HUNDREDS of people in Forth Valley have contacted the health advice line set up to provide support to elderly people over the last few months.

ALFY (Advice Line for You) is operated by experienced community nurses and was set up to help those aged over 65 to remain well at home and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Latest figures show that in a three-month period from June to August, more than 200 calls were received from older people and their families seeking advice on a wide range of issues.

These included requests for mobile equipment, information on how to access crisis and respite care, contact details for local district nursing services, requests for befriending and help for people recently discharged from hospital who felt they are not coping.

Staff providing the service can also signpost callers to relevant emergency social work, voluntary or local community based services.

They are also able to book appointments to attend a rapid access frailty clinic for a specialist review or arrange for a community nurse to visit a person’s home.

ALFY can be contacted 24 hours a day on 01324 567247 with more information available at nhsforthvalley.com/alfy