Careline reaches landmark figure

THE Careline Service in Yeovil and South Somerset has reached a new landmark this week by having a total of 2,000 clients currently registered and receiving help at the touch of a button.

Careline provides an emergency alarm button and pendant that can be worn at all times - which links to a control centre where emergency staff are on hand to answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

South Somerset District Council has been running the service for 32 years and it continues to prove invaluable to residents, particularly those people living alone. The growth in the service reflects the great reputation built up by a team of dedicated and experienced staff and the quality of the service.

Pressing the alarm button puts the customer straight into contact with staff who can call a family member, neighbour or doctor if the resident is feeling unwell, or an ambulance if needed. They will also call the police if the person feels intimidated or in danger.

The service offers a range of other ‘telecare’ devices which can help people live independently, such as smoke detectors, fall detectors and key safes.

PHOTO - TOP: South Somerset District Council leader, Cllr Ric Pallister, presents 79-year-old Jean Boobyer, of Yeovil, with a bouquet of flowers after becoming Careline's 2,000th service user.

Alice Knight, service manager, said: “More and more people in South Somerset are taking advantage of our service, from those who are elderly to people with disabilities and those who are considered as at risk by their loved ones.

“We find that friends and family feel reassured with the knowledge that we are here to help their loved ones if they ever need it.”

The installation of the alarm system costs £32.05 but is free to those who are on certain benefits.  There is a weekly charge of £3.74 for hire and monitoring of the equipment.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Careline can give elderly people and their relatives peace of mind that help is not too far away.

Council leader, Cllr Ric Pallister, added: “I am incredibly proud of our Careline service which provides people with reassurance and enables many elderly or vulnerable residents to live as safely and as independently as they possibly can.

“I congratulate the team on this great achievement of reaching 2,000 customers, a true reflection of the commitment of staff and also the excellent reputation of the service.”

To find out more about how Careline can help, contact 01935-479815 or click on the Careline logo on the right-hand side of this website.

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