How do I register for the PE Link Service? What information should I submit? Where can I obtain a registration form?
Registration is simple. You may call 2338 8312 for phone registration, download the application form or register online now.
If the applicant has cancelled a previous registration, can he/she register again?
Yes
What if more than one member in the family wishes to use the PE Link Service?
All of them may register, but they must specify upon registration that they are co-users
Each user may apply for one remote trigger. Up to 4 users can be assigned to the same main unit.
Can applicants with a speech or hearing impairment use the PE Link Service?
Yes. Users with a speech or hearing impairment may install an additional indicator light at their own cost or with the aid of subsidies from the fund. The light will flash automatically during a call to indicate that it is connected to the Call Centre, and then the user can communicate with the Centre by fax.
How long does it take from registeration for the PE Link Service to its final installation?
If all required information is submitted and correct, installation can be completed within 7 working days
If EAS special allowance are required, installation will be completed within 7 working days after the approval of subsidies
In special circumstances, such as in the case of applicants with poor health or who will be discharged from hospital shortly, or upon the request of a referral institution or family members, the application will be treated as an urgent case and installation will be arranged as soon as possible.
How do I use the PE Link?
See the operation and service process of the PE Link for details.
What are the basic requirements for the installation?
A fixed telephone line and power supply must be available at the user's home in order to install the PE Link.
What is the range of the remote control device?
About 1,000 sq. ft.
Can the PE Link be used outdoors?
Signals from the remote trigger cannot be received if it is too far away from the PE Link Main Unit. However, we recommend users carrying the remote trigger with them whenever they go out, because there is information about the user and the SCHSA on the back of the device. If the user needs help in the street, the police, medical personnel or other people can contact our Call Centre by using such information, and then we will arrange for appropriate support and contact the user's emergency contact person.
Can the PE Link operate during a power interruption?
The PE Link Main Unit is equipped with a rechargeable backup battery which will maintain normal operation for 2 days or more in case of a power interruption. However, it should be noted that for some of the 5 existing VOIP telephone operators in Hong Kong, there is no UPS between the building and the home phone system. Therefore, in the case of power interruption in the building, the residential phone and fax service will not work, which will also cause the connected PE Link system to fail.
Can the PE Link operate if my telephone handset is misplaced?
As long as the PE Link is connected to the telephone set and the socket, it can function normally even if the handset is misplaced.
Can I carry the remote trigger when I am taking a bath or shower?
Yes, because the PE Link trigger is water resistant. Users should always carry the device with them for help at any time.
What choices are available for the types of remote trigger?
There is a necklace type and wristwatch type.
What if I lose my remote trigger?
The replacement charge for each remote trigger is HK$250. The first time it is lost, you may report it to the police and apply to us for waiving the related charge.
What if the user moves to another address?
The user may remove and reconnect the PE Link himself/herself, but he/she must notify the Call Centre to arrange for our technician to check the connection at the new address, which is free of charge.
Is the SCHSA the only charitable organisation that provides the PE Link Service?
Yes. The SCHSA is the only non-profit-making charitable organisation in Hong Kong that provides the PE Link Service. All other service providers are commercial organisations.
Is the SCHSA the only charitable organisation that provides the PE Link Service?
Nature
Personal Energency Link : Non-profit-making organisation, Registration no.: 91/4770
Other energency support service : Commercial organisations
Principles
Personal Energency Link : Holistic care for the needs of elderly citizens in Hong Kong and directly provides a range of social services
Other energency support service : Mainly to make profits
Transparency
Personal Energency Link : Figures on its services are published (refer to our latest annual report)
Other energency support service : No figures published
Profession of the management
Personal Energency Link : Registered social workers
Other energency support service : Non-registered social workers
Phone caring service
Personal Energency Link : Service provided directly under the supervision of professional social workers
Other energency support service : Not directly provided
Social worker or volunteer visits
Personal Energency Link : Service provided directly under the supervision of professional social workers
Other energency support service : Not directly provided
Approved by the Hospital Authority to fax users' medical history to the A&E Department if necessary?
Personal Energency Link : Yes
Other energency support service : No
Regular meetings with the Hospital Authority?
Personal Energency Link : Yes
Other energency support service : No
Regular meetings with the Fire Services Department?
Personal Energency Link : Yes
Other energency support service : No
Service fee permanently waived after applicant receives a lump sum subsidy from the Social Welfare Department / Housing Department?
Personal Energency Link : Yes
Other energency support service : No (limited period only; users have to pay afterwards)
Subsidies from charitable fund and full waiver of service fee available for applicants with financial difficulties but who are ineligible for the SWD / HD / HS subsidies?
Personal Energency Link : Yes
Other energency support service : No
Special adaptation available for the hearing impaired to use the PE Link?
Personal Energency Link : Yes, flashing indicator light can be added
Other energency support service : No
Does the PE Link Call Centre maintain normal operation on public holidays or when a tropical cyclone warning signal is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory?
Yes. The PE Link Call Centre operates 24 hours a day throughout the year, including public holidays or when any tropical cyclone warning signal, typhoon signal, red or black rainstorm warning, etc., is in force.
Do the Call Centre Operators speak languages other than Cantonese?
Yes. Some operators can speak Putonghua, English, Hakka and Chiu Chow dialects. There are also comprehensive service guidelines for follow-up with speech or hearing impaired service users. Therefore, dialect and communication are no obstacle to providing services.
What other ancillary services are available in addition to the PE Link service?
Other non-emergency support services available include:
Referral to other social services, such as comprehensive home care service
Notifying other collaborating service providers of any change in the elderly person's condition
Emotion counselling
Contacting family members
Security functions
Furthermore, the SCHSA also provides the Elder Ring phone caring service, short-term counselling by social workers, and visits by social workers or volunteers. Whenever necessary, quilts and winter clothes are giving to users to realize SINGLY NOT FEAR; ELDERLY BE CARED.
Can applicants with financial difficulties apply for subsidies?
Applicants who are eligible for EAS Special Allowance from the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department or the Housing Society may use the PE Link Service free of charge. Those who have financial difficulties but are ineligible for the above subsidies may apply for our PE Link Charitable Fund. (Details)
What is the PE Link Charitable Fund?
Since the foundation of the SCHSA in 1996, we have been providing support for people in need in Hong Kong through the PE Link Service. However, considering that the existing EAS Special Allowance mechanism cannot meet the needs of every person who has financial difficulties, we established a Charitable Fund through a series of fund-raising activities and by seeking sponsorship from other organisations, in order to enable more people who are in need but not eligible for subsidies to receive care and attention immediately. (Details)
What are the eligibility criteria for the PE Link Charitable Fund?
Applicants should meet all the criteria below:
Not eligible for EAS Special Allowance provided by relevant departments such as the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department and the Housing Society, etc., for the PE Link Service; and
Aged 60 years old or above, with a physical disability or chronic illness; and
Living alone, or with insufficient support from co-habitants; and
Not cared by family members or relatives; and
Cannot afford the PE Link Service fee due to financial difficulties; or Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may also apply based on their individual situation. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Are users required to pay any registration fee, installation fee and maintenance fee?
Users of our PE Link Service are not required to pay any registration fee, installation fee and maintenance fee.
How can I make payment?
Payment can be paid by the following methods:
By autopay
By PPS (Merchant code: 9195)
By bank deposit
HSBC: 004-511669228-002; or
Bank of China: 026-710-1-030571-2
Hang Seng Bank: 024-388-802761-001
Please fax the payment slip together with the user's name, contract number and contact details to the SCHSA on 2304 5193 for confirmation.
By post
Cheques should be made payable to "Senior Citizen Home Safety Association". Please write the service user's name, contract number and contact details on the back of the cheque and send to: Unit No. 1A, M2/F, Tsui Ping Shopping Circuit, Tsui Ping North Estate, Kwun Tong, Kowloon.
Can applicants use a joint account or a corporate account for autopay?
Joint accounts and corporate accounts are both acceptable, but a credit card account is not accepted for autopay.