they may disturb a friend or relative if they have to use it. But most relatives will feel happier knowing that if their loved one does fall, or have a problem, that help can be easily summoned.
There are also phones available, including mobile phones, which have a fob with an automatic fall detection system. These will automatically initiate a call if a fall is detected. These are especially useful where someone has a particular condition which causes falls, such as epilepsy.
There are companies who make regular check-up calls to the client, and have a brief chat to make sure all is well. This also provides a little human contact during the day.
Recently, a power usage monitoring plug called 3rings 
3rings Plug
has been released. This can have an appliance such as a kettle plugged into it. Every time the appliance is used, a web site is updated using data over the mobile phone network. By setting rules, such as "If the kettle is not used between 08:00 and 11:00 then send me a message", it is possible to ensure that the person is up and about. If they do not boil the kettle for a morning cup of tea, you are alerted, and can make a quick phone call to check if they are OK.

It is possible to install a remote controlled internet connected camera. These can be controlled from a web browser, and many have Infra Red lighting to give night vision. This option needs careful consideration, as it may be potentially invasive, but may be appropriate in certain circumstances. A PC is not necessarily required in order for a web camera to be installed. The camera can even be controlled from many mobile phones.
For contact details for many of these services etc, please see our Useful Links page.
If you are going to have any remote monitoring system in place, it is also sensible to install a Key Safe, in case emergency access is required. The number of the key-safe can even be given to the emergency services, so that they do not waste time gaining access when they arrive.