Investment in telecare to help older people live at home for longer

The Scottish Government is to invest £4m in telecare so that older people can live at home for longer in Scotland. Telecare is delivered by electronic devices in people’s homes that support them to live independently when previously they may have needed hospital or residential care.

According to Public Health Minister, Shona Robison, “Investing in telecare is vital if we are to remain ahead of the game in meeting the needs of our growing older population. Telecare can help older people remain independent in their own homes – something we must explore further if we are to rise to the challenges we face. We expect our older population to rise by 62% over the next two decades. We are firmly committed to free personal care but we need to change the ways we deliver care, and investing in new technology like this has enormous potential to help us”.