Ex-mayor slams charge plan for ‘lifeline’ alarm
A FORMER Macclesfield mayor has blasted council proposals to charge over 85s for a lifeline care alarm service which is currently free.
Cheshire East is consulting with residents on proposals to introduce a £5 a week charge for the telecare service which, at present, is free to residents aged 85 and over if they live alone.
The local authority insists that, if the proposal goes ahead, ‘people who cannot afford to pay this charge will continue to receive the service for free, subject to a financial assessment process’.
But Carolyn Andrew, from Macclesfield, who is in her late 80s, says it is a ‘kick in the teeth’ for elderly people to find £260 a year for what has been a free service since its introduction in 2015.
The ex-Conservative member for Macclesfield West and Ivy, who is a Freeman of Cheshire East Council, said: “I am appalled by the proposal from Cheshire East Council. Elderly people, living alone and not having access to a service of this kind, could fall and spend many hours in pain, possibly with a fracture, before they were discovered.
“Surely this is a serious humanitarian or health and safety issue. This small provision of care could give a feeling of security and enable elderly people to live independent lives.
“The elderly should not be kicked in the teeth in this way. There must be other ways to save money without targeting the most vulnerable in society.”
Another woman, 90, who wished not to be named says the service is a ‘godsend’ but said some of her friends will get rid of telecare rather than pay for it.
Telecare consists of a range of devices such as a pendant alarm which is triggered when someone needs help. A call centre responds and a mobile response service can visit someone’s home if they need help if they have had a fall, for example.
People below the age of 85 already pay £5 a week for the service.
The Conservatives have been leafleting people in parts of Cheshire East opposing the charge. But Labour says this proposal makes the system fairer.
Cheshire East leader Sam Corcoran said: “I believe that Cheshire East Council should direct its resources to help those most in need.
“There is a 12 year gap in life expectancy between wealthy and deprived areas of the borough - that is a shocking statistic that needs to be addressed.
“The current policy exacerbates health inequalities in the borough because more people can access the free telecare in wealthier areas of the borough where life expectancy is higher. Given the financial constraints on the council, rather than targeting resources simply at those aged over 85, the resources should be targeted at those who need help the most.
“Is it fair that a wealthy 86-year-old receives free telecare when a less well-off 67-year-old in greater need has to pay?”
“The proposed changes will bring us more into line with other local authorities
“I would like to reassure all residents that the new scheme will ensure that anybody needing telecare who cannot afford to pay will receive free telecare.”