Is it expensive to have a Community Alarm?

CCAS aims to keep the service affordable to clients.  The lowest charge is £3.36 a week and the highest charge is £8.55.  CCAS will let clients know if charges have to be increased.  The cost of the service includes the hire of the alarm, monitoring calls and sending a mobile warden if needed. 

Sometimes funding is available to help cover the cost of the service - this is assessed by Supporting People.

What type of alarm equipment do you fit?

CCAS can fit a range of equipment, depending on your needs.  All you need for the equipment to work is a plug-in phone socket and an electric plug socket nearby.  All types of equipment come with an alarm that you can wear around your neck.  When you press this you will automatically be connected to our call centre.  You do not need to be near the alarm unit to ask for help.  The equipment has a built-in microphone which can pick up your voice almost anywhere in your home.

Will the installation be messy or take a long time?

No.  The alarm needs only a normal electrical socket and a telephone socket.  If there is a problem our demonstrator will usually deal with this for you.  Most of our installations are done within an hour.

If I use my alarm how does the operator know who the call is from?

Every alarm unit has its own identity code so when your alarm goes off your name, address and other details are displayed on the operator's computer screen.

How will the Community Care Alarm Service help me?

The operator will ask you questions to help them assess the situation.  They will then organise the help you need.  For example, they may contact the emergency services, your doctor or your family, or they may send a warden to your home.

How will a Mobile Warden be able to gain access to my home in an emergency?

We will fit a keysafe at the front of your house.  This is a small safe where we can store a key to your home.  This can only be accessed by using a unique code that will be saved with your contact information and given to a warden when needed.

What information do I need to give CCAS?

You only need to give us details which will help us if your alarm goes off.  We don't share your information with anyone else.  For example, we may need to know:

• your doctor’s name
• your next of kin
• details of anyone who has a key to your home
• details of any medical problems you have; and
• details of any disabilities you have.

What happens if my needs change?

At the installation of your alarm we will complete a support plan with you.  This will identify any areas that you may require assistance with and what we can do to help.  We will review this with you after six weeks, to make sure we are meeting your needs, and once a year after that.

If your needs change you just need to contact us and we will arrange to reassess your needs and the level of support we provide to you.

How can I access this service?

To access this service we require a completed referral form giving us some basic information about you so that we can assess what service may best support you.  This could be from yourself, a family member, a social worker or any health professional.

Contact us to find out more.