Home Safeguard
Home Safeguard
For many people, the telephone is their only means of talking to friends and neighbours. But in a crisis, the Home Safeguard service can give emergency help to people who need it most, day or night.
The service benefits
- older people;
- people with a disability; and
- people feeling vulnerable who need reassurance.
What is Home Safeguard?
Home Safeguard is the Council’s emergency alarm system for frail and vulnerable people. Those connected to the system can get help quickly and efficiently through an easy-to-operate alarm, 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.
The system consists of a small personal alarm, called a pendant, that can be easily worn around the neck, on a wriststrap, or clipped to clothing. The pendant transmits to a small base unit connected to an ordinary BT telephone line and works alongside your existing telephone.
How does it work?
- When you press the pendant, you send an alarm signal to the base unit, which automatically dials the control room in Sidmouth. There is also an alarm button on the base unit.
- The details of the person who activated an alarm appear on a computer screen, and a fully trained operator is then able to talk to them through a speaker and microphone.
- If staff are unable to speak to someone who has raised an alarm they can try contacting them by their phone, contact a neighbour or other nominated person, or call the emergency services.
How will they help me?
The operator is trained to establish quickly what help is needed, such as an ambulance, doctor, or a nominated contact. The operator can stay on the system to reassure the subscriber until help arrives.
Do I need any special wiring in my home?
You will need to have a modern telephone point near a 13 amp electrical socket.
How much will it cost?
The Home Safeguard system can be rented or bought.
It costs £37.50 per quarter (including VAT) to rent the alarm unit and pendant, and to connect to the monitoring service,
You can also buy the alarm unit direct from the manufacturers and have the system monitored by Home Safeguard. If you wish to buy an alarm, please contact Home Safeguard for further advice. The monitoring service charge is £9:70 per quarter (including VAT). There is also a connection charge of £31.48 inc VAT (please check to see if you are VAT exempt).
The service is FREE to those over 80 years of age and who get Housing Benefit or Council tax Benefit. The service is also FREE to others below 80 years of age in appropriate medical circumstances, supported by a medical evidence, who get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
More details about the system and monitoring service are available from the Home Safeguard centre on 01395 519739 or 01395 578237.
