Choosing a personal alarm for your elderly parent or relative can be a bewildering and time-consuming process.
Researching the different types of alarms and other gadgets, trying to understand the technical jargon, factoring in budget constraints, comparing different features – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and put the decision off.
This article guides you through the basic information and main considerations we think will help you make a well-informed choice.
It is important to note that alarms do not prevent falls or other emergencies, they increase the likelihood of speedy intervention. They are no substitute for also taking steps to prevent falls happening in the first place. See here and here.
Why get an alarm?
Personal alarms provide immediate connection to help in the event of a fall, accident or other emergency. Phones are not always to hand, and can be difficult for an elder person to unlock and operate during an emergency.
According to the NHS, around 1 in 3 adults aged between 65 and 80 have at least one fall a year. Falls can have devastating consequences – they are the number one triggering event for older people losing independence and going into a nursing home.
Alarms don’t just assist with falls but other medical emergencies, too. Swift intervention in situations like stroke and heart attack can greatly reduce the harm caused to your parent or elder relative, and lessen the impact on your family’s life.
They enhance freedom and confidence, enabling elderly individuals to continue with their usual activities in the knowledge they won’t be left stranded if they fall or injure themselves.
The value of creating peace of mind shouldn’t be underestimated. It can reduce worry in both yourself and your parent or elder relative to know you have taken every precaution to protect their safety.
What are they, how do they work?
Personal alarms send an alert to an emergency response centre when triggered manually by pressing a button, or automatically through features like fall detection. The monitoring centre is always ready to respond to falls, accidents or even problems like rogue callers. They will establish what the problem is and call emergency services or trusted contacts.
The aim is to ensure rapid-response in emergency situations. Since many alarms work via a simple button they’re easy and fast to operate, even when the user is distressed.
They usually come as a plastic button that can be worn around the neck (pendent), on the wrist like a watch, or with a clip that can be attached to belt or clothing.
Before looking in more detail at the different types of alarm, the first thing to do is assess your parent or elder relative’s circumstances, needs and limitations.
Points to consider about your parent or relative
Personal temperament
There is no point getting an alarm if your parent or elder relative is unwilling to wear it or use it properly. It is understandable some might feel put off or be hesitant. If you think this is likely, anticipate answers to their concerns and start the conversation when they are in a receptive mood. They might have strong preferences that make them happier with the idea – such as a watch or clip-on type alarm, or one with two-way communication.
Physical and cognitive health
Consider how their health, and any medical conditions, may affect an emergency.
Eyesight, dexterity, and conditions like arthritis can impact how effectively they use the device. For example, smaller buttons may be hard to see or press. Most alarms are designed with these factors in mind already, but do check this.
For relatives with cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, features like GPS tracking or geo-fencing are invaluable. These features notify caregivers if the user leaves a designated ‘safe’ area, helping to quickly locate them if they wander.
Lifestyle
Consider the living situation. If they live alone, automatic features like fall detection are more reassuring than systems only offering manual triggering. Those who have a large garden or house may require an extended-range device.
If your relative is often walking, driving, or otherwise leaving the house alone, then only GPS models can cover their adventures. If they are mostly housebound, then cheaper, home-only systems may be sufficient.
If your relative has a carer living with them or visiting regularly, some alarms allow for multiple designated contacts to be alerted in an emergency. The monitoring centre can contact the nearby carer to assess the situation quickly if needed.
Once you have a good idea of your parent or elder relative’s needs in mind, we can look for the appropriate alarm.
Points to consider when selecting a personal alarm
The following are the most important differences between alarms, and the essential features we think you need to understand, before making your choice.
Base unit vs GPS
Personal alarms either work through a home base-station or wirelessly via GPS satellite. Base-unit models typically have a range between 100m and 600m. GPS systems enable caregivers or emergency services to locate the wearer anywhere they go.
While GPS offers excellent security for people who often venture outside, it is the most expensive. If your parent or elderly relative only faces fall risks at home, base-unit models may suffice.
Automatic fall detection
Fall detection alarms use sensors to detect if the wearer has fallen and automatically send an alert without needing action from the user. This adds a layer of safety, but can also trigger false alarms for those who lead an active lifestyle. Most only detect hard falls, so will only trigger an alert in this instance.
Two-way communication
In an emergency, immediate and clear communication enables prompt assessment of the situation, routing of required assistance, not to mention reassurance. Not all alarms feature microphones mounted in the device itself, which means users have to be near the base-unit in their home in order to talk to operators.
Battery life
Look for devices with long battery life, as older people are prone to forgetting to charge or change them. Alerts to low battery levels are also a useful feature in ensuring the device is always powered up.
Phone Apps
Some alarm providers offer apps that help family and friends monitor someone’s activities and movement, which is particularly helpful for those with the wandering symptoms of dementia.
Alternatives to personal alarms
While alarms with 24-hour monitoring are the most reliable for an emergency, there are alternatives.
Smart home technology
Smart home technology such as voice-activated assistants or smart cameras, can be adapted for personal safety. They also offer unrelated features that can greatly enhance quality of life for older people.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can call contacts or emergency services, but are also invaluable for conditions like blindness and immobility. They can be set up for tasks like opening blinds or giving handy reminders, and studies have found they can reduce loneliness. However, in an emergency, your relative must be in range for Alexa or Google Assistant to hear them, and be able to speak. This range limitation can be addressed by placing units in each of the users living spaces, if they are housebound.
Smart watches
Some smartwatches, which are accessories that connect to your phone, come equipped with fall detectors and offer other features such as fitness apps with heart monitors. These devices might be better suitable for your parent or relative’s lifestyle. However, the battery life on these watches is usually very short and users might find the interface too fiddly for an emergency situation.
Cost of personal alarms
Many of us avoid thinking about it, but the costs of an alarm (and other safety products) should be weighed against the financial implications of a serious fall. Medical treatments, more frequent care visits, paying for care, or even moving into residential care, can have a big financial impact.
Alarms have upfront costs from £35 to £200, while the ongoing monthly fees vary between £15 and £40 depending on the device, level of service and features offered.
If you want a cheaper alarm that only notifies family, neighbours or caregivers, and doesn’t include 24/7 monitoring, then the Suresafego is the only alarm we know of that offers this, but still requires a monthly subscription (£7.99).
If you cannot afford or do not wish to take on a subscription, your options are limited to alternative systems and basic sound alarms. Both Alexa and Google Assistant can be set up without paying a subscription. Smartwatches are usually bundled with the phone, so don’t need a separate service plan. Basic sound alarms, that emit a loud noise to alert people within hearing distance, are available around £10. These still improve the likelihood of fetching help quickly.
Some local authorities offer a community alarm service (sometimes called lifeline alarms) that you can subscribe to, and your parent or elder relative may qualify for a reduction, or even get it free, if they are eligible. Use the government facility here to check. Some councils offer free installation and device maintenance.
You are now ready to choose
This is a lot of information to take on board, so now is a good time to take a break.
When you are ready, let’s head to the reviews and choose your alarm.
First, decide whether or not your parent or elder relative really needs GPS-tracking. If they do, our selection of carefully curated, GPS-enabled devices is here.
If a home base-unit device meets your needs and budget, our carefully curated selection home-only alarms is here.
These reviews outline the costs and fill in more detail about the features to help you finalise your choice.
If you would like to drill down into cost-saving in more detail, see our full article here.
In summary
Personal alarms boost safety, security and peace of mind.
Contrary to how many might feel, these devices can enhance freedom and enable elderly individuals to continue with their desired activities in the knowledge that they won’t be left stranded or waiting hours if they fall or injure themselves.
With the wide range of options available today, from basic alarms to those with advanced features like GPS tracking and automatic fall detection, there’s likely a perfect fit for your loved one’s unique needs and lifestyle.
Making the right choice involves more than just evaluating the device itself; it’s also about understanding your relative’s specific circumstances and limitations.
By considering these factors, you are much more likely to select a device that will be worn and used effectively.
Common questions
- How long does it take for alarm companies to respond in an emergency?
Response time can be crucial in emergency situations. Most reputable alarm companies aim to respond within seconds of receiving an alert to ensure timely assistance.
- Can fall alarms be used outside of the home?
Many modern personal alarms work outside, particularly those equipped with GPS tracking.
This makes them suitable for individuals who are still active and like to spend time outside the home.
If you don’t need GPS but need coverage across a large property and/or garden, ensure the base unit has sufficient range.
- Can fall alarms be worn in the shower or bath?
Yes, many fall alarms are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, making them suitable for use in the shower or bath. This is important, as many falls occur on slippery surfaces.
