Help at hand for green fingered Brits

Friday, 15 June 2012

Keeping active is one of the keys to a healthy older age and as the weather gets milder it becomes easier to be out and about and enjoy yourself in the garden. But after many months spent primarily inside the house it can sometimes be daunting to get back out in the garden.

To help you stay safe and enjoy your garden this summer, Age UK Personal Alarms has compiled these handy tips:

• Remove any trip hazards such as loose paving slabs, hose pipes left unravelled and garden tools left lying around the garden
   
• Consider ways to light your garden if you use your garden regularly in the evening
   
• Never leave a barbeque unattended and make sure the flames are fully extinguished
   
• Make sure that there is a chair or somewhere to sit down safely, should you need to rest 

Another source of reassurance when in your garden can come from keeping either a personal alarm or a mobile phone with you. These devices can give you the peace of mind that should anything happen, and you need to call for help, support is available at the touch of a button.

Gordon Morris, Managing Director of Age UK Personal Alarms, said: “Nothing should get in the way of people enjoying their gardens this summer – not even the temperamental British weather! So whether soaking up the sun in the garden, digging up the hydrangeas or mowing the lawn, consider using a Personal Alarm. This will provide you with that extra peace of mind  and confidence that there is always help and assistance at hand should it ever be required.”

With the Age UK Personal Alarm Service people can get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It works by connecting a customer to a dedicated Response Centre which is staffed round the clock.

Already more than 45,000 people use a Personal Alarm and benefit from knowing that they can get immediate assistance. It helps older people who live on their own retain their independence, and it also gives family, friends and neighbours peace of mind about their loved ones.

The Age UK alarm system operates a two-way speech link to enable the person who has raised the alarm to talk to an operator within seconds.  The operator can then contact the chosen keyholder - a friend, neighbour or relative - who can visit and offer assistance.

If there is no contact available, or if the situation is more serious, the emergency services will be contacted. The alarm is lightweight and can be worn around the neck or on the wrist. It is waterproof so can be worn in the bathroom, kitchen and garden.

The Age UK Personal Alarm costs from £49 plus £44 per quarter**.  This includes full maintenance and replacement. If you would like more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/alarm or call 0800 169 6565.

**For self installation option only. Billing takes place on a quarterly basis