Council issue update on Carelink closure

Carelink customers who want to secure alternative service provision when the service closes are being reassured that there are companies offering similar falls and emergency care response services.

Since making the decision to end the Carelink service, High Peak Borough Council say that they have been mindful of the concern this may have caused customers, and has been contacting them and their supporters to explain the decision and offer support with securing future care provision.

Research into companies that can provide similar technology enabled care services in the area has also been taking place and two companies that offer a falls response service across the High Peak have been identified - Medequip Connect and Derbyshire Light Medical.

The Council is now writing to all Carelink customers and their supporters to provide this information and encourage them to start conversations about their future care needs.

Executive Councillor for Housing, Fiona Sloman, said: “The decision to close Carelink was far from easy and was taken due to safeguarding issues. Our Carelink customers have always been our priority and they remain so as we work towards ending the service. So it’s very important to us that we support people to find alternative providers, especially those offering falls and emergency care services, in the area.

“There are companies that can offer this service and we’re writing to our customers and those who support them to provide details of those companies so they can start conversations about their future care needs.

“The Carelink service people receive will continue until people have arranged new provision or the service closes, whichever is the sooner. The team remain available to speak to customers about the closure so please get in touch if you want help or more information.

“I’d like to thank our Carelink team, who continue to offer excellent service in difficult circumstances, and our customers who are working with us to ensure they can secure the services they need for the future. We are here to help you so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to speak to us about your options.”

Whilst these companies are the only two currently offering a falls and emergency care response, they are not the only the providers of technology enabled care services and there is a link on the Council’s website to an external website where people can enter their postcode to see information about all those who offer services in the area.

The Council is encouraging customers who want to secure a new provider to have made arrangements to do so as soon as possible so that the final preparations can be made to formally close Carelink.