Executive urged to invest in telecare

Scottish officials must invest far more money in technology to enable people to live in their own homes longer, according to experts in older people’s services.

The Scottish executive should introduce a 4m telecare grant for two years to encourage councils to unlock its potential, recommends the second report from the executive’s older people review group.

It noted that a successful project in West Lothian, which has installed telecare technology in 3,000 homes, was not being replicated elsewhere.

The report comments: “It is not clear whether this is because there is a lack of confidence in the West Lothian example, or because of the absence of funding to make the necessary investment in change.”

Liz Duncan, director of Help the Aged Scotland, said: “This always seems to be the Cinderella part of the service.”

The report also suggests that prompt assessments and making basic changes such as redesigning kitchens could reduce care needs.