The community alarm service installs a button-push alarm in your home which, when pressed, contacts our control centre to notify us that you need help. This help is available whenever you need it 24 hours a day every day of the year. The service is available to anyone living in Cambridge.
Our control centre operators are friendly and trained to assess the situation and to make any necessary arrangements. We can contact the emergency services or arrange for your GP, district nurse, next of kin, neighbour or friend to visit.
Community alarms are a valuable source of help for people of any age. Many people can benefit from the service including:
- People with long-term health needs including allergies and asthma
- People with disabilities and restricted mobility
- People who are threatened by domestic violence, harassment or repeated burglary.
Installing the alarm
An alarm unit is easily connected to your telephone and electric socket and can be installed within days of being requested.
All you need is a modern plug-in telephone socket and an electric socket within eight feet of the telephone socket on the same or adjacent wall.
If you would like we can arrange a consultation and demonstration in your own home.
Key safe
If
you do not have at least three contacts living within 15 minutes of your home, we will require a key safe to be installed
on your property.
A key safe is a small key storage system that is mounted to a wall and is resistant to hammering
and sawing. They hold up to five keys and have a combination lock set to your own chosen number. This allows instant access
to responding personnel in an emergency situation.
Charges
Installation is free within the boundaries of Cambridge City Council. However, there is a quarterly charge for the ongoing service. Payments can be made by cheque or by setting up a direct debit. Charges for the service are reviewed each April.
The charges for 2008/2009 are:
Quarterly lease charge: £67.36 (£57.33 without VAT)
Quarterly key safe lease charge: £1.76 (£1.50 without VAT)
Additional support
We can also refer you to the Assistive Telecare Technology at Home service should you require additional support or assistance in your home.
Contact us
Contact us and we will be happy to give you more information or answer any further questions that you may have.
Email independent.living@cambridge.gov.uk
Telephone 01223 457648