Question:
Emergency Alarms - what are they and where can I get one?
Answer:
The Emergency Alarm system plugs into your telephone, and you wear a small button round your neck or wrist. You press it when you need help in an emergency. 24 hour back-up can be provided by a neighbour, relative, GP or, in some areas, a team of mobile wardens.
Alarms can be rented (less than £5 per week at time of writing) or bought and there is usually a one-off connection fee. All you need is a telephone socket and an electrical socket.
Contact your local council to discover what is available in your area.
- Cambridge City: Community Alarm service operated by Independent Living Servces on tel: 01223 457648
- South Cambridgeshire: Community Lifelines Officer on tel: 0845 045 0051
- Huntingdonshire: service operated by Huntingdonshire Housing Partnership (HHP) Community Alarm Scheme tel: 01480 428777
- Fenland: service operated by Cross Keys Homes, Peterborough, via their Lifeline Hot Desk - 01354 654321
- East Cambridgeshire: Hereward Housing Association on tel: 0845 850 5757 provide this service for residents of East Cambridgeshire (not only Hereward tenants.)
Housing Associations offering accommodation in sheltered housing complexes often organise emergency alarms as part of the support services.
Age Concern's Aid Call can be obtained through three different payment schemes or call this freephone number to request a demonstration 0800 772266.
Tunstall Fall Detector - detects falls. The alarm is triggered by the impact of the fall, and checks user's orientation through a second sensor. If wearer is in a lying position for more than 15 seconds, the device registers an emergency and sends a radio alarm signal. Further information from Tunstall Telecom Ltd website (http://www.tunstall.co.uk)
Easylink UK are designers and manufacturers of electronic alarms for people with special needs and epilepsy. Care products include:
- Epilepsy Seizure Alarms
- Panic Alarms
- Nurse Call Systems
- Bathing & Shower Alarms
- Patient Monitoring CCTV
(See their website at http://www.easylinkuk.co.uk)
Help the Aged offer SeniorLink - an immediate response service that enables you, at the touch of a button, to talk to someone when you need help. You may need assistance in an emergency, reassurance, or just want to hear a friendly voice. (See their Website at http://www.helptheaged.org.uk)
See also our information about Community Alarms.