New report shows there are over 140,000 telecare service users in Scotland 

A new report conducted by a connectivity firm in partnership with Scotland’s local government agencies has revealed that are over 140,000 users of telecare services across the country.

The National Telecare Landscape Review, covering 32 local authorities in Scotland, expands the view of Scotland’s telecare services by incorporating housing sector data for the first time, offering a more complete picture of telecare delivery across the country.

The study was carried out by FarrPoint, the smart technology and connectivity firm, and commissioned by the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Digital Office.

It delivers critical insights into the current state of telecare across Scotland and aims to provide a clear and detailed overview of telecare services across Scotland, capturing the processes, workforce, and data underpinning these vital services.

Data for the review was collected through detailed questionnaires sent to Telecare Service Providers and in-depth interviews conducted between July and December 2023.

Questionnaires were sent to all 32 Scottish local authorities/31 health and social care partnerships (HSCPs). In addition, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations sent the questionnaire to its members and requested participation. Responses were received from all local authorities/HSCPs, so the review presents a complete national picture of these providers’ telecare services.

Questionnaire responses were received from nine housing providers. This represents a small percentage of the housing sector, so the review provides an insight into this sector but not a national picture. The data is represented in the chart below.

In terms of the terminology, telecare was used to refer to ‘community alarms and more complex packages of technology-enabled care’. However, some providers and service users do not use the term telecare, instead referring to the service using other terms, including warden call, community alarms, carecall, or independent living service.

Richard Parkinson, Director at FarrPoint and author of the report. said “This new report provides a baseline which telecare service providers and policymakers can use to plan service developments and transformational change in the sector.”

To access the full report visit here.