Assistive Technology also includes the emergency social alarm service. This is a unit attached to the telephone line and is supplied with a alarm button. By pressing the unit or alarm button this will send an alert to the control centre.
Who will benefit from the service?
The service is aimed at any adult aged 18 and over living at home, but in particular those who:
- are at increased risk of falling
- have difficulty managing their medicines
- are at risk of admission to hospital
- are returning to their home after a stay in hospital or intermediate care
- are in the early stages of dementia
Not all the equipment will suit everyone's needs and everyone who is referred for the service will be assessed individually. The assessor will provide you with all the information regarding the service and other support services which may be of benefit.
How is the service provided?
We supply and fit a range of non-intrusive detectors to your home, which are linked to a telephone alarm unit. When they are activated, they automatically generate an alarm call to a 24-hour control centre. Staff at the control centre then take the action needed to help you.
An example of how the service could be used would be to check on whether a person has got up in the morning, has fallen or has left the gas on.
What equipment is available?
There is a wide range of equipment available (.pdf, 121kb), including:
- medication dispensers
- lifeline units
- falls pendants
- bed occupancy sensors
- inactivity/intruder monitors
- bogus caller alarms
- flood detectors
- door contacts
- smoke detectors
- heat detectors
- carbon monoxide detectors
- low temperature detectors
- carer alerts
- epilepsy monitors
- enuresis sensors
You will need
- A modern telephone socket
- A standard electrical socket within 2 meters
How do you apply for the service?
There are a number of ways you can apply - choose the one which is more appropriate for you:
- If you have a social worker, ask him or her to make a referral on your behalf.
- Ask a health professional to make a referral on your behalf (e.g. your doctor, district nurse, physiotherapist, etc.)
- If you live in sheltered housing, ask the manager to make a referral on your behalf.
Or, if these don't apply to you, contact Starting Point who will make a referral on your behalf.
How much does the service cost?
There is a weekly charge for the service. Everyone's circumstances are different - the cost will depend on the type of equipment you have.
In some circumstances people who receive the community alarm service may get help with these charges through Supporting People Grant.
The assessor who visits you will discuss the costs in more detail to help you make a decision.
