A NEW service could allow older people and people with disabilities to stay in their own homes for longer.

Wiltshire County Council is funding and managing a new pilot service called ‘telecare’, which allows people to summon help if they need it in an emergency, such as after a fall.

Various sensors can also be installed to send an automatic alert to summon help, for example smoke alarms, night movement sensors and fall detectors.

A base unit is connected to the home telephone line and users are given a small pendant or wristband to wear which can be activated in an emergency to get an urgent response. All users are assessed individually to make sure the service is tailored to their needs.

The pilot scheme is funded by Wiltshire County Council until October 2009 and covers the West Wiltshire and Devizes area.

John Thomson, the council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “The telecare system is wonderful it allows people to stay in their own homes, secure in the knowledge that if something does happen they can summon help immediately.

“This is about making sure that Wiltshire County services are available when and where people need them – not when we want to provide them. We are determined to carry out our promise to give people a life, not a service.”

To find out more about telecare and how it can help you or a friend or relative, contact Care Connect on 01722 411676.