Health and social care

Here are answers to some questions people often ask about Croydon Careline.

What happens if I press the alarm when I'm in the garden/upstairs/not near the phone?

If we cannot get a response, someone will come round to check that you are alright. The pendant alarm has a range of approximately 80 metres/150 feet. When we install the system, we will test any locations you are concerned about to make sure the alarm will work.

How will you get access if I'm unable to get to the door?

We prefer you to have a keysafe. We can hold keys for you but if we have to return to the office to collect them, this will delay our arrival which we try to make within 30 minutes of the alarm. Otherwise, we may have to ask the emergency services to force entry. We can refer you to Age Concern who can install a keysafe for a reduced fee of £45 (they are normally £60). Let us know if you would like us to arrange this.

I'm worried that I will keep bothering you by activating the alarm by accident or to see if it still works or if I panic and it turns out to be nothing

Don't worry. We treat these cases as test calls. We will monitor the volume of calls and let you know if there is a problem.

English is not my first language, how will you communicate with me if I use the alarm?

Our control room has access to Language Line so that we can have 3-way conversations using an interpreter.

I'm still not sure, do you have more information?

We can send you an information pack. Just call us on the number below. We may be able to answer your query on the phone or send you the pack, so you can take your time deciding.

Contact Details

Contact name

Croydon Careline Response Team

Telephone

020 8654 7166 (24 hr)

Email

careline@croydon.gov.uk