Home Technology Solutions

We use technology more than ever in our homes. Many of us have bought some easy-to-use gadgets, but we might not know everything they can do to help us stay safe and live independently.

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Community Alarm and Telecare Service

East Lothian's Community Alarm and Telecare Service provides and installs a range of equipment which can help you to live safely and independently at home.  It offers peace of mind to users and carers alike.
 

older lady is being shown how to use an alarm pendant


How the Community Alarm and Telecare Service can support you

The Community Alarm and Telecare Service is available to people of all ages who are vulnerable, have a disability or health issues. It also supports carers by offering reassurance that the person they care for is safe.

Perhaps you: 

  • feel worried about living on your own.
  • have mobility problems.
  • worry about how you could call for help in the event of a fall or emergency.
  • are at risk of environmental dangers such as fire, gas or flood.
  • are concerned about someone who is generally independent but may feel more confident knowing they could get help at the press of a button, 24 hours a day.
     

Key benefits of using the Community Alarm Service

For a weekly fee, the Community Alarm Service provides an alarm unit with pendant or wristband to help support and enable people to be independent in their own homes. At the press of a button, you will be put in touch with our helpful alarm centre staff if you require assistance. They in turn can contact the person you have chosen to be contacted or arrange for emergency care services or a doctor.

  • The Alarm Service give peace of mind to users and carers alike.
  • It helps to support and enable people to remain independent in their own homes. 
  • We assess your needs to determine the most suitable equipment for you and your environment.
  • We install a base unit within your home and give you a pendant which can be worn around your neck or on your wrist.
  • Our team will demonstrate the alarm working at installation and check the pendant range within your home and garden.
  • Other sensors include fall detector, smoke detector, door or bed sensor 
  • Should you have a fall or require assistance with just the press of a button, you will be put in touch with the Alarm Centre based in Macmerry.
  • Our friendly operators are experienced in answering alarm calls and they can get you the right help that you need.
     

Community alarm base unit 

You will be provided with a digital alarm base unit. The base units have a SIM card and contain a speaker and microphone to enable you to have a conversation with the alarm receiving centre. 

Wearable pendant

The pendant is a personal trigger alarm that can be worn around the neck or around the wrist. An alarm can be raised even when not near the alarm base unit - up to range of 20 metres. The pendant is waterproof so can be worn in the bath or shower.
 

Telecare Service 

In addition to the Community Alarm Service, East Lothian's Telecare Service is designed to provide additional assistance when you need it.  Telecare equipment includes devices such as remote sensors and alarms are installed inside your home in discreet locations to provide a reassuring link to our Community Response Team.

These devices are either activated by you or automatically, in the case of unusual or potentially hazardous situations. These link to our Contact Centre where trained alarm service staff work around the clock to respond to alarm calls appropriately and provide a supportive presence. It does not involve cameras or visual monitoring equipment of any kind.

Our staff will also hold emergency telephone numbers for designated family members or carers so we can let them know if you need them.

Telecare equipment 

There is a wide range of equipment available for you and your home.  Examples include:

  • gas, fire, carbon monoxide and heat sensitive alarms
  • flood detectors for kitchens and bathrooms
  • equipment that detects falls or a lack of movement
  • automatic medication dispensers
  • sensors that detect people leaving the property at unusual times - useful for those with dementia prone to wandering
  • personal emergency alarms

All of the equipment has been specially designed for this purpose and full product information is available.

The aids that you receive will depend on your individual circumstances. We will work with you and your family or carer to develop a tailored range of equipment that will meet your needs. The equipment is easy to use while personal alarms are discreet and lightweight.
 

Would the Community Alarm Service or Telecare equipment be suitable for me?

In the below link, you can access an online self-check tool, which asks a series of questions to determine if the Community Alarm / Telecare equipment may be beneficial for you.  Please look here and try the Telecare self-check tool and video.

 

What is the cost of the Community Alarm / Telecare Service?

In East Lothian, Community Alarm and Telecare equipment is provided on loan, installed and maintained for a weekly charge.

As of April 2026, the weekly charge is £5.80.

All equipment must be returned to the Telecare Service when no longer required.

You will be informed of any charges prior to installation.
 

Application process:

Community Alarm 

Individuals or their representatives can apply for a basic community alarm without the need for an assessment.

If you want to apply, download an application form or contact us via the details on this page.

Download a Community Alarm Referral Form

Telecare Equipment 

Telecare equipment is only available following an assessment by a Health, Housing or Social Care worker for example: a community care worker, social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, nurse, housing officer or TEC officer.

Request a care assessment

How can I pay?

There are several ways to pay. All are clearly explained on the invoices issued in October and April, in arrears.

You can: 

Contact us

Contact East Lothian Community Alarm and Telecare Service by:

Document - Community Alarm Self Referral

Community Alarm Self Referral Form

  • ELHSCP Community alarm self-referral form DOCX 69.44 KB
    Download
Video - Telecare
Telecare Service - switch to digital

Important update: 
Analogue to digital switch-over

East Lothian Council is upgrading its Community Alarm Service from analogue to digital. This change affects how your telecare alarm system connects to the Community Alarm service, but in no way affects how you receive emergency help and support.
 

Why is this happening?

UK telephone companies are switching off all analogue landlines and replacing them with digital lines by January 2027.

Since 1999, telecare alarms have used landlines to send alerts. These will now be replaced with digital alarms that use SIM cards, not phone lines.

How do digital alarms work?

Whether it is the pendant that has been pressed, or a sensor has been activated your alarm now connects to Community Alarms using a SIM card (not an analogue phone line) but you’ll still speak to an operator just like before.

Do I need to pay for the new alarm?

No. There is no charge to you to have your equipment upgraded.

Do I need a phone line or broadband?

No. The new alarm works independently using a SIM card.

You don’t need a phone line or broadband unless you want them.

Benefits of Digital Telecare

  • Faster connection to Community Alarms.
  • Clearer sound quality.
  • More reliable - we can detect issues like power loss.

Beware of scams

  • Scammers may call asking for payment for your new alarm.
  • Do not pay - East Lothian Council provides the alarms for this digital upgrade free of charge.
  • Report scams to your bank and Police Scotland on 101.


What should you do next?

Scenario A:

You don’t have a digital phone line yet

  • No action needed now
  • When you switch, press your pendant to notify Community Alarms.

Scenario B:

  • You have a digital phone line but not a new alarm.
  • Press your pendant to let Community Alarms know.
  • You’ll be prioritised for a digital alarm upgrade.

Scenario C:

  • You already have a digital alarm with a SIM card.
  • You’re all set - no further action needed.
Have any questions? 

Contact East Lothian Council Community Alarms Service by: