Information strategies in achieving an integrated home care environment

Effective telecare systems will depend on the provision and use of technologies. In many instances to date the focus for this technology has been associated with the concept of a `Smart House´ as the integrating element. Unfortunately, such technologies remain expensive in real terms, and indeed in some instances may even have a negative effect by acting to reduce the level of activity of an older person. Thus while such `Smart Houses´ may be of value to a significant number of physically disadvantaged or older persons, it is argued that what is needed is a lower cost solution which is modular in nature and which is capable of being developed to meet individual needs as these change