How can policymakers maximise the benefits of telecare for society, both now and in the future?
The UK telecare strategy over the last decade has focussed on encouraging councils to invest in telecare. But is this approach the right one?
The analysis in this report points to the need for a new strategic framework for telecare policy: a telecare service that is free at the point of use, regardless of wealth, or applies some low-level weekly charges; a clear, consistent national entitlement and assessment framework for telecare, with funding independent of council decisions; the implementation of trigger points for telecare assessments across health and social care, the disability benefits system and carer support services; the use of the full range of policy levers to promote telecare, starting with the Attendance Allowance system.
This report has been published as part of the Care Funding Futures work programme run by the Strategic Society Centre. The Care Funding Futures work programme has been made possible by the support of Bupa, PwC, Age UK and Tunstall.
Author: James Lloyd, Strategic Society Centre
Download the report: Telecare Ready – Creating a universal entitlement to telecare