Technology Enabled Care

Beware scammers asking money for community pendant alarms

The council do not charge when they issue community pendant alarms. If you have an alarm from Adult Social Care you will not have to make payment, set up a direct debit or give any personal financial information.
If anyone contacts you about your alarm and asks for money or financial details, do not share any information.
Please report the incident immediately to us on 0118 937 6550 or safeguarding.adults@reaing.gov.uk.
If you got your pendant alarm from a private provider:
*contact your registered provider directly if you receive any requests for payment or changes to your direct debit
*do not respond to payment demands or financial requests from any other source
If you are worried you have been targeted by a scam, please report it to:
*Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
*our Safeguarding Team on 0118 937 6550 or safeguarding.adults@reaing.gov.uk

How can Technology Enabled Care (TEC) help me?

TEC covers a wide range of monitored and unmonitored devices and equipment designed to support you with daily activities. TEC is designed to help people who need a bit more support in their lives. This could include elderly people or people living with a physical or mental disability. 

TEC gives you and your loved one’s reassurance and peace of mind that you can reach help whenever you need it. 

Watch these short videos to see how TEC has helped others.

Important: our equipment provider has changed!

Our equipment provider has changed from NRS to Millbrook and Livity Life.

If you still have equipment that was provided by NRS, it will now be managed by:

  • Millbrook Healthcare for general equipment
    0118 228 8701
  • Livity Life for TEC and pendant alarms
    01344 921843

Types of TEC available

  • Pendant alarms 
  • Falls alarms 
  • Medication reminders 
  • Fire and smoke alarms linked to our monitoring centre
  • GPS and SOS buttons to call for help if you are out in the community
  • Movement sensors and lights that come on at night
  • Phone Apps
  • Off the shelf TEC such as ALEXA and ECHO

AskSARA – Advice and support to help with daily living

By answering a few questions, AskSARA will provide personalised advice about equipment for health, assistive technology and daily living ideas. This service is free and there is no sign-up required.

AskSARA

How do pendant alarms work?

Most TEC equipment does not need a landline. It connects to a monitoring centre using a sim card and mobile networks.  

All alarm units work on mains electricity and have a battery backup. If the mains power stops working the battery will automatically start working. This means help will still be available in the event of a power cut.  

When the alarm is activated, either manually or via an automatic device, you will be connected to the specialist call centre. They will establish what kind of help you need before taking appropriate action. This could include contacting the responder service or agreed contact person. They will then visit and check that the individual is alright. If necessary, the adviser will contact the emergency services. 

Arranging TEC

If you think TEC can help, you can arrange your own private TEC. There are many companies and charities that can help you.

TEC providers/useful resources

If you are unable to arrange TEC for yourself, you may be eligible for funding from the council. To arrange an assessment please contact Adult Social Care and ask for an assessment. A trained person will carry out an assessment to see if you are eligible for support.

You can refer yourself using our assessment referral form or by calling Reading Adult Social Care on 0118 937 3747.

Who provides Reading Borough Council TEC

Reading Borough Council’s Telecare (TEC) service is provided by Livity Life.

Livity Life are responsible for:

  • installing TEC equipment
  • maintaining TEC equipment
  • repairing and servicing TEC equipment

Need to report an issue with your council pendant alarm or TEC?

Please contact Livity Life:

Phone: 01344 621843 – Monday, 8am to 6pm
They will arrange a repair or replacement.

Moving home or no longer need your pendant alarm?

Please contact Reading Adult Social Services:

Phone: 0118 937 3747
One of our adviser will help you.

Has your TEC stopped meeting your needs?

If your situation has changed and the equipment is no longer suitable, please call Reading Adult Social Services on 0118 937 3747.

Last updated on 27/01/2026