Community Alarm and Telecare service

The service offers 24‑hour monitoring and response, ensuring help can be accessed quickly in an emergency or when support is needed.

Before applying for Telecare, you can now use the self-check online tool which will provide a summary page with useful information relating to your answers. It may also suggest that you contact your local Community Alarm and Telecare Service.

What is the Community Alarm and Telecare service?

The Community Alarm and Telecare Service supports people living in Perth and Kinross who may need extra reassurance to remain at home safely.

An alarm can be activated at any time of day or night if someone:

• has a fall
• feels unwell
• needs urgent assistance

When an alarm is activated:

• trained staff at the alarm receiving centre speak to the person
• the situation is assessed
• appropriate help is arranged

This may include:

• providing reassurance
• contacting a nominated family member or friend (keyholder)
• contacting NHS services or emergency services
• sending a mobile response team to support the person at home

The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is available to all residents of Perth and Kinross.

Who can benefit from telecare?

Telecare may be helpful for people who:

• live alone
• are frail or have mobility difficulties
• are at risk of falls
• have a disability or sensory impairment
• have learning disabilities
• are living with dementia or cognitive impairment
• feel vulnerable or unsafe at home

Telecare is designed to support independence and can be tailored to individual needs following an assessment.

How the alarm system works

The system includes:

• a base unit in the home
• a personal alarm button, worn as a pendant or wrist strap

The button is waterproof and can be worn at all times.

When the button is pressed:

• the alarm receiving centre is contacted automatically
• operators can speak to the person through the base unit
• help is arranged as needed

The system works using a SIM card and mobile network, so a landline is not required.

Telecare equipment

The base unit acts as the hub of the telecare system and can connect to additional sensors around the home.

Standard equipment

As part of the standard telecare package, smoke and heat alarms can be installed and linked directly to the alarm receiving centre.

If triggered, the receiving centre can contact the emergency services if required.

Additional telecare equipment

Following an assessment, additional equipment may be provided, such as:

• falls pendants (automatic fall detection)
• bed or chair exit sensors
• door sensors
• epilepsy bed sensors
• flood detectors

These devices help identify risks and alert the alarm receiving centre when support may be needed.

Applying for the Community Alarm and Telecare service

Referrals can be made by:

• the individual
• a family member or carer
• health or social care professionals

To enquire about the service or request an assessment, contact the Early Intervention and Prevention Team:

• Phone: 0345 30 111 20
• Email: [email protected]

If eligible, an assessing worker will arrange a home visit to discuss needs and equipment options.

Reporting a fault

If you experience a fault with telecare equipment, contact the Community Alarm and Telecare Service Control Centre.

This is a 24‑hour service.

Phone: 01738 459600

If you are unhappy with the service

Most issues can be resolved quickly by speaking directly to the Control Centre.

Phone: 01738 459600

If concerns remain, you can follow the formal complaints process.