SAFETY devices are giving pensioners an uplifting experience after potentially damaging falls.

Coast and Country Housing has invested in three Elk lifting machines, which slowly elevate people who have fallen back on their feet, or into their seats or wheelchairs.

Brenda Cole is one of many east Cleveland residents who have been helped by the devices.

Mrs Cole fell while she was in the bathroom and by pressing a pendant worn around her neck she was able to alert a Coast and Country warden.

By using Elk, the warden managed to elevate Mrs Cole back into a sitting position. Fortunately, she suffered no more than a small cut on her thumb.

The device is placed underneath the customer and the series of four elevating cushions are inflated.

After the final elevation, the person will be gently placed into a seat or helped to stand up.

Elk has been trailed successfully by nursing homes, hospitals and fire services.

It is made with special linking fibres, which create a rigid, but comfortable material.

Ronny Harris, housing operations director at Coast and Country, says: "It is dangerous to move an injured person if, for example, they have suffered a fracture.

"However, in some cases, residents who have suffered a fall may not need medical attention, but simply a little extra help to get back into their seat safely.

"Our investment in Elk is part of our ongoing review of services that we provide.

"Feedback from residents showed that there was a need for this kind of device. I am glad that Mrs Cole and others have benefited from it."