Good response to personal alarm system program

Seniors Minister Judyth Watson said today more than 700 frail aged people had benefited so far from the State Government's program to provide personal telephone emergency alarms.

Dr Watson said 762 alarms had been issued - including 554 in the Perth metropolitan area - since the program started earlier this year.

Up to 2,000 personal alarm systems would be distributed throughout the State under the CareLink program, a joint initiative by the Silver Chain Nursing Association and the Government's Office of Seniors' Interests.

The alarm unit hooks easily into the home telephone and the owner carries  a small plastic pendant which activates the system electronically when pressed.  The alarm is directed to a central monitoring agency which in turn notifies relatives or friends.

"The units give independence and peace of mind to frail or disabled seniors living alone who are at serious risk of falling or some other medical emergency," Dr Watson said.

"Recipients of the alarm are able to feel more at ease in their home environment.  Apart from providing the mechanism for quick attention in a medical emergency, like a heart attack, the alarms can increase the well-being of seniors and preserve their dignity.

"Elderly people who receive an alarm system can be assured that family and friends are just a 'phone call away."

Nearly $2 million has been provided through the Lotteries Commission and the Government's Social Advantage package to maintain the program over three years.