Health and social care organisations in Derbyshire have been working closely together for some time, to improve care and services for people and make them as efficient and effective as possible.
We’ve put together some key information on staying safe in Derbyshire in this section, things such as avoiding scams. We hope you’ll be able to make sure this information reaches everyone that may benefit.
A Safe Place is somewhere you can go if you feel scared, are lost or need help when you are out and about.
Safe Places are public buildings in towns and communities across Derbyshire, such as libraries, shops, pharmacies and GP surgeries. They have stickers in their windows so you can see that they are part of the scheme and know you can go in and ask for help if you need to.
As part of the scheme you can apply for a Keep Safe Card on our website. The card has space to write information such as your name, address, health/medication needs and contact details of a family member or friend. If you need to use a safe place you can show the staff your card when you ask for help.
The staff at a safe place will:
Currently due to Covid-19 the Safe Places Scheme is operating a reduced service, if you would like further information please contact the service on the details below.
To find safe places in your area visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/safeplaces - you’ll also be able to apply for a Keep Safe Card online. Or you can ring 01629 532469 to get a paper Keep Safe Card form.
There are dozens of types of scams circulating at any one time. They may offer the chance to invest in an exciting new money-making scheme, announce an unexpected prize draw or lottery win or make amazing claims about products or services at a bargain price.
Scams can affect anyone and becoming a victim can have a serious effect on people’s physical and mental health as well as their finances. Scams fall into 4 main types:
How to spot a scam
Scam letters and emails will look professional and seem convincing and cold callers will sound genuine – but our advice is to steer clear. If you’re offered something that seems too good to be true, before you respond, stop and consider:
Action you can take to tackle scams
If you’ve been the victim of a scam you can get support from:
For further information visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/scams
Derbyshire County Council Adult Care uses a range of technology to support people to live independently for longer.
Community alarms
Community alarm systems have a pendant or wristband you can wear that connects to a telephone line through a base unit. If you need help, for instance if you feel unwell, you can get help by pressing the button on the pendant or wristband. You’ll then be able to speak to an operator at a monitoring centre using the speakerphone on the base unit. The operator will get in touch with your key contact or, if required, call emergency services. These services are available to everyone and are provided by a range of local organisations. Different options are available depending on where you live in Derbyshire. There is usually a charge for community alarms, how much will depend on your local provider.
Telecare
Alongside basic alarms Adult Care also has a range of telecare equipment that can support people with identified social care needs and their carers.
Telecare is also usually supported by connection, via a telephone line, to a monitoring centre which can alert others if assistance is needed.
Telecare equipment can be used throughout your home:
Telecare equipment operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The choice of equipment, monitoring service and response to alerts are tailored according to a person’s needs. Telecare can form part of a care and support package or can be arranged privately, to help you live independently for as long as possible.
Further information
For telecare to work in your home a telephone line is usually required, but mobile networks can be used in some situations or as a temporary measure to allow time for a landline to be installed. Some systems can be set to directly alert your family, friends, neighbours or carers (rather than a monitoring centre) to allow them to help you if you need it. Systems can provide reassurance and peace of mind to carers.
Any adult can access telecare equipment and monitoring services. If you currently have an Adult Care support package in place, you may be eligible for telecare to be provided as part of this. You can discuss these options with your Adult Care worker.
You may be able to access the service for free:
If you have been a user of the community alarm and telecare service before 1 November 2019, you will continue to receive the service whilst you remain living in your current property. Should you move house through choice or a change in personal circumstances, you will be reassessed for community alarm or telecare equipment in line with the Care Act (2014) eligibility criteria.
If you are not eligible for support you can still access the community alarm and telecare services but you would have to pay the full monitoring and equipment maintenance costs. This amount may vary depending on where you live in Derbyshire and the different services available to you.
How to access telecare
If you do not currently have an Adult Care support package in place but think you would benefit from community alarm and telecare service, you can contact Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190 for more information.