Lifeline Service. Emergency alarm service 24 hours a day, every day. A great place to live and work.

Transcription

1 Lifeline Service Emergency alarm service 24 hours a day, every day Welcome to the Lifeline service with Central Bedfordshire Council A great place to live and work. Find us online

2 Contents What is Lifeline? 3 How does it work? 3 Who is Lifeline for? 4 Is Lifeline easy to install? 5 Is there anything I need to do to qualify for the service? 3 How much does Lifeline cost? 5 Are other services available? 6 Can I apply for any Lifeline service? 9 Want to know more? 10 Lifeline demonstration or Lifeline+ request 11 What would happen if you or someone you knew had a mishap, emergency situation, sudden illness whilst at home, and help was needed urgently? Would it simply be a case of picking up the phone or shouting out to get assistance? What if the phone was out of reach or nobody was around to hear calls for help? 2

3 What is Lifeline? Lifeline is a system to provide emergency assistance at the touch of a button. It is run by Central Bedfordshire Council and monitored by a dedicated alarm monitoring team. It is available to all residents living in the Central Bedfordshire area. How does it work? Lifeline operates over the telephone network and is easy to install. For further information call us on A small button is worn when you are at home as a pendant or on the wrist so that in the case of an emergency the alarm button can be pressed to call for help. This automatically alerts the Lifeline control centre where staff can speak to you even if you are unable to reach the phone, as the system can use the alarm unit as a loudspeaker. Lifeline Service 3

4 When the call is received, Lifeline staff will see your details on the computer screen, together with names and addresses of doctors, relatives, etc. Once the control centre has established the problem, then the appropriate help can be sent. This could be a neighbour, friend, relative, Supported Housing Officer from the council or Emergency Services. All calls are recorded for monitoring purposes and are confidential. Who is Lifeline for? Lifeline is designed for anyone who feels vulnerable or at risk fro any reason, whatever their age. Some groups of people who could benefit from the service include: vulnerable people living in their own homes or rented accommodation people being discharged from hospital people receiving community services, including occupational therapy, community nursing and support from a social worker people receiving rehabilitation support people with sensory or physical impairment those at risk from intruders/harassment people in receipt of care services may also wish to consider having a community alarm anyone who simply desires peace of mind. 4

5 Is Lifeline easy to install? The Lifeline unit can be installed quickly and easily. All you need is a modern telephone socket and a nearby electrical socket. Prior to installation however you must provide us with the details of at least two people who you can trust that live locally, who have keys to your home and who are willing to assist you if you need help. Is there anything I need to do to qualify for the service? The only thing we ask is that users of the service have a key safe installed outside their property for ease of access to emergency services and that users identify 1-2 key holders that can respond if needed. How much does Lifeline cost? There is an initial installation cost of This charge can be spread over three months as part of the direct debit payment. The cost of the Lifeline Service is 3.60 per week *exc VAT. Many people, depending upon their health situation, do not have to pay the VAT charge. The charge includes the monitoring of the service and equipment as well as Supported Housing Officer response service. This response is for a Supported Housing Officer who would be called upon in the event your key holders are unavailable. *2015 prices* Lifeline Service 5

6 Are other services available? As well as the Lifeline Service the council provides an early intervention service called: Lifeline+ service Lifeline+ is providing an early intervention flexible service to support people aged 55 and above in the south Central Bedfordshire area only. The aim of this service is to help people to remain living in their own home safely for as long as possible and to provide individuals, relatives and carers with peace of mind. Lifeline+ means I can continue to remain independent in my own home Aims of Lifeline+ The scheme aims to help a range of people including: those who need help to maintain their quality of life those who need some help and guidance to improve their quality of life and maintain independence Who can apply for the service? If you are aged 55 or over you own your own property, privately rent or live in council accommodation in the south Central Bedfordshire area then you can apply for the service. These are some of the problems that you may face which we can help you with. 6

7 We can help people who: are being discharged from hospital need to gain access to other services but are not sure where to turn are living with bereavement are living with illness or disability have financial problems or need benefits advice are socially isolated or lonely are lacking confidence lack numeracy or literacy skills need advice on technology or equipment to aid further independence access community services, including occupational therapy, community nursing and social work support who currently have a Lifeline and now wish to have a Supported Housing Officer visit too There may also be something else that is not mentioned on this list that is stopping you from being as independent as you would like to be. Please get in touch with us - we can talk it through with you and provide you with help and guidance where necessary. Where will the support be given? Support will be given in your home at a time to suit you. The Supported Housing Officer will contact you to arrange appointments. How will the support be given? Your needs will be discussed with a Supported Housing Officer who will draw up an agreed support plan with you. Support will continue until the identified issues on the plan have been addressed and you are satisfied. After this period we will continue to monitor your situation in case of any changes in your circumstances. Lifeline Service 7

8 Will the support cost me anything? There is an initial installation cost of but this can be waived in certain circumstances. This charge can be spread over three months as part of the direct debit payment. The charges for the service will be discussed with you but we are currently offering three different levels of support ranging from 6.10 per week to per week. Thank you Lifeline you have given such peace of mind to me and my family 8

9 Can I apply for any Lifeline service? Almost certainly yes, because Lifeline will help you to maintain your independence and give you, your family and friends peace of mind to know that whatever problem occurs at home, you can obtain help quickly and easily. So if you live in Central Bedfordshire or the surrounding area, don t delay - contact us today about the level of service you are interested in. Community alarm equipment available Large button telephone (additional charge) Keysafe (additional charge inclusive of installation) Alarm unit Pendant Lifeline Service 9

10 Want to know more? We are always happy to give free in-home demonstrations, without obligation, to anyone interested in the Lifeline service. Please call to arrange a home visit or to obtain more information. Alternatively complete our reply slip on the opposite page and return to: Central Bedfordshire Council Lifeline Watling House High Street North Dunstable LU6 1LF Tel: (24hrs) lifeline@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

11 Lifeline demonstration or Lifeline+ request I/we would like a Lifeline Officer or Supported Housing officer to visit me at home to tell me more about the Lifeline service: I am specifically interested in (please indicate service required) The Lifeline Service The Lifeline+ Service Name: Address: Tel number: Postcode: If you would prefer us to contact someone else to arrange the visit, please let us know their details below: Name: Tel number: Relationship: Lifeline Service 11

12 Central Bedfordshire in contact Find out more For more information about this publication, further copies, or a large print copy, get in touch. Please recycle me! When finished with, please put me in your recycling bin or bag. customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk SC122_14