Services provided by the boroughs

A community alarm provides access to support and assistance at the touch of a button. An alarm unit and pendant is linked to a Monitoring Centre, staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and help can be sought by pressing the button on either the pendant or alarm unit.

Additionally, Telecare sensors can be linked to the community alarm. These include basic items such as smoke alarms to more person centred equipment including fall detectors, bed sensors and electronic pill dispensers.

A community alarm may be available for an initial free period on discharge from hospital, after which a small weekly charge becomes payable. Please enquire with your local borough council for information.

GPS Alarms are available across Surrey for residents who feel vulnerable out in the community or become unsure of their whereabouts. A device is worn when out and about and if the user becomes concerned or unsure of their whereabouts they can press the button on the device to speak to a trained operator who will offer support and assistance.

Additionally, ‘safe zones’ can be established where required, enabling an alert to be sent to the Monitoring Centre when this zone is breached.

Community Meals can be delivered at home seven days a week for as long or as short as required. A nutritiously balanced hot lunch and dessert can be provided with the option of a tea service and, in some areas, breakfast. Dietary and cultural requirements can be catered for at no extra cost including diabetic, gluten free, vegetarian, halal, kosher, soft or pureed. Frozen meals can be delivered in some areas.

Homesafe is a free service operated by the local borough councils, offering some of our support services in a box to take home on discharge to help residents settle back in at home. Homesafe packs contain a preprogramed community alarm and pendant, temporary key safe and access to a daily hot meal and daily wellbeing telephone call. The packs need to be set up by a carer, friend or relative once home using the simple instructions provided. After a few days the local borough council will make contact with the client and arrange a follow up visit to remove the pack and install any ongoing services required.

Homesafe packs are kept with hospital staff and an online referral made by them prior to discharge. Packs can be used to prevent admission or for emergency or unplanned discharges 24/7. Please ask a member of staff for further information. Our services can be referred to in the interim by contacting the council directly.

Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door accessible transport service for those who have difficulty accessing public transport services. Designed to help residents enjoy greater freedom and independence, it operates five or six days a week depending on area, enabling them to visit family and friends, go to the shops, attend appointments, a club or access venues.

In some areas, weekly shopping trips to different local amenities and social outings are available. It’s easy to sign up as a member and then a fee is charge per journey depending on distance travelled.

Transport is also available to and from our Social Centres for the Community.

Social Centres for the Community are caring environments that offer the opportunity to socialise, exercise and take part in a wealth of activities each weekday. Al l Centres offer a hot, freshly prepared lunchtime meal as well as a range of light refreshments and a number of onsite services such as hairdressing, beauty therapy and chiropody.

All Centres are adapted and equipped to support people with additional need and offer door to door transport to and from the venue.

Boroughs can provide an advice service for older, disabled and vulnerable residents helping them to stay safe, warm and independent in their own home. Services include:

• Caseworkers to help identify any repairs or adaptations needed
• Advice on applying for financial assistance including disabled facilities grants
• Adaptations including level-access showers, stair lifts, extensions , ramps and railings
• Handyperson Service to help with small jobs around the home and minor aids such as grab and stair rails
• Energy efficiency advice and improvements

Safe secure accommodation with support from staff and a community alarm service. This service is provided either by the Borough Council or by local Registered Housing Associations.

For further information visit the Borough Council websites:

• www.woking.gov.uk/community/older
• www.spelthorne.gov.uk/older-people
• www.elmbridge.gov.uk/css
• www.runnymede.gov.uk/communityservices

Alternatively phone for information:

• Woking BC - 01483 755855
• Spelthorne BC - 01784 446389
• Elmbridge BC - 01372 474552
• Runnymede BC - 01932 425865