Healthcare, social welfare and housing policy agendas, while emphasising the importance of supporting the independent living of older people at home, have generally failed to take account of the actual or potential role played by social alarms and telecare.  This book draws on research and practice throughout the developed world. It documents the emergence of these important technologies and considers their potential in different contexts. 
The book:  offers the first international appraisal of social alarms and telecare; examines the links with smart homes, activity and lifestyle monitoring; and considers the potential of such technologies for older people with high levels of support need.  It is argued that social alarm and telecare technologies must be brought into the mainstream of service frameworks and configured in ways that are user-led if their true potential is to be harnessed. 
  The book is of immense importance to policy makers and practitioners in healthcare, social welfare and housing. It signals the potential, the challenges and the threats
associated with social alarm and telecare technologies. As such it must be compulsory reading for every current or potential service provider.  Contents: Introduction: what are social alarms?; Social theory and social alarms; A critical review of the literature; The origins of social alarms; Social alarms in England and Wales; Social alarms in Scotland; Social alarms in Ireland; Social alarms (PRS) in North America; Social alarms in the rest of the world; Social alarms: international
comparisons; Social alarms and smart homes; Social alarms, telemedicine and telecare; Falls, lifestyle monitoring and dementia care; Conclusions.