What is provided?      

We can pay for the cost of installing a telephone for people who are assessed as needing one. However, we cannot pay for the ongoing rental cost nor the cost of calls. We provide telephones to prevent people from being isolated and/or to help them call for help in an emergency. 

Telephone are provided - as part of Community Care - to help people remain living at home as an alternative to living in some form of residential or nursing home. 

Who are the telephones for?     

Telephones are for people of any age who have a permanent and substantial physical disability who are assessed by a social worker as needing a telephone. Social workers use eligibility criteria to decide who is eligible for a telephone. The criteria are based on a person’s need for a telephone: 

• to prevent them from being socially isolated; or 

• to call for assistance in an emergency.

Factors taken into account include: 

• does the person live alone, is frequently left alone (e.g. daily for at least 5 hours) or living with people who cannot be relied upon to deal with an emergency or to maintain necessary outside contact; 
  
• are there family, friends or neighbours available, willing and able to help in preventing a person’s social isolation (e.g. by daily visits); 
  
• are there family, friends or neighbours available, willing and able to help in providing a reasonable means of obtaining help in an emergency and is the person able to contact them should this happen; 
  
• will the person be at danger or at risk unless provided with a telephone because they have to contact a doctor, medical worker or helper; 
  
• does the person have seriously restricted mobility or is unable to leave the house in normal weather without the help of another person.  

Where do the telephones come from?     

Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care will arrange to pay for the cost of installing a telephone and may be able to provide a telephone handset.

How do I apply for a telephone?      

To apply for a telephone, you must contact Customer Services at your local Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care office and ask for an assessment of need.

How much does a telephone cost?      

See our guide to charges for services.

How do I change my telephone?    

If you are moving house or no longer require a telephone, please let us know.