Independent living is important not just for the person receiving care or support but also for family members or friends that are caring for them.
For the individual it means being able to stay in their own home, keep their independence and continue to make their own choices over their day-to-day life. As a carer it brings peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe and supported without the pressure of being the only source of help.
Middlesbrough Independent Living Services (MILS)
MILS incorporates a range of services to help people to stay at home, safely and independently for longer while giving carers extra peace of mind.
The Connect / Telecare and Assistive Technology services are just two of the services within MILS. They aim to support people to live safely and independently in their own home, whilst giving family members or carers the extra reassurance that loved ones have someone to contact if help, support, or assistance is needed.
A range of sensors can be fitted in the home to suit individual needs.
These can include:
- Falls detectors which raise an alert if someone falls.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert you to potential danger
- Door sensors to show if someone has left the house.
- Bogus caller alarms which give instant help if an unwanted visitor calls.
An alarm unit is also installed next to a mains power supply. When a sensor is triggered, the alarm unit connects straight to the Connect Contact Centre where there are trained advisers available 24/7 to give support and arrange the right help.
How it works:
- Either the person raises an alert using the equipment, or a sensor is automatically triggered.
- Customer advisers will answer your call assess the situation, and offer advice and assistance.
- If needed, they contact a nominated family member, send a Connect Response Officer, or call the emergency services.
- The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so there is always someone ready to help.
How to access these services
You might not know exactly what support you or the person you care for needs and that’s fine. An assessment can be arranged by calling 01642 726009 and a Liaison officer will call you back to arrange a time suitable to come and complete a home visit and decide on the most suitable equipment and services. Equipment will be installed within 5 working days.
What does it all cost?
This will depend on your financial situation, and you may be asked to contribute towards paying for the services, but for the Connect service this could be as little as £6.50 a week
Shelia and John’s Story
Shelia and her husband were put in touch with Middlesbrough’s Independent Living Services through Marie Kerr from Dementia Action Teesside. Shelia says:
“My husband John has dementia and I have some ongoing health conditions. We switched to Connect so both of us would be covered. We’ve had rails installed at the front of the house, sensors fitted on the door, and a tracker added to John’s watch.
“The service we received was fantastic. I was expecting to wait months before anything got done but everything was completed and installed within a week and a half of them coming out to the house to assess things and measure up. I couldn’t believe how quickly everything got done. The staff were brilliant; they were really friendly explained everything to us and checked we were happy. And Marie from Dementia Action Teesside has been a great support.
“I don’t worry about John as much anymore and I can sleep a bit better on a night now. It’s made life easier for us.”
Sheila pictured far right and husband John left at a Dementia Action Teesside VE celebration event
Community support and partnership working
Marie Kerr adds:
“Sheila and John are regulars at our Dementia Dances which are aimed at supporting people with Dementia and their carers. The dances are about having fun and social interaction, but we’re also there to help introduce people to services in a safe and convenient space, like our dances, making it easier for them to access the right support.
"We know from experience how important it is for both people living with dementia and their carers to live life as fully as possible, and maintaining independence plays a big part in that. The process with Independent Living Services was really straightforward, and I’m so pleased Sheila and John were able to get the support they needed quickly and without any stress.”
Sheila learning more about MILS
Nicola Dobson from MILS said:
"This is a fantastic example of how collaborative working across services can truly make a difference. Our Liaison Officers attended the Dementia Dance to offer information and support to attendees, they were met with genuine warmth and kindness. They didn’t just share knowledge; they joined in the dancing, building connections through enjoyment.
Supporting people to live safely and independently at home for longer is a core priority for Connect and Assistive Technology, as well as the wider Middlesbrough Independent Living Services. Whether through equipment, advice, or ongoing support, we’re here to ensure individuals have what they need, when they need it.
I’m delighted that Sheila and John are happy with the services provided. Their feedback is a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can have when we work together."
If you think you or someone you care for could benefit from any of the above or to find out more call the Independent Living Services Team on 01642 726009.
You can also find out more here Middlesbrough Independent Living Services | Middlesbrough Council
