'Life-changing' service for the elderly in Rhondda Cynon Taf
A service which provides round the clock support for more than 4,000 elderly and vulnerable people in the Valleys has “changed the lives” of one family
A service which provides round the clock support for more than 4,000 elderly and vulnerable people in the Valleys has “changed the lives” of one family.
The Lifeline team at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council helps people like Dave, who lives in Tonypandy with his wife, Sue, by connecting with and helping them at the touch of a button, any time of the day or night.
Dave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago and often falls, especially in the night:
Dave wears an emergency button on a wristband to press if he falls, so he can contact Lifeline direct.
He also has a sensor on a wristband that automatically alerts operators if he makes a falling movement, so help can be sent if Dave is unable to send an alert.
Within minutes, mobile responders are at his home, using a key safe provided as part of Lifeline, to gain access and move him gently and safely to a chair, using the specialised equipment.
Mobile responders cover the entire county borough and respond to calls like those from Dave where it is safe to do so.
If a person is injured, the usual emergency services response is used.
Lifeline supports Dave to remain in his family home.
“Lifeline has changed our lives"
Steve said: “Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s six years ago and we look after him at home.
“Mum is his main carer, but she had a bad fall earlier this year and was in hospital for months.
“We are with dad as often as we can be and had home cameras installed so we can keep an eye on him via a mobile phone app.
“We also had dad wear his mobile phone around his neck on a lanyard so he could ring for help if he needed it. It was such a worry.
“Lifeline has changed our lives. It’s always there. Not only can dad speak to someone at the press of a button, I know the mobile responders are automatically despatched if needed to help him get up and get on with his day.
“We were worried, as others may be, that the wristbands and sensors might be seen as a compromise to his independence, but it is the opposite. It’s an enhancement.
“It’s protection and support for dad and peace of mind for the rest of the family. I am so grateful.”
A team of council staff will work around the clock over Christmas and New Year to support over 4,000 elderly and vulnerable people.
This year alone, they’ve helped over 1,200 people who have fallen and cannot get up, reducing demand on emergency services and the amount of time people lie on the floor waiting for help.
The longer someone lies after a fall, the greater their risk of a hospital admission and long-term damage to their health and wellbeing.
Mobile responders also visit people operators are worried about, such as those who press their button but then don’t respond, or those they have spoken to who seem unwell or in difficulty.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for social care, said: “Many people want to remain in their own homes, safely and independently and Lifeline – plus the dedication of its staff – helps them to do that.
“Lifeline is open to all. You can join and benefit from much of the service, including 24-hour response, yourself – or on behalf of a loved one – online.
“None of this around-the-clock care, support, response and reassurance would be possible without the dedicated staff who work 24/7 to respond when residents need help and just be there, at all hours and in all weathers. A huge thank you to each and every one of them.”
Lifeline’s additional support measures, such as the fall or epileptic seizure alarms, door and floor sensors and so on are used according to needs.