How do lifeline buttons work for elderly people who don't have family nearby to be always on call?

[Sadik]

Just been pondering this triggered by many comments on another thread (where the poster lived some distance from parents) suggesting a lifeline button.

But with the button, someone has to be the person on call, & it's a pretty big commitment.

I've also wondered (I know, I could ask, but there's not much I can do if there's no good answer) what happens if my parent presses the button & I'm not available. Luckily so far that's not been the case (& very kindly neighbours have covered the couple of times we've been on holiday), but it easily could.

That's not great, most Falls don't require an ambulance.

In our area we have a team of care workers who are on call. They can get people up after a fall and also deal with other issues.

Obviously if someone is injured then an ambulance should be called