Lifeline is an alarm system which can reduce the risk to older, frail or disabled people by providing a way of summoning help in an emergency, for example if you have a fall. If you live alone and are at risk because of ill health or disability, you can apply for a Lifeline.
The Lifeline unit is fitted alongside your telephone and has an emergency button, plus a pendant which is clipped to clothing or worn around your neck so you can activate it from any room. It automatically alerts the Lifeline Centre when pressed. The operator will know who you are and will contact the emergency services or summon help.
It can be purchased privately, rented or, in some cases, the council may agree to help with the cost.
If you receive housing benefit you are automatically entitled to a free Lifeline service, otherwise you are assessed on need and your financial situation in accordance with Barnet Council’s Fairer Charging Policy. However, if you have more than £21,500 in savings or capital assets (like shares or unit trusts) you will not qualify for financial help.
There are four options if you are not eligible for a free service:
|
1
|
You can rent the Lifeline unit and pay a weekly monitoring fee. This is invoiced quarterly in advance.
|
|
2
|
You can rent the Lifeline unit with mobile support if you do not have anybody to call out in an emergency. You will be invoiced quarterly in advance for the rental, monitoring fee and mobile response charge.
|
|
3
|
You can buy a Lifeline unit for a one-off payment and pay a weekly monitoring fee. This is invoiced quarterly in advance. The Lifeline unit comes with a 5-year warranty and you will be charged for any repairs after that time.
|
|
4
|
You can buy a Lifeline for a one-off payment with a mobile response. You will be invoiced quarterly in advanced for the monitoring fee and mobile response charge. The Lifeline unit comes with a 5-year warranty and you will be charged for any repairs after that time.
|
We also charge to replace lost pendants or if a unit needs to be repaired because of damage rather than a technical fault. All charges are reviewed annually.
See our list of charges