Alarms aim to cut care admissions

The system triggers a phonecall to check on the resident

Alarms which are activated if an elderly person is in danger are to be installed in homes across Liverpool to cut care home admissions.

The city council and primary care trust plan to put 900 of the "telecare" systems in place at a cost of £1.9m.

A heat sensor system triggers a phone call if the elderly resident falls, does not get out of bed or if the house becomes too cold.

It aims to support pensioners to live in their own homes, the council says.

Currently about 100 of the systems are fitted in homes.

'Feel safe'

Councillor Ron Gould, the city council's executive member for health and social care, said: "One of the biggest fears elderly people have about getting old is being uprooted and moved into a care home.

"The aim is to give people help and support to live in their own homes for as long as possible.

"But what we don't want to do is make them feel as if they're under attack from technology, and the sensors and equipment are hardly detectable.

"This scheme allows them to stay safe in their home for as long as possible, in an environment in which they feel comfortable."

It is hoped the scheme will reduce the number of people admitted to residential and nursing care.

It is also aimed at supporting the early discharge of patients from hospital and provide an early warning of people who are experiencing difficulties living at home.