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Community alarms provide a round-the-clock monitoring
service for vulnerable people who feel at risk in their own homes.
It helps older people, or those with disabilities, who need
assistance because of a fall, or problems with an unwelcome
visitor, or some other emergency event.
The alarm unit is activated when the user presses a button on a
phone, or on a pendant around the neck, or on a wristband. It has
sufficient range to work whether the user is in any part of their
house or even out in their garden. The alarm sends a signal to a
specialist centre where equipment automatically identifies the
location of the call. Trained operators are usually able to talk to
the user, even if the phone handset is not within reach, and can
check if the alarm has been triggered accidentally or whether
emergency services need to be alerted.
The local authority in your district of Kent can usually supply
you with details of suitable services in your area. Charges apply
but these are very reasonable, especially in view of the peace of
mind they give to users and their families.
Trials
Kent County Council has been carrying out pilot schemes in
Swale, Maidstone, and Tonbridge and Malling as part of an
active
living technology initiative, aimed at helping older and
disabled people to
stay in their own homes for as long as possible. If the trials
go well, this system will be rolled out across the
county. |