Gwen Potter woke up in her London senior living apartment on Remembrance Day in 2022 with a sense of unease. She noticed her legs were shaky as she tried to move to the kitchen, eventually collapsing and losing consciousness.
Recalling the incident, Potter described how she found herself on the floor under her couch, realizing later that she had suffered a stroke.
After lying on the ground briefly, Potter managed to crawl to her bedroom, where she pulled the emergency call bell string fixed to the wall before falling onto her bed.
A staff member from the Chelsey Park complex, which encompasses Potter’s apartment along with a retirement residence and long-term care facility, immediately responded to the call for help, likely saving Potter’s life according to her daughter, Alison.
90-year-old Potter resides in Chelsey Park’s independent living apartment building, where she maintains her daily routines independently.
In July 2025, Alison received a notification from the executive director of Chelsey Park informing residents that the call bell system in the building would be discontinued, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the senior citizens living there.
A spokesperson from Chelsey Park explained that the call bell system was discontinued in the independent living building due to persistent malfunctions and repair issues, although it would remain operational in the long-term care section.
Lack of Accessible Emergency Solutions
Following a clarification from Chelsey Park’s spokesperson, it was disclosed that call bell systems are not mandatory in the independent living apartments, as they are primarily required in the retirement or care home areas of the complex.
Potter and her family chose the apartment specifically for the call bell feature, which was listed on the space’s website at the time of their decision.
Despite receiving notifications about the discontinuation of the call bell system and the provision of alternative emergency options, including private alert systems at a subscription cost, Potter found these solutions financially impractical and unsuitable given her physical limitations.
Expressing her concerns, Potter emphasized the financial strain such expenses would pose on individuals living on government pensions, highlighting the need for more affordable and accessible emergency assistance options.
Appeal for Enhanced Support
While Potter appreciates the activities and community at Chelsey Park, she and her daughter advocate for additional support from the facility, such as installing new call bell systems or assisting residents with personal alarm solutions to alleviate the burden of added costs.
The family has devised a system with a friend for daily wellness check-ins, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of senior residents.
Alison emphasizes the economic impact on seniors at Chelsey Park and urges for better care and attention to be provided, recognizing the contributions these individuals have made to society.