Helping to alert elderly to the cold

THE Yarlington Housing Group in Yeovil is taking its own steps to ensure that the elderly do not suffer this winter from the cold.

Having secured Somerset County Council funding, Yarlington is now able to offer its residents free alarms to alert them to drops in temperature in their homes.

The free personal alarm with a temperature sensor is available to residents who are aged over 65, on a low income, disabled or have a long-term health condiditon. It is activated when extreme temperatures are detected, or when there is a sudden drop in tempaerature, and send an alert back to Yarlingotn to provide assistance.

Jo Jenkins, from the retirement living team at Yarlington, said: “When people are less mobile or have medical conditions, they are not always aware of the change in temperature.

"A cold home can have a big impact on health, and keeping warm helps to prevent colds, flu, heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression."

Anyone who is worried about a relative, neighbour or friend who may suffer this winter should contact the Alarm Team on 01935-404500.

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