Herbert and Cleonie Walcott with their community alarm equipment.

Haringey Council will invest £200,000 in life-saving technology over the coming year to help elderly and vulnerable people live independently after more than 5,000 residents signed up to its community alarm system.

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Trip and fall sensors, medication dispeners, networked smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors are among a range of gadgets available to provide security and reassurance, particularly for those living alone. Two levels of support are offered, including 24-hour emergency response for the frail and vulnerable.

Cllr Dilek Dogus, cabinet member for health and adult services, said: “The service is now a critical part of our social care package. Installing sensors makes people feel more confident and having an alarm button means they are never alone.”

She explained the system reduces 999 calls, avoids unnecessary hospital admissions and allows people to get home from hospital earlier into a safe environment.

Herbert and Cleonie Walcott, pictured, have lived in their Seven Sisters home for more than 40 years. They had a Haringey community alarm installed 12 months ago after Mr Walcott started having mobility problems.

Mrs Walcott, a former London Underground worker, said: “We have never had to use the service in an emergency thankfully, but it’s very reassuring knowing that help is there if we need it.”

The hi-tech, wireless system consists of sensors around the home linked to a central unit monitored by a response centre.

For more information visit www.haringey.gov.uk/communityalarm or call 020 8489 2365.