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‘Lifeline’ is a system to enable elderly or disabled people living alone to call for help in an emergency such as falling, injury or illness.
A pendant worn round the neck has a press-button connection to a unit in the home, which is plugged in to the electricity supply and to the telephone socket. When operated by pressing the button connection is made by telephone to the emergency call centre at Chichester. An amplified conversation can then take place at a distance (up to 25 metres) from the unit within the home or garden. |
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Operators at the Chichester Control Centre will respond to calls days or night, even if the caller is unable to speak, and will summon help. Details are kept on a computer and they will know who is calling. It is helpful if the caller has provided details of any relevant medical condition and their doctor's name and telephone number.
Users must nominate 2 or 3 people who live nearby, who have keys and a telephone and are willing to be called out in an emergency.
There is no charge for installing Lifeline. The weekly cost is £3 which includes rental, maintenance and monitoring. Charges are reviewed annually. VAT is payable where appropriate. Payments are made quarterly in advance. A Direct Debit facility is available.
A lifeline alarm will be installed within 7 working days. Emergencies can often be dealt with more speedily.
If you require advice or would like a Lifeline alarm demonstrated or installed, please telephone or write to the Lewes Lifeline Manager:-
Lewes Lifeline Lewes District Council 20 Fort Road Newhaven East Sussex BN9 9QE
Tel: 01273 611227. |
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The following information is copied from advice given to a local Lifeline user by
Lewes District Council Housing services |
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Your Lifeline enables you to call for help if you are unwell, have a fall, or in any other emergency. We recommend you always wear your pendant when you are alone in the house or garden.
You will occasionally press your pendant unintentionally - there is not need to feel embarrassed, the Control Centre staff will be pleased to know you are alright. |
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How to use your Lifeline to make an emergency call
Either A - Press the red centre on your pendant Or B - Press the red alarm button on the Lifeline machine
The Lifeline will make bleeping noises and the alarm button will flash. After a short time the Control Centre Operator will speak to you and help with your problem |
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General
The Lifeline machine should always be connected to the electricity supply and the telephone socket. Your own telephone is plugged into the socket at the back of the Lifeline unit. If you disconnect or turn off the electricity, before going on holiday for example, please unplug the telephone line as well. |
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We recommend you make a test call to the Control Centre at least once a month to ensure the equipment is working satisfactorily |
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If you go away on holiday or to hospital, please let Control Centre know, and also inform them on your return. It there are any changes in the information you have given us, eg. change of doctor or key holders, it is very important that you let up know immediately.
Please note that for security reasons all calls to and from the Control Centre are recorded and retained for 12 months.
If your have any queries about your Lifeline, please do not hesitate to contact the Lewes Lifeline Office on Newhaven (01273) 611227, or the Chichester Control Centre by either pressing your red button, or telephoning (01243) 778688. |
