Hello, my name is Mike Orton and I am an Assistive Technologist who, from my experience of both working within and as an external consultant with Local Authorities and NHS; can offer a bespoke service in developing and writing up strategies for Telecare, Telehealth, Home Environmental Control and other AT, through to implementation and recruitment of staff. I have some 16 years practical experience of assessing clients for a wide range of assistive technology together with project management experience of developing, writing up and implementing strategies around assistive technology, including setting up of Pilots to develop systems and to evaluate outcomes. This provides me with the necessary experience and background to assist organizations to develop and integrate this technology as part their overall care approach to allow clients to remain independent within their own home.
I am very much a hands on person; the development and building of effective working relationships with key Partners across statutory and voluntary sectors is the key to providing an integrated and sustainable Telecare service, as is overcoming an often embedded organization culture and getting engagement of frontline staff through greater awareness and training. Development of personal budgets allows choice and freedom to the user in how they want to manage their care and will require the development of and signposting to good quality services, especially with self-funders who do not qualify through the FACS route.
Assistive Technology will be a crucial element in enabling reablement and helping to manage the increasing strains on financial and human resources within the statutory sector.
I also undertake product and service reviews for both the Third and Private Sectors. I work closely on behalf of manufacturers, for example, I am working closely with a manufacturer of a Stove Alarm System which monitors the potential of cooker top fires, it can then cut off the source of ignition and link with a Telecare Lifeline if required. This has involved setting up meetings with Fire Services and Dept. of Communities and Local Government to determine requirements suitable for the UK market both as a retro-fit and for future standard installation within cooker appliances. This product is now in production as a retrofit solution.
To discuss potential projects or for some advice please contact me: info@telecareconsulting.com
