Staying safe and independent

Ryecare Lifeline is a 24-hour support service that helps you to stay safe and independent in your own home. It’s a service run by a speciallytrained, caring local team provided by Ryedale District Council.

Ryecare Lifeline is a 24-hour support service that helps you to stay safe and independent in your own home. It’s a service run by a specially-trained, caring local team provided by Ryedale District Council. Anyone can sign up for Ryecare, but it is especially helpful if you:

• Live alone and need a bit of extra help

• Are unwell, or disabled

• Have recently left hospital and need extra help in your home

• Are at risk of domestic abuse, racial harassment or burglary

• Are often targeted by unwanted callers

• Live in an isolated, remote area and want some reassurance

Colin (90) says he owes his life to Ryecare Lifeline staff after suffering a heart attack in the middle of the night.

Colin, has had the Ryecare Lifeline – since June 2008. He wears the Lifeline pendant round his neck all the time and is convinced it saved his life.

“I went to bed as usual and thought I just had a bit of indigestion,” said Colin.

Our Ryecare Lifeline service is run by a speciallytrained, caring local team.

“I was unable to settle because of the pain in the centre of my chest and got up to make a drink to try and make me feel a bit better. Once I got out of bed I got the most terrible pain and pressed the button on my Lifeline before I fell to the floor.

“The next thing I knew I was waking up with wires all over me in a hospital bed with my daughter sitting next to me,” added Colin. “I was told I had a heart attack and because of the prompt action of the emergency services – contacted immediately because of the Ryecare Lifeline Service – I was able to have lifesaving treatment.

“Not only does the Ryecare Lifeline give me peace of mind but it gives my family peace of mind knowing that in an emergency I can get vital help anytime of the day or night.”

When you sign up, you’re provided with a Ryecare Lifeline Unit that connects to your telephone and to a call button that you wear around your neck or on your wrist. When you are in your home, you must wear the call button at all times.

When you need help, just press the button and you will be able to talk to someone at our control centre. The button has a 50m range from the Lifeline Unit, so you have access to help at all times, even if you can’t get to the phone.

The control centre operator will then contact somebody for you, like a family member, a friend of your choice, your doctor or the emergency services –depending on what help you need.

If your family member or friend can’t come to help you, don’t worry. We can send one of our Ryecare team to help you.

Before you sign up, call us to discuss the different options and the costs on 01653 697737 or email us at Ryecare. There is no obligation, and we will never put you under pressure to sign up if you decide Ryecare is not for you.

Once you have decided on the support you need, you can make an application to set up your Ryecare Lifeline service. To do this you will need:

• Details of at least two emergency contacts such as next of kin, a neighbour or a friend. These will be contacted if an emergency occurs

• Your doctor’s name and address

• Any relevant medical information

Apply for a Ryecare Lifeline here or by calling 01653 697737 and we will go through the form with you.