Milton Keynes has a growing population of older people. The number of people aged 65 to 79 years old is projected to increase from 25,600 to 36,900 by 2026. This is a 44% rise.

Labour led Milton Keynes Council believes the key to a good quality of life for older and disabled people is the importance of maintaining independent living.

Milton Keynes Council has long run a Community Alarm service for over 5000 people. (Around 20% of the older population) This service continues to grow with 381 people joining the scheme in the first half of the financial year.

Increasingly the Council is also offering telecare services to older and disabled people.

Telecare services such as:

• Bed sensors
• Chair sensors
• Various types of Falls detectors
• Medication reminder dispensers
• Door exit sensors
• Epilepsy sensors.
• Environmental sensors.
• Food detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Low and high temperature detectors.

Cllr Nigel Long, Cabinet member for Housing and Adult Social Care said, “The Community Alarm and Telecare service is excellent. It is about supporting older and disabled people to remain independent, safe and supported in their own homes. The Council has 5000 people on the community alarm and 792 people now have telecare support.“

In the first six months of the year; 98% of calls to the Stantonbury centre were answered within 60 seconds. 100% of all calls are answered within 5 minutes. These services are all monitored from the Stantonbury call centre. They allow a swift response to any emergencies or potential problems. Mobile wardens visit people if needed.

Cllr Long added, “The service has a really high and consistent performance record. This is a 24 hour, 7 days a week service available to any person who wants to have the safety of a community alarm or telecare sensor as they grow older. At £3.50 per week for the alarm service. It is good value as well as a great service.“

Milton Keynes Council wants to see more older and disabled people take up the service.

Call the Community Alarm Sales line: 01908 222616. Or go on line to: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/communityalarm

Cllr Long concluded. “The Community Alarm and telecare service is available to any resident of Milton Keynes. Why not buy your Mum and Dad or grandparents the service for Christmas. For less than £200 a year you could put in place a safety back-up that will help your loved ones remain safe in their own homes.“