Gwen Potter woke up on Remembrance Day in 2022 in her London seniors’ residence with a sense of unease. As she tried to navigate to the kitchen, she discovered her legs were shaky, and she lost control of her body, eventually passing out. Later, she learned she had suffered a stroke.
Struggling on the floor for a few moments, Potter managed to crawl to her bedroom, where she reached for the emergency call bell tethered to the wall before collapsing onto her bed. A staff member from the Chelsey Park complex, which includes her apartment along with a retirement residence and long-term care facility, quickly responded to the call for help, potentially saving her life, according to her daughter, Alison.
At 90 years old, Potter resides in the independent living section of Chelsey Park, where she maintains her daily activities independently. However, in July 2025, Alison received notification from the executive director that the call bell system in the residence would be discontinued.
Despite the spokesperson from Chelsey Park explaining that the call bell system was removed due to persistent malfunctions and repair issues in the independent apartment building, Potter and her family chose the apartment specifically for the call bell feature, which was also advertised on the facility’s website.
Following the discontinuation of the call bell, residents were offered alternative emergency alert options, including private alarm systems at a monthly subscription cost starting at $35, plus installation fees. Potter expressed concerns about the affordability and practicality of these alternatives, especially in emergencies when she might struggle to operate a phone due to physical limitations.
To bridge the gap left by the absence of the call bell system, Potter has arranged a check-in system with a friend, who she contacts every morning for a wellness verification. If communication fails, the friend is tasked with alerting the nursing station for assistance.
Alison advocates for more support from Chelsey Park, proposing solutions such as reinstating a new call bell system, providing personal alarm systems to all residents, or reducing rent to help offset the expenses associated with personal alarms. She emphasizes the economic challenges faced by seniors in the community and urges for better care and attention to their needs.