Q. What does the sensor do?

The sensor goes in your home and sends back some data to tell us:

• if you’re moving around okay at home
• how warm your house is
• how humid your house is
• how much moisture is in the air

Q. What if I have a pendent alarm or other Assistive Technology already?

If you already have a pendent alarm, (or any other assistive technology / telecare products), it won't interfere, this sensor works on its own, so you should continue to use your telecare system in the usual way if you need to get help at any time.

Q. How does the sensor work? 

The sensors send the data automatically to our servers, so there is no need for you to do anything. We’re going to work out how to get the best out of the data you provide by working with you and your nominated primary contact, Integrated Neighbourhood Health and Care Teams and local community and voluntary organisations. While the sensor is in your home we will be working out how we can use the data to keep residents comfortable, safe, well and independent in their own homes.

Q. How will the sensor be installed? 

If you’d like to take part we will install the sensors in your home free of charge. The installation will be done by Care Network's Handy Person Service. If you participate in the project you will be able to receive approximately half an hour FREE handyperson service as part of the installation. They will be able to do jobs such as 

• Putting up pictures/shelves
• Changing lightbulbs
• Fixing doorknobs
• Heavy lifting
• Taking down/putting up curtains

Please note that materials would not be free – you would need to purchase these beforehand.

Q: What are the sensors like?

They look like this picture on the right and are about the size of a matchbox. They are silent – so you won’t hear any noise. They have a small light on the front. This light will glow sometimes, to show that it is sending us the data we need.

Q: Are the sensors certified?

They are CE certified, which is the European standard for product safety – it shows that the manufacturer has checked that these products meet EU safety, health and environmental requirements.

Q: How many sensors would I have in my home?

There are two sensors. We will put one in your bedroom and one in the main room you use during the day. They don’t use any electricity so there is no cost to you. We will fit them and remove them at the end of the trial. You won’t need to operate them.

Q: How are they attached – will it make a mess?

They are attached to the wall by a small adhesive pad. We use adhesive that won’t make a mess after it has been removed.

Q: Do they need to be plugged in?

No. The sensors are battery powered. The batteries won’t need changing as they will last for the duration of this trial.

Q: Will it affect my internet or my wifi, or my appliances - like my TV or microwave?

No.

Q: What will happen to my data?

Blackburn with Darwen Council will use your data to help us and partner organisations to develop a new service to help keep people safe and well in their homes. This is the ONLY purpose we will use your data for. It will only be used by the Council. We will only share statistical data with partners that cannot identify you as an individual.

The Council will only use your data while the project is running. When the project ends, we will destroy the personal data we have and only keep statistical data to make plans.

Your data WILL NOT be sold to any third parties or used for other commercial activity, e.g. advertising

If you would like a copy of the privacy policy it can be found on the Council Website at www.blackburn.gov.uk/Pages/Privacy-policy.aspx or a copy can be sent out on request.

Q: Why do you need the data?

In the free trial period, the data will help us to make sure you’re doing okay, that you’re active and moving around, and that your home is warm and comfortable. This will help us to look at a range of options to help keep you safe, well and independent in your own home. If we can show that these sensors make a real difference and help people in their homes, then we may be able to help more people across Lancashire and South Cumbria have the sensors in their homes too.

Q: What happens if I agree to take part?

If you’re happy to be part of the free trial, then we will:

• give you all the information you need including the personal data guide to be found at www.blackburn.gov.uk/Pages/Data-protection.aspx (a paper copy can be provided on request)
• ask you to sign a form to say you are happy to take part
• send someone from our team to put the sensors in your home. They will have photo identification from East Lancashire Deaf Society (ELDS) as a quality assured Care Network provider
• access data from the sensors, for a period of approximately eighteen months up to 31st March 2020
• come and remove the sensors when the trial is over
• let you know how it went and how your data will be used to help other people

Q: What happens if I have a question, concern or change my mind?

Contact Care Network on 01254 507255 (Option 1) between 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday or e-mail: [email protected]