Good Practice in Telecare

One of the most popular pieces of kit in any telecare service is the pill dispenser.  It reminds people when to take their medication , which aids independence and helps carers to have peace of mind that the cared for person has taken the right medication at the right time.  It has the additional benefit in that it can reduce the need for health and social care staff .   There are 2 broad types of dispenser - one which is stand alone and one which is linked to a call centre.  The dispensers need to be filled weekly.   In some instances family carers are able to do this , but not everyone has family support to help.

Whilst some pharmacists in Wales will fill the dispensers on a goodwill basis, several telecare services in Wales have had difficulties persuading pharmacists to do so and others charge for this service.  The result being that some people who have been assessed as needing or benefiting from a pill dispenser are unable to access this service because of the charges.  The good news is that the telecare service in Cardiff has been successful in using  Boots and a Department of Health approved protocol.  Cardiff & The Vale LHB have agreed to fund the weekly replenishment costs and also bought the first 30 machines as the LHB have recognised that medication compliance failure leads to about one quarter of all hospital admissions.