All of our sheltered and elderly independent schemes are linked to a 24 hour call assistance. Some homes have red pull cords and a 'speech module', others have special telephones known as "lifeline" with a red emergency button and a pendant. This enables a resident to summon assistance in an emergency. When a cord is pulled or pendant is pressed it sends a call to a 24 hour call centre, they hold all residents details i.e. next of kin, doctor, and any medical history. Residents are able to speak to a call operator via the 'speech module' and explain the problem. The call centre can summon the help required. Where a scheme manager is on site the call will go to them whilst they are on duty, so they can attend and resolve any issues.

If the scheme manager is away from the scheme and a resident is frail or unwell the call centre can call daily to check all is well. If you do not have a scheme manager you can ask your housing officer to contact the call centre to arrange this for you. This service is not available to people with a lifeline phone.