Funding is available to help with the cost of a monitored personal alarm. These devices, worn as a pendant or a watch, connect to a national helpline via a base unit installed in the home.
When the SOS button is pressed, it rings the helpline and an emergency resolution team assesses the situation. They then alert emergency contacts or the relevant services as needed.
How do I get a free personal alarm?
A personal alarm is a device that’s worn like a pendant or watch, with a button that can be pressed to call for help. They typically connect to a 24/7 call centre through landline or mobile networks and require an initial setup fee as well as a monthly subscription service.
The best home alarm systems also include features like fall detection and GPS tracking. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xnG5gqtG5ZhpzJQi6 The latter allows a loved one to locate an elderly person on the go (but only within a geo-fenced boundary).
When choosing a personal alarm it’s important to find out if the provider offers family monitoring or not. This will determine who will be responsible for giving assistance if you need it. Family monitoring enables you to press the SOS button and the system will contact your list of contacts rather than a response centre. The device can even recognise a fall, requiring no action on your part other than wearing the alarm.
It’s also worth checking if the personal alarm can cancel a false alarm, and how easy this is. Look for a company with clear policies on this, and check that they have data protection measures in place to protect your privacy. Lastly, it’s always good to get your device fitted with a key safe so that family members or carers can easily access your home should you sound the alarm.
What are the benefits of a free personal alarm?
A personal alarm allows people to remain independent in their own homes, avoiding having to move into sheltered housing or residential care. It also provides peace of mind when they go out and about in their garden or local shops, and gives them the confidence to walk farther afield without fear of falling.
Most modern alarm systems consist of a base unit that plugs into the telephone landline and a pendant button that is worn around the neck or wrist. The pendant buttons can be pressed to alert nominated family members or a 24/7 response centre. Some alarms offer features like GPS tracking and automated location updates that are known as ‘telecare’.
If you want to get the most benefit from your alarm, look for one with a large SOS button that is easy to press in an emergency. Some models have a screen that displays details like the battery charge, who you are calling and mobile signal strength. It’s also worth finding out if the device can recognise a fall and automatically contact family or a call centre for you. Some have a feature that allows you to set up a list of preferred contacts and will automatically ring them in sequence until someone answers. Other models have a button that can be pressed to connect you to an adviser who will help resolve your issue.
Do I need a free personal alarm?
A personal alarm, often worn as a necklace or watch, connects to a 24/7 helpline through a base unit in the home. When an alarm is triggered, the helpline operator speaks to the customer and decides whether to contact a local volunteer responder or, if it’s an emergency, call the emergency services.
There are also personal alarms that don’t connect to a 24-hour response centre and simply alert a list of emergency contacts. These tend to be subscription based and cost between $20 and $40 per month. They can be a good option if the person wears the device constantly (e.g. a lone worker) or they have a condition that can affect their ability to communicate quickly, such as dementia or diabetes.
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There are also mobile personal alarms that connect to a smartphone and have all of the same features as those that connect to a call centre, such as GPS tracking that shows family members where their loved one is and fall detection. These usually come with a ping frequency that can be programmed to ring at a set time, or it can alert the user’s contacts when they leave a geo-fenced area. They can also be waterproof and include a panic button. Before buying a personal alarm for yourself or your loved one, always look at the company’s privacy policy and confirm that they have data protection in place.
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