Careline service changes start September (From Borehamwood Times)

Careline service changes start September

11:07am Friday 10th July 2009

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In April we started a consultation with service users on the sustainability of the Careline service we provide on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council.

At present, Careline provides a 24-hour telephone emergency response service, monthly visits to service users and someone to attend during the night or at weekends in an emergency. William Sutton Homes has been heavily subsidising this service for many years and Hertfordshire County Council has now committed an extra £50,000 of annual funding to ensure that a more sustainable service can continue. We have worked closely with Hertfordshire County Council to modernise the service. Before any changes take place we will be visiting everyone who receives the service. During this visit we will explain the changes and make sure that plans are in place for emergencies.

m The 24-hour response community alarm service will continue. Service users will continue to get access to a 24-hour emergency response via the Careline call centre.

m If emergency help is needed, staff will ensure that the most appropriate action is taken based on the information held about individual service users. m We are also launching a new floating support service to help older people when they need it — whether with practical issues or putting people in touch with support agencies who are able to provide long-term assistance.

Starting at the end of September, the new services will ensure support is available to people when they need it. We and Hertfordshire County Council are confident that these new services are sustainable and will meet the long term needs of older people living in the area.

Julie Schoon, director of supported housing, William Sutton Homes

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