Ethos Public Relations Manchester

No longer afraid thanks to my 'little red button'

by Ethos public relations

86 year old Hannah Heap says a 'little red button' ensures that she no longer feels frightened of being alone. She is one of many customers who use the Hyndburn Homes Lifeline service - a system that provides a small, lightweight radio trigger pendant which can be worn around the neck or wrist and contains a red emergency button.

Hannah who lives in Accrington explains: "I have fallen quite a few times and sometimes I can't get up on my own. However, thanks to my 'little red button' somebody answers me right away and continues to talk to me until somebody arrives to help. I wouldn't be without it."

The Lifeline unit can be activated in the event of any incident or accident so if a person falls or feels unwell, the monitoring service will ensure help is on the way at the touch of a button. The monitoring service recognises who the person is and where they are and in the first instance an operator will try to call the person. If they have no reply, the service will then contact a named relative, friend or neighbour. If that fails they will call the emergency services.

Jill Brown from Hyndburn Homes said: "Our Lifeline service offers a range of tools that provide peace of mind to anyone young or old who for whatever reason want peace of mind from this unobtrusive but highly effective equipment that can actually save lives."

Older people who live alone benefit from the Lifeline Service - if they have a fall or feel frightened by anything, they can push a button to call for help. But equally, the Lifeline Service can help any adult who for whatever reason may feel vulnerable when they are alone. People recovering from an operation, people with MS, people with epilepsy - the Lifeline Service can help anyone who may need help fast.

"People don't realise it's a service for anyone to use. It's not just for older people or Hyndburn Homes residents," said Jill. "If you live in the Hyndburn, Burnley and Ribble Valley area you can benefit from this service and you don?t need a doctor or social services referral - you can just refer yourself."

The unit and full service costs around £40 per quarter, (£13 per month, just over £3.00 per week) which is not a lot to pay for peace of mind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Hannah adds: "When you know somebody is there to help you at any time of the day or night - you don't feel frightened any more. I would recommend this to anyone."

For more information about the Lifeline Service contact 01254 300544 or email lifelineservices@hyndburnhomes.co.uk.

Posted at 8^th December 2009