News release 23 June 2008

As they become older and frailer, most people would like to still live in their own homes rather than move into a residential home. Younger people with mental and physical difficulties would also prefer to live independently.

To help people of all ages who need extra support so they can stay at home, South Derbyshire District Council has set itself the challenge of increasing the use of its Careline service by 10% each year.

Says Cllr John Lemmon, Chairman of South Derbyshire's Housing and Community Services Committee, "It's all about being there when people need us. We not only help people live independently, we also reassure their families by giving them all the confidence that someone is there to help by using telecare technologies. 'Telecare technologies' sounds like it might be something difficult to understand, but it's not. It's using special sensors which send out a message if you have problems to our 24 hour, seven day a week, 365 days a year to the Careline centre where Council staff can talk to you directly, contact your relatives or send out a community warden to visit you. It’s for when you need help and support but not from the emergency services."

"We know that people might feel intimidated by the idea of using technology to help them, so at Granville Court in Swadlincote we have created a 'Smart Home' where people can see all the sensors in use and talk to our telecare staff."

At Granville Court, Council staff take time to explain what is on offer. Until 2010 a Careline system can be installed at no cost as our partners Derbyshire County Council pays for the installation. The service is free to people who receive Housing Benefit and for the most vulnerable. The charge for those people who pay is £5.88 each week for the cost of the rental, monitoring and the response provide by the Careline Service.

Cllr Lemmon continues, "Careline lets Council staff know if something potentially life-threatening is happening such as escaping gas and carbon monoxide or if there's smoke. If someone suffers an epileptic fit, a sensor automatically calls Careline and relatives or an ambulance can be called. For families of people suffering from the early stages of dementia, Careline can let them know if you've wandered from the house and not come back within a fixed time.

"It can also help with the day to day things in life such as giving you your medication and warning you if you've left the bath running. If you would like to find out more about CareLine please contact on 01283 225810 or email Careline@south-derbys.gov.uk "

Journalists are invited to see Careline and the Smart Home for themselves. Please call the Telecare Officer Marie Kimberlin on 01283 550938 to visit the Smart Home and to see Careline in action.

Life-saving Careline - Always there when you need us

• If you fall
• If you have an epileptic fit
• If there's extreme heat
• If there's smoke
• If the gas has been left on
• If there's carbon monoxide coming out of your gas fire
• If there's smoke
• If you've had a fall after getting out of bed
• If you've gone out of the house and not come back
• If the bath is overflowing

picture: Cllr John Lemmon, Chairman of South Derbyshire's Housing and Community Services Committee with Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council being told more about the Careline independent living support system by Marie Kimberlain.