How TEC works
Technology enabled care (TEC) is technology and supporting services that help you to stay independent or get help in an emergency.
It uses devices such as personal alarms and sensors for your home that are linked to a 24/7 response centre.
Our Lancashire TEC service is delivered by Progress Lifeline, they monitor the devices and run the response centre.
The operators are trained to deal with emergency situations. When a personal alarm or sensor is activated, an operator will assess the situation and alert a nominated contact or emergency services.
But TEC is more than an alarm service. A range of devices can monitor your wellbeing and help you with day-to-day activities too.
The benefits of TEC
TEC can give you confidence to live at home safe in the knowledge help is at hand when you need it.
If you are a carer, TEC can provide reassurance the person you care for can get help when you are not available.
Levels of service
You will need to select a service level from the list below and pay the associated charge:
Level one - Monitoring service
You must nominate two people who live nearby to have a set of keys for your home. We call them keyholders.
When an alert is raised Progress Lifeline will notify your keyholders and, if necessary, emergency services.
Keyholders could be a friend, neighbour or family member. Care agencies and family members, who are not available 24/7, will not be accepted as suitable contacts/keyholders.
Level two - Responder service
A set of your keys will be kept in a key safe outside your home for the mobile response team or emergency services to access.
When an alert is raised, a member of staff from Progress Lifeline (or the emergency services, if necessary) will enter your home to check on you.
Level three - Premium service
Includes the level 2 service plus either a weekly face-to-face welfare visit, or two weekly telephone calls from a member of staff at Progress Lifeline.
The visit or phone call will normally last for 10 minutes. The caller will check that you are well and talk about how you are feeling.
Falls lifting service
The fall lifting service is there if you fall, but are not injured, and need help to get back on your feet. You can access the service with a TEC pendant or watch.
This service is available to everyone using the TEC service, regardless of your chosen service level.
Charging information
There are some exceptions to the charges. Find out more about TEC charges.
Types of devices
We have a wide range of devices that can raise an alarm, monitor your wellbeing and promote good health.
Social care alarms
These alarms can notify a named keyholder, the mobile response service or, if appropriate, the emergency services.
Home environment sensors
Environment sensors include:
- smoke detectors
- temperature sensors which can detect fire or low temperature
- flood detectors
- door sensors
- sensors that monitor movement
- carbon monoxide detectors
Activity monitors
Activity monitoring sensors can monitor your movement patterns and tell us if you may have fallen or been sitting for a long time.
Other sensors support with incontinence, epilepsy or taking medication.
Tracking devices
GPS tracking devices are typically used to monitor the location and movements of people with dementia.
These trackers help you and your family members keep an eye on your loved one, giving you peace of mind.
Self-care apps
Self-care apps on your phone can help you through reminders and notifications.
Some apps use GPS location services to monitor people with early-stage dementia.
Specialist sensors
There are specialist sensors to support you in your day-to-day activities if you are:
- deaf
- hearing impaired
- visually impaired (whether partially sighted or blind)
- have a combined sensory loss