800 tenants are to benefit from a major upgrade of their personal alarm system. The Vale Housing Association is to replace the existing pull cord “help” alarm system in 600 of its sheltered properties. Elderly tenants will receive a special individual alarm instead of a pull cord, to use if they are suddenly taken ill in their homes, or need help in an emergency. A £56,000 contract has just been signed with Initial Community Care to replace the alarms.
David Woodhams, Specialist Services Manager at The Vale Housing Association, said, Replacing the alarms is something we should do as responsible and caring landlords. Whilst the existing system was working, it was getting old. We felt the time had come to replace it, to ensure we continue to provide our tenants with an excellent service so that they can feel reassured at home. The new system should also reduce running costs.
The programme of replacements will begin in September in the Watchfield, Wootton and Botley areas. All 600 renewals are scheduled to be completed within 12 months. We aim to keep disruption to a minimum,
commented David Woodhams. We will personally contact all tenants who are to receive a new alarm. We will explain to each tenant individually what is going to happen and how the alarm works.
As before tenants will be given the added option of also using a pendant which they can carry with them. They can activate the alarm at any time, day or night, at the touch of a button. This instantly connects them to staff at an alarm centre who can alert our emergency help contacts.
David Woodhams,
Specialist Services Manager
Tel: (01235) 536001