A day in the life of Technology Enabled Care Outreach Worker

Heather Tierney, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnerships Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Telecare Outreach worker

The Telecare Outreach Worker from Bute deals with a broad range of home health monitoring equipment which includes sensors and alarms to enable people to continue living independently in their own home, while minimising risks to personal wellbeing and safety.

All Outreach workers are equipped to work from any location using modern technology to support the needs of clients and their role. On a daily basis, Heather directly manages external, internal and self referral assessments for clients living in Cowal and Bute. Her role also includes coordinating the installation and testing of Telecare devices and sensors.

Heather said: “I really enjoy my job. It is lovely to be able to see the difference simple technology can make to local people living safely and independently in their own home.

“My days can be really varied. Sometimes you visit people you know quite well, and sometimes you are meeting people for the first time.

“I deal with a wide range of people’s needs, such as young people leaving residential care, hospital discharges, dementia patients, domestic violence cases, people with long term conditions and disabilities and generally just people who just feel vulnerable living alone.

“My job is to assess anyone who needs sensors or devices to manage the risks associated with living independently.”

Heather has a considerable amount of administrative duties which includes making sure client records are accurate. She also has responsibility for several databases that provide alerts on client assessments, equipment testing, stock monitoring and installations. Having specifically designed software makes it possible for the service to run smoothly.

Heather loves working and living on Bute because it is such a close knit community and the people “really do look after each other”. She enjoys spending time with family, the scenic views, local community events, island entertainment, festivals and local culture.

Technology Enabled Care packages can help people stay independent for longer. The technology devices provide people with somebody to call for help if they suffer a fall, feel unwell or need reassurance. The equipment when triggered is connected to a 24 hour call centre which gives clients and carers peace of mind to know there is always support available.