What is the 'Vale Carelink Service'?

The Vale Carelink Service is a Community help alarm that is connected to our Care Centre through the users telephone system. It was set up in response to the many enquires the Association received for a help alarm system from all walks of life in the community who had heard about the service we provide for our own tenants.

How Does the System work?

The 'system' consists of a help alarm unit and a pendant. Pressing the 'Pendant' once operates the alarm unit. The operating button is usually situated in the middle of the pendant.
When the pendant has been activated the alarm unit automatically dials the Care Centre.
The call will be answered by one of the Care Centre's operators who will know who you are and where you are. If you are near the alarm unit you will be able to talk to the operator (without picking the phone up) and request assistance. If you are not close by or unable to talk, The operator will quickly contact one of the persons you have nominated to respond.

Are all the alarms the same?

No. We supply different shapes and sizes of alarm to suit you. Please ask for further details when applying for an alarm system.

Do the Alarms conform to a standard?

Yes. All our alarms conform to current British and European standards. The Association is also a member of ASAP (Association of Social & Community Alarms Providers). ASAP is the foremost organisation in the UK for dispersed alarms and Control Centres, and have regular consultations/influence on services provided with relevant government and major business representatives.

Do I have to wear the pendant around my neck?

No. In some cases we are able to provide a pendant that can be worn on the wrist, although this may not be recommended if the user has dexterity difficulties. Please ask for details when applying for an alarm system.

How can I test the system?

The system can be tested at any time by operating the pendant or the button on the unit. When the Care Centre answers the call explain you are testing the unit. We recommend that the unit be tested approximately once every two/three weeks.
Every six months, the Association will arrange for the unit and pendant to be inspected and cleaned. We will also take the opportunity to check that the details you have supplied us with are correct.

What is the cost?

The cost is £3.80 per week* plus a one off installation fee of £20.  All costs will be explained thoroughly to you before installation.
* The cost includes the rental, full 24hr monitoring service and on site warranty and maintenance.

If I nominate contacts to help me, what do they have to do?

It can be daunting to be a contact, not knowing what to expect or what to do. Again, don't worry, the Specialist Services department have produced a printed card with details of everything they need to know. This card will be left with the client to distribute to their nominated contacts at the time the alarm is installed. If you require further details, please contact the Specialist Services department.

What can I do if I haven't any contacts to respond to my alarm call?

Don't worry! In many cases for a small additional fee we are now able, subject to location, to provide a 24-hour Emergency response from one of our on-call Contact Managers.

Our Contact Managers deal with difficult situations and emergencies on a daily basis. They are well-trained in First Aid, injury assessments etc. so you can be assured that you will receive professional and expert assistance at times when you may feel distressed or in need of help.

If you are interested in receiving this service please contact us.