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Get a community alarm

Stay independent in your own home with a community alarm.

 

You’ll be in touch with reliable help at all times throughout the day or night via a pendant button, just in case you fall or become unwell.

Once you press the button, you’ll be able to speak to a highly experienced operator 24/7 who can help.

Extra peace of mind when family is not around

When you join, you’ll be asked to provide the contact details of friends, family members or neighbours to act as Volunteer Responders - who you’d like us to call for help.

If these contacts aren't available or you do not have someone like this, our mobile Fallback Response Service can send a highly trained professional to help you at no extra charge, it's just part of our service.

This gives you the added peace of mind and assurance that welfare assistance is always close by. Not all community alarm providers have this essential element

Order a community alarm

 

Alternatively, you can call us on 0300 999 2 999 to request an application pack by post.

 

Who can benefit from a community alarm?

Our care alarm systems make a big difference to the independence, safety and wellbeing of people of all ages and circumstances across Hertfordshire.

You can get a community alarm if you:    

  • are an older or vulnerable person
  • are at risk
  • are an adult with long term health needs
  • live alone
  • are returning home from hospital
  • are prone to falls
  • have a disability or restricted mobility
  • are an unpaid carer and would like support when you can't be at home
  • have any other reason to benefit from 24/7 peace of mind that we can bring.

 

Price

New customers pay £3.25 per week (collected by monthly direct debit).

No upfront equipment costs.

No installation fees.

No long term contracts.

No means testing.

Plus, we provide our Response Fallback Service and a home maintenance service at no extra charge (which not all providers do)

Also included is a free Medical Alert card for your wallet or purse, and a free Keyfinder Fob for your key ring.

Regarding call charges, we have no control over the rates charged by individual telecom providers. The 0300 number we use when your pendant or device is activated is a special number for charities, not for profit organisations and local government. It should be charged by the telecoms supplier at the same national rate as  01 and 02 numbers and should be included within inclusive minutes. This link to Ofcom explains further details on this. 

Alternatively we do offer GSM units which have a slightly higher monthly subscription but include all call charges. 

We do not use premium rate numbers.

Installation

When you sign up for a home alarm, Hertfordshire Independent Living Service will install the equipment for you. They'll call you to arrange a convenient time once your application is processed.

A modern base unit connects to your phone line. If you don't have a landline, we can supply an alternative unit. Then you’ll be connected to a local, specialist control centre, there whenever you need it.

We aim to have your emergency home alarm set up within 14 working days but this is often sooner, especially in certain situations.

In some emergency cases (such as being discharged from hospital), we can install your home alarm within a couple of working days.

 

How to use your alarm

You’ll get a lightweight, waterproof pendant alarm to wear around your neck or on a wrist strap.

hi-res_touch_pendant

You simply push the emergency alarm pendant button to raise an alert. This lets you speak to a friendly operator who will get you the help you need, day and night.

Get an alarm for a family member or friend

For reassurance and peace of mind for when you can't be a with a loved one, you might be thinking about getting them a community care alarm. There's no better peace of mind than knowing they can access any help they might need 24/7 when you’re at work, running an errand or if you live further afield. 

Apply online for a community alarm on their behalf so you all have that added reassurance that help is always close by.

Key safes

We recommend you get a key safe if you sign up for our lifeline alarm system.

We can supply and install this secure metal box to the outside of your home for free, which will contain an additional front door key to your property. If you've already got one, we'll use that.

The emergency services can get the key using a confidential code, which we will issue if you require their assistance, to gain access to your property, if needed.

Landlords and housing assocications are usually happy to grant permission to have a key safe fitted as long as you ask them first. In the same way, insurance companies are usually OK with this process too as long as you inform them first. You can use this handy template to ask permission, or see our guidance sheet you can pass on to them. If you need a Word version of either documents, please email carelinesupport@north-herts.gov.uk

If you need help with your key safe, see our Key safe instruction card

 

Medical Alert Card & Keyfinder Fob

These are included at no extra cost and arrive in the post soon after your equipment is installed. The Medical Alert Card can be placed in your wallet or purse and if a medical professional sees it if you're taken unwell outside your home, they can ask us for details about you if you're unable to tell them. The Keyfinder Fob for your keyring offers a reliable way of retrieving your keys if you lose them.

Already have an alarm?

Get help using your alarmCancel your alarm service

Refer a friend

If you're one of our customers and would like to refer a friend to us, you can receive a £10 shopping voucher (M&S, John Lewis, Waitrose, Joules, Wyevale or Love 2 Shop) once they sign up to our service. Simply complete and return our Refer a Friend form or call 0300 999 2 999 to pass on their details (with their permission) T&Cs apply.

Refer a friend

Your service agreement

Service Agreement - GDPR May 2018

Privacy Policy & Charge Schedule Oct 2018

Your service pack

Service / Welcome Pack