A telecare alarm service which helps Karbon’s customers feel safe and secure in their homes has proved invaluable during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The system, which connects customers to a control centre with just the touch of a button, allows people to access help in an emergency, and to maintain an independent lifestyle with the security of knowing someone will always be there for them.

Like most people living on their own during the coronavirus outbreak, Karbon’s customers have felt isolated during lockdown and with strict social distancing measures in place and limited face-to-face contact, this has had a huge impact on people’s lives.

Karbon customer, Norman Blanden, of Prudhoe, has a Reach Digital At-Home Alarm Unit installed in his two-bedroom bungalow close to The Manors Extra Care Scheme.

He said: “It has been difficult not being able to get out and to see friends, but having the alarm system in place has given me reassurance that someone is there if I ever need them.

“Luckily, I’ve not had to use the system, but I know how to use it, and I know it’s there if I ever need it.”

Also living in Prudhoe and benefitting from having an alarm unit installed into his home is Michael Thirtle, who last year suffered a heart attack and has experienced problems with his eyesight.

He said: “I’d be lost without it.

“When I accidentally pressed the button, they called to check on me to make sure I was okay – the service was very good and they were excellent on the phone to me and reassured me.”

Karbon holds the telecare service with such high regard, it recently became members of TEC Services Association (TSA) – the industry and advisory body for Technology Enabled Care (TEC), which promotes and supports the technology-enabled care industry in the UK.

Jon McDonald, retirement living manager at Karbon Homes, added that the Telecare monitoring system has been used by a range of customers, from younger users who are disabled or unwell, through to older users who want that extra peace of mind.