Today, we’re extremely proud to launch a state-of-the-art technology service designed to help vulnerable individuals across Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.
Our much-anticipated Life24 alarm service aims to transform the lives of the elderly and those living with long-term health conditions such as epilepsy, sensory impairments and other disabilities.
We’ve already been offering an assistive technology service for our customers for the past 25 years, but now, in a bid to help scores of individuals across our operating region, our brand-new 24-7 service will be available to anyone who feels they would benefit from it.
The service is customised to provide extra support using the latest technology and safety equipment such as fall detectors, bed and chair, epilepsy and door sensors. The emergency alarm links to a dedicated control centre 24 hours a day.
Mum-of-one Leanna McCartney, a 26 year old from Arlesey, Bedfordshire, suffers from Syncope – a condition that causes her to lose consciousness, which means she can’t be left on her own. She uses our assistive technology service to alert her family if ever she falls.
She said: “Without the alarm I wouldn’t be able to live on my own, I would have to have full time, 24/7 live in care. I can now be left on my own and have now been able to shower without having someone else there, which couldn’t happen for a couple of years.”
The system itself is so simple to use that even Leanna’s two-year-old daughter can use it.
“Harley is only two and she has learnt to press the button if I faint. She tells them that mummy is sleeping and the alarm team are so good with her, they keep her calm and talking while they phone my mum on another line, and keep talking until my mum gets there. It’s amazing, I didn’t expect that at all.”
“I couldn’t live without it. It’s given me more freedom, allows me to be independent and spend some time on my own.”
Deborah Stuart, our Director of Independent Living, added: “Life24 is quite literally a lifeline for many people. It enables patients who are being discharged from hospital, the elderly and long-term disability sufferers of any age to live with independence in their own home.
“The launch of Life24 celebrates the fact that the service is now available to anyone in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire; not just those who live in our homes.
“We hope it brings a sense of independence and improved wellbeing to hundreds of individuals across the area.”
To find out more about the service, go to www.life24.uk