Community alarms
What is a social alarm?
The community alarm service is made up of a 24-hour alarm response centre which supports over 8,000 homes throughout the borough. The alarm system means that older and disabled people can remain in their own homes, rather than in hospital or residential care, with increased safety and reassurance. It gives reassurance that help can be summoned quickly. It can also reassure carers, family, friends and care workers that the person they care about and look after is safe and that they will be called in the event of an emergency.
How does it work?
Once an alarm call is raised, either by using a pendant or pulling a cord or automatically via a trigger, the details of the caller appear on the screen at the alarm response centre. A response centre operator will speak to the caller or contact the individual to assess what is required and then get the right help either from a close friend or relative or from one of the emergency services, depending on the actual circumstances of the call. Please note that when we contact doctors, housing services, home care or similar services we can only pass messages for appropriate action to be taken. We do not have the authority to order these services to respond immediately.
Can I get an alarm?
To find out if you can get a social alarm in your home, you need to speak to us and ask for an assessment. This is when one of our staff talks with you to get your views on the kind of help you need and what services we may be able to provide.
You can contact us for an assessment by calling the locality office nearest to you. Our staff will let you know whether or not you may qualify for a service. We may need to see you to make a decision about this. How long it takes for us to meet with you will depend on how urgent your situation is.
How much will it cost?
At present, if your assessment says that you need a social alarm, there will be no charge. This may change in the future.
Contact details
Contact the social care office nearest to where you live to ask about getting an assessment.
If you would like this information in a leaflet , in large print, audio tape or in any other format, or if you require this information in another language, please contact the Public Information Officer on 01922 658368.
This page was last updated on 21 July 2008