Technology Enabled Care
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) refers to the use of technology equipment to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing.
Used effectively, TEC can:
- Promote independence;
- Improve confidence;
- Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
- Support a person to remain living at home;
- Help with memory and recall;
- Remind a person to carry out key tasks, such as making a cup of tea; and
- Provide reassurance to carers and family members.
Telecare is the term used to describe the range of TEC equipment that can alert a call centre when, for example:
- A person falls; or
- A person leaves their home unexpectedly; or
- A person needs assistance.
Examples of Telecare include:
- A personal alarm (pendant alarm);
- A falls alarm;
- A door sensor;
- A GPS tracking device;
- Automatic medication dispenser.
Although, the full range is far wider.
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) can be provided:
- As part of a Reablement service; or
- To support hospital discharges; or
- Alongside services to meet ongoing care and support needs; or
- Independent from all of the above.
It is available to people who live in:
- Their own home;
- Rented accommodation (including Local Authority accommodation);
- Supported living;
- Extra Care;
- Shared lives placements.
If a person lives in residential or nursing care Technology Enabled Care is normally the responsibility of the provider to assess and arrange.
Learn more about TEC (Telecare) services in West Sussex here.
The commissioned West Sussex TEC provider is NRS Healthcare. They offer information, advice, and guidance regarding Telecare services.
NRS Healthcare contact details:
- Enquiries email address: tecs@westsussex.nrs-uk.net
- Urgent enquiries phone: 01903 948200
- Website: nrshealthcare.com
For professional information, visit NRS Healthcare's Professionals Page for West Sussex.
For Telecare Equipment, visit NRS Telecare - Telecare Equipment.
One off pieces of equipment up to £1,000 are free under the Care Act 2014. Where equipment costs more than £1,000 or the TEC has an on-going service charge attached (for example Telecare), Local Charging Policies apply.
If the person has an existing (or developing) Care and Support Plan any Technology Enabled Care that is provided to meet on-going needs must be recorded in the plan.
TEC should not be provided until an appropriate and proportionate assessment of need has been carried out.
Any social care practitioner can assess the need for TEC as part of a needs assessment if they are confident to do so.
Both short-term need and long-term need (subject to Care Act eligibility criteria) referrals can be made to the West Sussex TEC Service.
Referrals are now managed through Livity Life's system called Connect, but access must be approved by the West Sussex County Council Commissioning Team. Professionals can request login details by emailing:
- tec@westsussex.gov.uk
- For urgent issues: 01243 963722
- Or contact Livity Life directly: westsussextec@livitylife.co.uk
See: West Sussex Telecare Service for more information.
The commissioned West Sussex TEC provider, NRS Healthcare, undertake the monitoring and review of TEC.
All monitoring activity should be recorded in line with local recording requirements.
At such time when monitoring is no longer required it may cease.
Any TEC that is part of a person's Care and Support Plan should always be reviewed as part of the statutory review of that plan.
Technology Enabled Care should be removed in line with local processes and requirements.
Note: If a review has determined that assistive technology or Telecare equipment is no longer required these arrangements should only be made when any alternative provision to meet needs is in place.
The commissioned West Sussex TEC provider, NRS Healthcare, undertake the repair of TEC.
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
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