Community Alarms
Who are Community Alarms for?
People who live alone, and/or are at risk from falls or sudden attacks of illness, can arrange to wear an alarm on their person so that they can summon help in an emergency. These small devices can be a clip-on, a wrist strap or a pendant worn around the neck. The wearer is able to go about their normal life in the house or garden within a defined distance from the control box.
Families with a relative living alone, find it particularly reassuring to know that their loved one is able to get help quickly in a crisis and it is often for their peace of mind that an alarm is most valuable.
If the wearer has a fall, they can press the button which will alert the 24 hour control centre. The controller will check first through the two way voice link to find out what what has happened.
If the control centre get no response, they will telephone a key holder from a list previously supplied to them, who will let themselves into the house and assess the situation. There has to be a minimum of two people on the list. If the control centre cannot reach these people they will send out the emergency services.
Where can I get an alarm?
There are several different organisations and companies who supply these alarms. Schemes will vary in the way they operate and in their charges. Care Direct Devon (Tel. 0845 1551 007) will be able to give you full details of the schemes that are operating in your area, or contact your District Council:
East Devon District Council - Home Safeguard
Tel. 01395 578237
email shodges@eastdevon.gov.uk
Exeter City Council - Home Call
Housing Department
Tel. 0845 3511 060
email homecall@exeter.gov.uk
North Devon District Council
North Devon Homes (Devon Homelink)
Telephone 0800 083 7553 or 01271 312524
www.yourlocallandlord.com
Torridge District Council
Tarka Housing
Telephone 01237 428094
helpline@tarkahousing.org.uk
Mid Devon District Council - Lifeline Alarms
Housing Department
Tel. 01884 257825 or 01884 257825
email corpr@middevon.gov.uk
Teignbridge District Council - Teigncare
Teign Housing
Tel. 01626 355135.or 01626 322722
email teigncare@teignhousing.co.uk
South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council - Call24hour
Private company Call24hour
Tel. 0800 0850 407
email info@call24hour.com
There are also schemes that cover the whole of Devon such as:
AIDCALL
Age Concern Enterprises
Linhay House
Eastern Road
ASHBURTON
TQ13 7UP
Tel: 0800 77 22 66 or 01364 654321
email: info@aidcall-alarms.co.uk
www.aidcall-alarms.co.uk
CALL 24 HOUR (previously named Lifeline)
Runnymeade Court
125 Leypark Walk
Estover
PLYMOUTH
PL6 8UF
Tel: 0800 0850 407
email: info@call24hour.com
www.call24hour.com
SeniorLink
Help the Aged SeniorLink
FREEPOST LON 18755
Clacton-on-Sea
CO15 4YY
Tel: 01255 473 999 (quote reference GC)
email: seniorsafety@helptheaged.org.uk
www.helptheaged.org.uk/seniorlink
If you find it hard to pay
If you are over 65 and need a community alarm because you are at risk, it is very possible that you would qualify for Attendance Allowance. This is a non-means-tested benefit designed for people who need help with daily tasks.
For further information and advice on this, telephone Care Direct Devon on 0845 1551 007. They will be happy to help you.
Also on devon.gov.uk
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