Community Alarm Services

A Community Alarm Service offers reassurance and peace of mind to those living independently at home.

The basic equipment consists of a small base unit and a push button pendant which can be worn around the neck or on the wrist.

Image of the Community Alarm Service base unit and pendant

The base unit plugs into a normal power socket and modern telephone socket. When help is needed, you push the button and your call will be answered by specially trained staff who will talk to you, find out what help is needed and contact the relevant service (ambulance, fire brigade), a friend or relative. The person will remain on the line to reassure you until help arrives.

Who can use community alarm services?

The community alarm service is for people of all ages and circumstances who would like extra peace of mind. The service can help people to live independently and feel secure in their own homes. This service can also provide reassurance and support to carers and relatives.

How does it work?

When the button is pressed, at any time of the day or night a fully trained, calm and friendly operator will be able to talk to you and provide immediate action to summon whatever assistance is required.

The operator will contact a friend or relative and if necessary the emergency services. They will give you reassurance until help arrives.

Even if you are not able to speak or cannot reach the phone, the operators know who you are, and where you are. Help will be on its way.

What do I need to have this service?

You will need a private telephone line with a new style telephone socket (example below). Your telephone line must be capable of making outgoing calls.

Image of a telephone socket

You will also need a standard electrical socket situated no further than 3.66 metres (12 feet) away from the telephone socket. The alarm unit plugs into the electricity and telephone sockets. Your telephone is connected through the alarm unit and works in the normal way.

How can I obtain this service?

If you are not eligible for social care services you can purchase a community alarm service by contacting a community alarm provider directly (details of several local and national providers are below, together with information about the Telecare Services Association (TSA) who operate a Code of Practice for the industry). The Telecare Services Association can provide you with details of all their members.

If you already receive social care services from the London Borough of Sutton or think that you need support at home you should talk to the L B Sutton through First Contact on 020 8770 6080.

Together we will find out what your care needs are and decide how they can be met. This is called a Supported Self Assessment.

You may have an assessment if you are a resident of the London Borough of Sutton, are aged 18+ and you appear to have a need for social care, for example:

  • You have an illness, or a physical or learning disability and
  • You need help to carry out your personal care or basic everyday tasks;
  • Your existing care arrangements (if any) cannot continue;
  • You are at serious risk of harm, exploitation or neglect;
  • You have a recognised severe drug or alcohol problem and you want to break the habit;
  • You are the main carer for someone who has the above needs

What happens in an emergency?

Key Safe

In order for emergency services to reach you if you are unable to open the door it is always advisable to have a key safe fitted to the outside of your property. This provides a convenient way to store keys and ensures that should a key holder not be available the emergency services can gain access without the door being broken down or windows smashed. The keys are stored securely in the key safe (image below), which is opened with a combination code.

Image of a Key Safe

If you have any further questions regarding the Key Safe service, please visit Key Safe frequently asked questions.

Key Holders

You may be asked to provide details of a minimum of 2 people living near you, at separate addresses. These people must have keys to get into your home and must be willing to be called in an emergency, at any time of the day or night.

When will key holders be called?

1. When you press your pendant and ask for them.

2. When you press your pendant and do not confirm, either over the speech link or the telephone, that all is well.

To prevent any confusion or embarrassment in a time of need, please ensure that your key holders are aware of any potential situations for which they may be called to assist you.

Mobile Response Service - This is ideal for people who do not have a local Key Holder (please see below).

Telecare

Telecare is a term used to describe both community alarms & a range of sensors that can be set up to automatically activate the alarm if there is a gas leak, a fire, flooding or you have a fall. This alerts the call centre so that someone can talk directly to you and find out what has happened.

Mobile Response Service

The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who do not have a local keyholder who can get to their property easily & quickly in an emergency.

Community Alarm Providers

Here, you will find the details & comparative information of several local and national community alarm providers which we hope will assist you in your choice. Also, we have included information about the Telecare Services Association (TSA) who operate a Code of Practice for community alarm, mobile response and telecare services.

Safecall Service

The Safecall community alarm service is currently provided through a partnership between the London Borough of Sutton and Seniorlink Eldercare.

How to Pay

Helpful information on how to pay for your Council Services...