WDH telecare service celebrates 21 years of success

Published by Richard Lord for Wakefield & District Housing in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Health

They are a dedicated group of employees who are celebrating more than two decades of excellent customer service.

Wakefield and District Housing’s (WDH) telecare service Care Link, based in Castleford, West Yorkshire, has been supporting thousands of elderly and vulnerable people to live comfortably and secure in their own homes for the last 21 years by using cutting edge technology.

Care Link is seen as a key part in Government strategy to deal with the UK’s ageing population as it supports people to live independently for longer, taking the pressure off care homes struggling to meet demand.

In 2010 it became the first business in Yorkshire to receive full accreditation from its representative body, the Telecare Services Association (TSA).

Mrs Patricia Benton, 75, has been a Care Link customer since the service was founded in 1990. She has an intercom and mobile pendant alarm in her home at Chiltern Court Independent Living Scheme in Ackworth and says they give her ‘invaluable’ peace of mind.

She said: “Thankfully I’ve only ever had to use them on a couple of occasions, but it’s more about knowing you have that help – especially if you aren’t as mobile as you used to be. You know that someone is there for you, no matter what time of day.

“I once had a fall in my flat and so I pulled the cord to use the telecom. Care Link had someone round within minutes to help me to my feet. That’s the sort of reassurance you need when you live on your own.

“The peace of mind it offers – not just to you, but your family also – is invaluable. I recommend it all the time. It makes you feel safe.”

Care Link manager Barbara Sowerby joined the business in 1994 and dealt with thousands of calls in her time as an operative. She recalls how Care Link once came to the rescue of a pregnant woman.

“The young lady was visiting her grandfather when she went into labour unexpectedly,” says Barbara. “He had Care Link installed in his home and so he used it to get in touch with us and we sent an ambulance to his address.

“The baby was born at the hospital – mother and child were fine.”

Receiving the full TSA accreditation last year enables Care Link to expand its provision to care for more people outside the Wakefield district and take on more employees.

Barbara adds: “Much has changed in the last 21 years but most importantly what has stayed the same has been our workforce. They have been – and continue to be – a tremendous group who are totally committed to helping people.

“There really are no boundaries as to where this service can go.”

If you would like to know more about Care Link or know someone who would benefit from their help and support, please contact them on 01977 788000, visit www.wdh.co.uk or email carelink@wdh.co.uk.