About your emergency alarm system in sheltered housing

Your home has an emergency alarm system to help you feel safe and secure.  It has a two-way speaker system (this means you can use it to talk to the Supported Housing Officer and they can talk to you).  There are also pull cords in each room of your property.

You can get a pendant from the Supported Housing Officer if you feel you cannot manage the pull cords.  This may be because you have a disability, are ill or at risk of falling. Pull cords are also fitted in the shared areas of the scheme.

When you can use the alarm?

You can use the alarm whenever you need help, at any time of the day or night. For example if you:

• Are not feeling well
• Have had an accident or fall in your home
• Are worried about people calling to your door or unusual noises outside you home
• Need advice or reassurance

What happens if you need help?

If you need help in an emergency, pull one of the cords or press the red button on your pendant to call the Supported Housing Officer. When the Supported Housing Officer is off duty or not in the scheme your call will go through to North Herts Careline Centre.

The Careline Centre works 24 hours a day every day of the year. The operator may be able to deal with your problem over the phone but in most cases will arrange for a mobile Supported Housing Officer (and any emergency service you may need) to call at your home. If you are not able to talk after making an alarm call a member of staff will visit you anyway to check that you are alright.

Do not worry if you make a call by mistake. Just tell the operator when they answer your call.