Lifeline and Telecare Services
Mansfield District Council's Lifeline and Telecare Service promotes independent living and allows vulnerable people to remain living in their own home, be it private or rented accommodation.
Why Consider a Lifeline?
Many people wish to retain their independence and enjoy the comforts of their own home. But there is often the worry that living alone could mean living at risk.
The Lifeline service enables you to summon help whenever you need it, wherever you are in your home or garden, and allows those who are vulnerable to stay independent.
More than 320 homes across the district are already part of the scheme, which also extends to surrounding areas, such as Hucknall, Huthwaite, Jacksdale, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Selston, Sutton-in-Ashfield and Underwood. The Council is hoping to extend the service to even more people within the district.
What We Provide
The Lifeline equipment consists of:
- A Lifeline speaker unit that connects to your existing telephone and provides two-way speech to the Control Centre. It has a large red button which is illuminated so that it is easy to see in the dark.
- A small, lightweight radio trigger pendant which can be worn around the neck or wrist. This also contains a red emergency button.
How does the Lifeline Service Operate?
When you activate either button, Central Control will immediately acknowledge your call. They will reassure you whether or not you are able to speak and will alert your specifically nominated contacts, and/or the emergency services if necessary. Upon pressing the button, your details appear on the Central Control computer screen, so we instantly know who you are, where you are, and who to contact.
Our team of staff in Central Control are there to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
Mansfield District Council has just achieved accreditation for Parts 1 & 2 of the Telecare Services Association's Code of Practice, which acknowledges our commitment to providing a consistent, high level service in our approach to Calls Handling and Telecare Installation.
What is 'Telecare'?
'Telecare' is a term which applies to all Assistive Technology equipment, of which the Lifeline is a part. It also refers to a variety of additional sensors which can be attached to the unit to help ensure that the users living environment is safe. These sensors alert you to any dangers, but also trigger a call to Central Control when they are activated, so we can make sure you receive assistance when required.
The low level sensors can be requested by you, but only 2 can be fitted in each home free of charge on the Supporting People Telecare Program. Additional units can be purchased privately, and are subject to a small monitoring charge. These are as follows:
- Smoke detector
- Carbon Monoxide detector
- Flood detector
- Temperature Extremes detector
- Pull cord
- Bogus caller button
There are other sensors available, but these are classed as 'high level' and can only be considered if referred to us via Social Services.
What Do We Need From You?
All you need to connect to the Lifeline Network is a telephone line close to an electrical power point for the Lifeline unit to be installed.
We would also ask that you can provide two contacts (e.g. relatives, neighbours) that we can call on should we need to act in an emergency situation.
In the event that two contacts cannot be provided, one contact and the installation of a keysafe would be required as an alternative.
It is vitally important that you provide us with up to date information regarding contact details and medical conditions and keep us informed of any changes to your circumstances as they occur.
Cost
There are charges applicable to Mansfield District Council's Lifeline service. Each application is individually assessed to see whether Supporting People funding is available to cover some or all of the service charges. However, please be aware that for clients outside of the immediate Mansfield area, full charges will apply.
Our Telecare Services Support Worker is more than happy to organise a home visit to discuss the service upon request.
For More Information
Contact:
Tracey Allsop / Sylvia Tarrant
Telephone:
01623 463341 (Central Control)
01623 636229 (Support Services)
Email: