Case Studies (TEC in Action)

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TEC in Action – Case Studies

TEC for Deaf People: Expanding Accessibility, Connection and Confidence

Approach

A local charity worked with Deaf clients, interpreters, and a TEC provider to co-design tools that restored independence, lights that flash, wristbands that vibrate, and tablets that make connection simple.

Challenge

Sound-based telecare left many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people excluded and anxious in systems built for hearing users.

Outcome

Deaf clients said they felt safer, more connected, and more confident using digital tools. Families worried less, and interpreters found early involvement made their support smoother and more effective.

Practice Learning

Accessibility in TEC is about communication. Involving Deaf clients and interpreters early makes technology a bridge, not a barrier.

““Now my lights flash, my wristband vibrates, and I can text for help. It’s the first time I’ve felt properly safe.””
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TEC for Living Well with Dementia: Familiar Tools, Real Confidence

Approach

With a TEC advisor, Mary adapted her existing smart speaker for reminders, prompts, hands-free calls and simple safety routines. Everything was co-designed so the wording, timing and features felt natural.

Challenge

Mary, living with early-stage dementia, sought independence without monitoring; traditional telecare felt intrusive and didn’t meet her needs.

Outcome

Mary became calmer and more organised, with fewer confused moments. Her family felt reassured without constant check-ins, and the adapted technology blended into her day instead of feeling overwhelming.

Practice Learning

Using familiar tools builds trust and reduces resistance. Co-design keeps TEC supportive rather than intrusive, enabling independence and strengthening confidence and connection.

““Before, everything felt out of my control. Now the reminders and lights help me stay calm. I feel more capable, not watched.””
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TEC for a Neurodivergent Adult: Supporting Routine, Calm and Confidence

Approach

A multidisciplinary team co-designed a sensory-friendly digital rhythm for A, using colour-coded lighting, visual checklists, gentle reminders, wellbeing apps and digital check-ins, all personalised to feel calm, predictable and in A’s control.

Challenge

A, a neurodivergent adult, struggled with routine and sensory overwhelm, and traditional telecare felt too loud and rigid to be helpful.

Outcome

A’s home became calmer, routines improved, and anxiety reduced. TEC evolved into a quiet structure that supported confidence, organisation and independence.

Practice Learning

Co-design across disciplines creates tailored support. Familiar cues, sensory comfort and predictable prompts reduce stress, boost independence and make TEC feel supportive, not monitoring.

““Before, everything felt out of my control. Now the reminders and lights help me stay calm, I feel more capable, not watched.””
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TEC for an Older Man: Spotting Health Changes Before Crisis

Approach

With local authority support, the family installed simple, discreet sensors to track bathroom use, fridge activity and movement. A shared dashboard showed patterns, and gentle prompts supported hydration and medication, all without cameras.

Challenge

An older man faced confusion and falls from recurring infections. Telecare reacted too late, so his family needed a way to spot early routine changes.

Outcome

The sensors helped the family spot a rise in bathroom visits and reduced eating, prompting an early urine test and fast treatment. Episodes no longer escalated to falls or hospital stays. Confidence grew on both sides: he kept his independence, and his family had reliable reassurance without disrupting his day.

Practice Learning

Proactive TEC highlights small changes before they become crises. Passive sensors provide early insight, dignity and a quiet safety net that supports independence.

““Before, we only knew he was ill when he’d already fallen. Now we can see the warning signs — it’s peace of mind for all of us.””
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TEC for Community Safety: Building Confidence, Connection and Choice

Approach

Alex’s support worker, LD nurse and a TEC advisor co-designed a simple “community safety toolkit” with a video doorbell, safety app, visual guides and wellbeing calls, all chosen at Alex’s pace to feel supportive, not intrusive.

Challenge

Alex, a 54-year-old with mild learning disabilities, moved into supported housing after a controlling home life. They wanted independence without feeling watched, and traditional TEC felt too restrictive.

Outcome

Over time, Alex became more confident going out and welcoming visitors. The tools offered reassurance without limiting choice, and staff saw greater community involvement and fewer crisis calls.

Practice Learning

Co-design builds trust and empowerment. When people choose their own tools, TEC boosts confidence, reduces risk and supports genuine independence.

““It’s about giving people the tools to live their life, not just keeping them safe.””
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TEC for Housing Stability: Building Routine, Calm and Independence

Approach

A housing officer, mental health worker and TEC coordinator co-designed a calming “digital stability” system with smart reminders, mood-tracking, visual checklists, soft lighting cues and digital check-ins, all personalised to feel empowering, not controlling.

Challenge

Jamie, 38, had PTSD and a history of homelessness. Moving into temporary housing brought anxiety, disrupted routines and stress that traditional TEC only increased.

Outcome

Jamie’s routines strengthened and anxiety reduced. The space began to feel like home, appointments were kept, and independence grew. TEC provided gentle structure and support without feeling intrusive or surveillance-based.

Practice Learning

Co-design across housing, mental health and TEC teams builds stability. Sensory comfort, predictable prompts and personal control reduce crisis risk and support long-term tenancy success.

““For the first time in ages, I feel in control of my day instead of just reacting to it.””
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