Even people with dementia can live independently,
with a little help from detectors that show if they leave the property unsupervised or
inadvertently cause a flood or fire. Sensors are plugged-in or battery operated, and alarm buttons can be worn round the neck, on the
wrist or clipped to a belt or lapel.
Lifeline operations supervisor, Ruth Duckels of
Tunstall, says that users often fear accidentally setting off the alarm button, but no
one else minds. ‘We give 24 hour coverage, and
an accidental call is the easiest to handle.’ Anything
that merits further investigation could mean alerting emergency services or getting in
touch with an authorised key holder. ‘Our
sensors can show if someone is not back from the toilet after a certain amount of time. When this happens, we ring to find out, and if
there’s no answer we take further action.’
The ‘bogus caller’ button is designed to
help protect against people who ring the bell with a view to gaining entry for theft. Everyone, older and younger, should put a chain on
the door when greeting unexpected and unfamiliar callers. A
bogus alert button, situated inside the door, alerts the lifeline operator. ‘Sometimes, when they hear us on the ‘phone,
they go away very smartly,’ says Ruth.
 How do you select the right kinds of sensors for personal needs? Sometimes social workers or physiotherapists
will advise, or the companies who install the sensors will make an assessment by telephone
and then call personally. It’s always a good
idea to talk to a social worker or physiotherapist first.
If you want to know more, visit the Home
Security section on laterlife where you will find information and online enquiry form
to request further details or a free home demonstration.
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Helen
Franks reports on sensors that help elderly people stay in their own homes 
