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Emergency Alarm Gives Confidence
to Epileptic

Lesley Riley (58) from Beccles in Suffolk is a true advocate.

Lesley, who has suffered from severe epilepsy for many years, cannot work due to her illness so has constantly relied on Age Concern's Personal Alarm Service - a 24/7 emergency service - to keep her safe in her own home for over 20 years.

Lesley's epilepsy is in fact quite serious - a seizure can temporarily paralyse one side of her body, which limits her from walking, and she can lose her speech. Yet, with her personal alarm to hand she has peace of mind knowing that she will be looked after if she has an attack.

When pressed, the pendant directs Lesley through to the emergency response centre. For Lesley, this team of operators are her saving grace. "The staff are truly fantastic," she said. "Not only are they helpful and friendly but I've come to build some really trusting relationships with those that I regularly speak with."

"I typically require assistance once every couple of months. The service means everything to me; it has probably saved my life on many occasions." Indeed, since September 2000, Age Concern has summoned the emergency services 27 times to assist Lesley.

"When I feel an episode coming on, I quickly reach for my pendant and press the button. Immediately an operator talks to me, however quite often I have lost my voice by that point and can't respond. Still, the call operators are familiar with my situation and if I don't reply they know to call out the emergency services to assist me."

Although Lesley keeps her base unit in her bedroom, she has a number of pendants throughout her home. She added: "I tend to spend a lot of time at home and in the garden, so it is really reassuring to know that my personal alarm is at hand, what ever room I may be in, should I need it."

A friend first introduced Lesley to the Age Concern Personal Alarm Service over 20 years ago. She enquired for more information and shortly afterwards had a unit installed. Lesley has relied on the emergency service ever since and now she could not live in her own home without it.

"Epilepsy isn't a preventable condition, but with Age Concern's Personal Alarm Service I can lead as much of a normal life as I can."

Living alone, Lesley needed to select two keyholders when she had the alarm installed. With no family based nearby, she opted for her neighbours - Mr and Mrs Kent. "Having supportive neighbours is a godsend, without them and my personal alarm I don't know what kind of life I'd be living."

Personal alarm service there when you need us most

For older people or those in poor health living alone, the concern is who comes when you need help? With a personal alarm service, that worry is taken away, with a 24 hour, 7 day a week service that responds instantly to any call for help.

Personal alarms are small, lightweight alarms that connect to a base unit next to your phone. In the event of an emergency, the alarm (often worn as either a pendant or a wristband) activates an emergency call to an operator via the base unit. Within minutes, our operators can direct a relative, friend, neighbour or even the emergency services to your home, giving you the peace of mind that someone will respond when you call for help.

A personal alarm service is always there for you, day or night. Unobtrusive, comfortable and reassuring, a personal alarm service is designed to help you maintain an independent lifestyle, no matter what your disability or age. But they're not just used for medical emergencies - a personal alarm service can also give your loved ones reassurance that your personal safety is being monitored every day. In the event of an emergency, our operators can notify the emergency services that a distress call has been sent out and, because our alarms are designed to help those who are vulnerable and living alone, an immediate response is guaranteed.

A personal alarm service is quick and easy to install, either by a family member, friend, yourself or a professional engineer. The alarm itself is at the cutting edge of technology, using a wireless radio signal to communicate with the base unit. This allows you to move freely around the house or garden, yet still have the reassurance that your alarm will notify our operators should you need it. If you would like more information on how a personal alarm service could help you to maintain your independence, contact us now or browse our website for further details.