Evaluating the impact of 2nd and 3rd generation telecare services in older people's housing

A controlled study compared 24 people with telecare living in sheltered housing (retirement housing) against a control group of 28 people. The intervention consisted of 2nd generation telecare equipment such as automatic flood or falls detectors; a 3rd generation lifestyle reassurance system; and an internet café. Overall no noticeable change in fear of falling was observed, however statistical significance was observed in the social functioning domain of the SF36 (7.5% difference p-value= 0.049). Positive trends were also evident in areas such as, increasing the amount of time spent out of the home, improved feelings of safety during the day and night (statistically significant), along with a reduction in the fear of crime. The Internet café was used by 25% of people for at least 20 minutes per week. The results would suggest that 2nd generation telecare systems and Internet facilities could be more widely used in service delivery but that lifestyle reassurance, as trialed, requires further development.