The MECS service is a community alarm service designed to provide support and assistance for service users in their own homes experiencing urgent or emergency situations where they need the support of carers. The aim is to maximise people’s safety in their own familiar environment.
The team are part of Adult Social Care in the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), and consists of a team leader, senior care officer, TEC assessor and MECS responders.
The service can install a range of equipment including a basic digital telecare unit and pendant to smoke, heat and flood detectors, door alarms, bed occupancy alarms, and epilepsy alarms etc.
A support worker will arrange to visit you at home to install a unit which connects to the contact centre through an in-built SIM card (you no longer need to have a telephone line to access the service).
After installation, a support worker will check your property for a mobile signal and explain how to operate the unit in the event of an emergency. Even if you are unable to communicate verbally through your unit, the contact centre will arrange help for you. Once a unit is installed, a support worker will visit you occasionally to ensure your equipment continues to function properly.
The responder service operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
The team offer a service to those adults who meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility is confirmed upon receipt of a referral when initial screening will be carried out.
As part of the assessment and ongoing support, the team will signpost to other agencies including third sector and/or statutory services where appropriate.
The team provide a service to those people who are in their own homes and require a community alarm service to reduce their risks at home. The service is mostly for older adults but can be provided to younger adults who meet the criteria.
This is a chargeable service, for 2026/2027 the charge is £5.10 per week. A waiver can be applied on receipt of evidence of a dementia diagnosis or an SR1 form (for people nearing the end of life). Payment can be made via direct debit, or people can opt to pay quarterly (every 3 months) following receipt of invoice. Charges will be in arrears.
A self-referral can be made by phoning the MECS team direct on 01259 226833.
Referrals from GP or other professionals can be received by submission of a Single Shared Assessment (SSA) or Request for Assistance (RFA). The team will then check the eligibility criteria is met and an assessment of need will be arranged with people in their own homes.
The timescale for assessment and installation is dependent upon level of risk, demand and capacity at the time.
Technology Enabled Care Team
Ludgate House, Mar Place, Alloa, FK10 2AD
Tel: 01259 226833 / 450000
Email: ludgateadmin@clacks.gov.uk