Lifeline

For many people the telephone is their only means of contact with friends, relatives or neighbours. But in a crisis, it’s often difficult to locate and dial the number that will bring help. Perhaps the phone is in another room, or it’s hard to decide in an emergency just who to call.

Wightcare Services is here to provide help at times of crises, whether they occur during the day or at night. The Lifeline service is of proven benefit to both older people and those with a disability in particular, but younger, able-bodied people too can benefit from the peace of mind that the service offers.

The Lifeline unit which sits neatly alongside your telephone is both easy to use and to keep clean. One press of the alarm trigger activates the Lifeline unit. The red light will glow for a few seconds after the alarm trigger has been pressed. Its white finish and red alarm button make it easy to see and its shower proof too. You can wear the alarm trigger as a pendant or clipped to clothing.

Our Operators are trained to respond promptly to your calls and take whatever action is needed - any time, every day of the year.

How does it work?

If you already have a telephone, we will in most cases supply and install a Lifeline unit, together with a personal radio trigger. The Lifeline is simply connected to your telephone to make it much easier to call for help. Pressing either the large red alarm button on the unit or the alarm trigger automatically dials our local monitoring centre in Newport which is staffed 24 hours a day.

When you use the lifeline our Operator will know who is calling and will usually be able to hear you and talk to you. As soon as we know what sort of help you need we respond as quickly as possible, whether it be contacting a relative or neighbour, one of our small team of Mobile Wardens, or an ambulance or doctor to attend in an emergency.

I’m afraid that I am inclined to panic. What happens if I press the trigger and then realise there’s no need?

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. We won’t be annoyed at all – that way we will know that you’re safe and well, and your lifeline is working.

I live with my husband who is disabled. Can he have an alarm trigger too?

Yes, 2 alarm triggers can be used with each Lifeline.

Are the Lifeline units and triggers reliable?

Yes. Most of our equipment is made by Tunstall, a foremost manufacturer of this type of equipment. We will often know if it needs attention for any reason before it becomes a problem, and we will visit to check the equipment too. We do ask that you press the alarm yourself once a month to make absolutely sure that all is well.

I don’t have a telephone so how can your service help me?

We can either help you arrange for a standard phone to be installed, or we may be able to provide a Lifeline unit that has a normal telephone handset. Please ask us for details.

I really think I need your service. How do I contact you?

Just give us a call or ask a friend or relative to do so, and we will arrange for one of our Mobile Wardens to visit you, demonstrate the equipment and tell you more about the Lifeline service, with no obligation on you at all.

Wightcare Services
Bugle House,
118a High Street,
NEWPORT
Isle of Wight
PO30 1TP

Tel: 01983 533772
or 01983 821105 (out of hours emergency line)
Fax: 01983 530116
CALLS MAY BE RECORDED

mailto:wightcare@iow.gov.uk