Council invests in safety of vulnerable tenants in midst of coronavirus pandemic

Published: 20 July 2020

Derby City Council are rolling out the installation of crucial safety equipment during the coronavirus pandemic to help protect thousands of its older and most vulnerable tenants.

The “telecare equipment” will be installed free of charge in over 2000 of the council’s homes. Each tenant will have access to a brand new “at-home alarm”, along with a wearable “pendant” for each occupant that lets them call for emergency help at the touch of a button.

The alarm unit connects them to Derby Carelink, who provide support any time of the day or night. It also links to the smoke alarm in the property, allowing Carelink to quickly contact emergency services if there is a fire.

Within seconds of pressing an emergency button a tenant is connected to an operator who has all the necessary information available to get help to them quickly.

Derby Homes, the council’s Arm’s Length Management Organisation, is managing the roll-out and installation of the equipment, along with contractor Legrand.

Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Social Housing, said of the installation:

This is a fantastic service offer for our residents. Now more than ever in this most challenging time it’s important for vulnerable and older residents to have this essential lifeline that means they can safely stay in their own home. It not only directly benefits the tenants; it also gives families and carers reassurance that help is there if needed. For residents who live alone, or who have had to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic, having a dedicated connection to Derby Carelink is vital. Residents are of course under no obligation to use the equipment, but many will be reassured to know that help is a quick phone call away if they need it. The needs of our tenants are changing, and we’re seeing more and more residents who need adapted properties, due to disability or other medical issues. Investing in the safety of our tenants by updating our housing stock with this new equipment ensures that our properties are fully adapted to meet the needs of anyone who lives in them.

A daughter of a Telecare user said:

If it hadn’t been for Telecare I’m sure I wouldn’t still be at home and my family are a lot less worried about me now. Since the equipment has been installed, I’ve started to go out again, and I know Mum will be ok. The equipment really gives me peace of mind.

Health, Public safety