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A careline service described as a “lifeline” by its elderly and vulnerable users has been given top marks in an independent inspection.
The 24-Severn Careline service, run by Severnside Housing, links 8,500 residents to a dedicated care team at the push of a button.
The service, which provides round-the-clock reassurance to users, has just won accreditation by the Telecare Services Association (TSA) – the national body for the social alarm industry.
It means the team behind the scheme is providing among the highest quality services in the country. The award was made following a two day independent audit, involving inspectors listening to calls and joining staff as they visited homes to fit new alarms.
Severnside Housing, which operates the system from its offices in Brassey Road, Shrewsbury, provides the service for its own tenants, as well as for tenants of other housing providers in the UK and Wales and private residents.
Among those linked to the scheme are brothers, Andrew, Martin and David Beddows who were in need of support to help them live independently following the death of their mother.
After being housed by Severnside in a specially adapted home on the edge of a Shrewsbury sheltered scheme, the brothers were each equipped with a 24-Severn Careline alarm pendant. This gives them the added security that help is available in the event of an emergency.
Another service user is 49-year-old Carole Thomas of Copthorne Road, Shrewsbury, who has MS. Mrs Thomas said: “I cannot express enough the reassurance I feel just knowing that someone is at the end of the telephone.
“It gives me the peace of mind to know that when my husband is out at work and my daughter is away at school, I have the pendant to hand if I need it. It is as though someone is watching over me all the time.”
The careline units can be fitted to any home where there is a telephone connection and a power socket available. By pressing the button on the unit or pendant, users can gain instant assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
When answering calls, the team at Severnside Housing have instant access to detailed information about the caller, including any relevant medical conditions, so that they can take the appropriate action.
Shirley Castree, interim community support manager at Severnside Housing, said: “We know how highly our customers rate the service provided by the 24-Severn Careline team. It is excellent to know that independent inspectors also share this view.
“The accreditation recognises the quality of the service. It shows that team members are providing a first- response to calls and also demonstrates that staff are making a thorough assessment of residents’ needs when fitting telecare equipment.
“This accreditation is testament to the work of the team, and should also provide even further reassurance to our users about the quality of the service.”
Now awarded, the service will be re-inspected by TSA each year to ensure that it still meets the standards.
To find out more about 24-Severn Careline, call Severnside Housing on 0845 2342424.
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Press release issued: December 14 2006
