Promoting safety, reassurance and dignity through telecare in Ireland

Abstract

This paper describes the Safe at Home pilot telecare project which was designed to promote safety, reassurance and dignity for older people in Co Louth, north east Ireland. It describes the background, the process, implementation and evaluation of the project for 25 adults aged over 65 years who were victims of crime and/or had experienced social isolation. The project achieved significant improvements in the confidence of the participants especially with regard to feelings of safety and security. It is currently being reviewed with a view to expanding the pilot to an additional 200 residents in the area.