Technology is being used to enable older and vulnerable people to live independently at home. Merton council is showcasing its MASCOT Telecare service to mark Telehealthcare Awareness Day on Friday 30 June.

Around 1,600 people are currently supported by MASCOT Telecare, which is based at Merton Civic Centre in Morden.

Subscribers to the service are given an alarm unit and a pendant button which, when pressed, automatically dials the MASCOT Telecare response centre, which is open 24 hours a day. Other devices are also available, including fall detectors, property exit sensors, bed and chair occupancy sensors, flood detectors and temperature extreme sensors, reflecting the range of individual needs customers have. Staff in the call centre act to provide the most appropriate response, ranging from informing a relative or neighbour to sending out a staff member and/or contacting emergency services.

Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Tobin Byers, said: “We want to mark Telehealthcare Awareness Day by highlighting the support available for people living locally who may benefit from the service.

“MASCOT Telecare enables vulnerable people to remain independent at home and also gives their families peace of mind. The simple technology means help is available at the touch of a button and our trained team are ready to take calls 24 hours a day and act immediately if there are concerns that the person is not safe or unwell.”

Staff from the MASCOT Telecare team will be in the Link at Merton Civic Centre in London Road, Morden on Friday 30 June between 10am and 1pm, answering questions about the service and demonstrating the technology.

For more information about MASCOT Telecare, telephone 020 8274 5940 or email mascot@merton.gov.uk