Social Alarms

Telecare is a solution that makes it possible for people to retain independence in their own home giving both the client and their families peace of mind that help is on hand should an emergency or problem occur at the touch of a button.

Telecare equipment is tailored to individual needs. This need might include installation of:

• Alarm triggers which are pressed by the client when help is needed.
• Epilepsy bed sensors that alert when fitting occurs.
• Bed sensors that activate when clients are out of bed for a pre determined period of time.
• Fall monitors that detect when a person has fallen.
• Radio smoke detectors that trigger the alarm in the event of smoke in the building.
• Wandering alerts that activate if the front door is opened
• See our full range of Telecare solutions further down this page

When the alarm activates the client’s information is displayed for the control centre operator to see and take appropriate action immediately.

Each client is individually assessed for their equipment needs.  The alarm system which is supplied as standard has an alarm trigger that can be worn like a necklace as a pendant alarm or like a watch as a wrist trigger.  On pressing the alarm button clients can be assured help is just the push of a button away.

Additional telecare sensors / peripherals can be added to an alarm unit should future need arise. See the full range of peripherals.

Booking an appointment

To book an appointment for an alarm installation call 01543 574480.  Appointments are available Monday to Friday am or pm on your request.  Our installation team carry a Cannock Chase Council Identity Badge which should be requested before offering access into your home.

What we need from you

All alarms connect to mains power but have a back up battery should a disturbance in power occur.  The alarm activates through to us using the telephone line.  In order to install an alarm you will need to have a phone point and mains socket in close proximity to one another on the same wall.

Installation

Installation and demonstration of an alarm system takes between 1 hour and 1hr 30 minutes. Clients are welcome to invite a member of their family or friends to be present when the alarm is installed. Our installation team will arrive on the pre-arranged day and time. The alarm box will be connected to the telephone landline in your home and plugged into an electrical socket which needs to be close by. Our installation team will test the system fully and demonstrate how it is used to ensure you feel confident and knowledgeable before they leave.

During the visit the installation team will complete all necessary paperwork which includes details of your nominated emergency contacts, details about your health and medication and other important information that may be helpful should an emergency situation occur.

Our installation team will be more than happy to answer any questions you or others may have about the service, please ask if you need further clarification at any point.

2017/2018 Fees and charges

Alarm Unit and Monitoring charge is £3.91 per Week (£16.94 per month) as of 01.04.2017

You can choose to pay the rental and monitoring charges for your alarm annually or by monthly direct debit.  Payment can be made by cheque or by debit/credit card.  It is also possible to pay by standing order and we will be happy to send a standing order form to you upon request.

Please note

We install telecare and alarm systems in the following locations Cannock , Hednesford, and Rugeley, including Norton Canes, Wimblebury, Heath Hayes, Cannock Wood, Rawnsley and Brereton.

Please be aware pendant alarms can be installed successfully with a broadband internet connection, however the alarm will require a broadband filter.

Is there a minimum contract period?

No.
However we do require 1 months notice if you wish to cancel your contract.

When we receive an alarm call the clients information is immediately displayed on a screen which is open for the duration of the call.

Example 1

If speech contact is made between the control centre operator and the client the required action will be taken for example the client says they have fallen but are unhurt, an ambulance and nominated contact would be called.

Example 2

If there was no speech response from the client a nominated emergency contact would be called to check on their welfare.  If a nominated emergency contact could not be contacted police would be called to conduct a welfare check.

Example 3

If an epilepsy sensor was activated and there was no voice response an ambulance would be called immediately.

All calls are recorded for training and monitoring purposes. 

Emergency contacts and keyholders

We ask our clients provide up to four 'nominated emergency contacts' who can be contacted in an emergency.  These may be friends, family or a neighbour that are key holders and can check on the client's welfare or provide access for the emergency services.

Fitting a keysafe

A keysafe is a secure box fitted to the outside of your property providing a practical solution for emergency services to gain access. Access to the key(s) contained in the keysafe can only be gained using a unique entry code.

This avoids forced entry should the occupant be unable to give access or an emergency contact be unavailable. Please note we only disclose keysafe information to the emergency services.

Keysafe's can be purchased from major DIY outlets.

Changes to your information.
We send all our clients a "Client information form" to their home address on an annual basis.
We ask that this information is completed and sent back to ensure the details we have are correct and relevant.
Clients are also asked to call us and provide details of changes as soon as possible.
If GP, medical circumstances, nominated emergency contacts or telephone line provider details change we need to know immediately.

Installing other telephone/ computer equipment in your home.
Additional telephone, computer or wireless technology may affect the alarm system.
if in doubt please speak to our call handling team who will be happy to help with your enquiry.

Testing your alarm system and sensors.
When installing your alarm system we will always ask that you test the system on a monthly basis.
This is a simple press of either the pendant or red button on the speech module.
Our Operators will be happy to receive your test calls and confirm that the system is working as expected.

Advice when wearing your alarm pendant.
Pendants are sensitive and can be pressed/activated in error whilst completing every day tasks such as dressing. If this is the case our Operators will answer your call as usual, we ask clients to speak to our Operators and confirm that the call is a false alarm.
We advise that pendants are not worn while in bed but left in close proximity should it be required.

What happens if there is a power cut / power supply is interrupted?
If there is an interruption to the power supply to your home the alarm system will call our Control Centre. Our operators will check if your home has been affected by a power cut .

If this is not the case they will ask if you are able to check the Alarm is still plugged in.
Our operators will report loss of your power supply if requested or report the alarm as possibly faulty requiring a home visit.

Business continuity.
In the event of our Call handling Centre being compromised we have the following procedures in place to ensure that all calls will continue to be answered and handled as expected.
- Full UPS battery back up to support necessary technology and premises.
- A separate disaster recovery location with call diversion and call handling facility.
- Disaster recovery procedures all Teleservices team are aware of.
- Business continuity plans in place for use in an emergency situation.
- Maintenance contracts in place to support all necessary technology.
- Scheduled disaster recovery test dates to ensure equipment is operational.

Customer surveys and feedback
We regularly request feedback from clients, partners and community groups in order to improve the service we provide.  If you currently have an alarm please take a moment to complete our satisfaction survey and return to us at:

Cannock Chase Teleservices
 

Civic Centre
PO Box 28
Beecroft Road
Cannock
Staffordshire
WS11 1BG

 Alternatively if you have any feedback or comments regarding the usefulness of the information you have read please complete the comments page.

Cannock Chase Teleservices
Mail address:
Civic Centre
PO Box 28
Beecroft Road
Staffordshire
WS11 1BG

Tel 01543 574480

Email enquiries to controlcentre@cannockchasedc.gov.uk