The service currently focuses on people who are prone to falls and/or who require support with medication management.
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
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, 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
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?
Everyone's circumstances are different - the cost will depend on the type of equipment you receive.
Once a referral has been made, the first six weeks are free. After that, you can choose to continue or discontinue the service - the cost will be explained to you before you make a decision.
