Personal alarms

Living independently at home can be incredibly rewarding, but it's natural to worry about potential falls, accidents, or sudden medical emergencies. These concerns can be amplified for older adults or those with limited mobility.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Falls or emergencies at home. This can lead to delayed medical attention, potential for injuries to go unnoticed.	Personal alarms: Wearable devices that allow you to call for help with a single press of a button, ensuring a swift response in an emergency.
Feeling isolated or vulnerable when alone. This can lead to anxiety about being unable to reach help if needed.	Personal alarms with two-way communication: Connect with a monitoring centre and speak directly with a trained professional for immediate assistance.
Difficulty reaching a phone in an emergency. This can lead to an inability to call for help, particularly if a fall or medical issue renders movement challenging.	Personal alarms with pendant or wristband designs: Conveniently worn and easily accessible during an emergency.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Falls or emergencies at home.

This can lead to delayed medical attention, potential for injuries to go unnoticed.

Personal alarms: Wearable devices that allow you to call for help with a single press of a button, ensuring a swift response in an emergency.

Feeling isolated or vulnerable when alone.

This can lead to anxiety about being unable to reach help if needed.

Personal alarms with two-way communication: Connect with a monitoring centre and speak directly with a trained professional for immediate assistance.

Difficulty reaching a phone in an emergency.

This can lead to an inability to call for help, particularly if a fall or medical issue renders movement challenging.

Personal alarms with pendant or wristband designs: Conveniently worn and easily accessible during an emergency.

Understanding the benefits of personal alarms

Personal alarms are wearable devices designed to empower you to call for help quickly and easily in an emergency. Here's how they can benefit you:

Prompt medical attention: In the event of a fall, sudden illness, or other emergency, a personal alarm allows you to call for help with a single press of a button. This ensures a swift response from emergency services or designated contacts, minimising potential risks and delays in receiving medical attention.
Enhanced safety and security: Knowing you have a personal alarm readily available can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety about being alone, especially for those living with limited mobility.
Peace of mind for loved ones: Personal alarms offer peace of mind to family members and friends who worry about your well-being while living independently. Knowing you can access help instantly allows them to feel more reassured about your safety.

Types of personal alarms

There are various types of personal alarms available, each catering to different needs and preferences:

Pendant alarms: These traditional options are worn around the neck on a lanyard or chain. They are discreet and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Wristband alarms: Similar to watches, wristband alarms offer a comfortable and stylish way to wear your personal alarm.
Home base units with wearable pendants: These systems combine a base unit installed in your home with a wearable pendant. When pressed, the pendant transmits a signal to the base unit, which triggers a loud alarm and may initiate a call to emergency services.

Advanced features to consider

Two-way communication: Certain personal alarms allow you to speak directly with a trained professional at a monitoring centre after pressing the alarm button. This two-way communication offers additional reassurance and allows for a personalised response to your situation.
GPS tracking: Some advanced personal alarms include GPS tracking functionality. This can be particularly beneficial if you experience a medical emergency while outdoors, allowing emergency services to locate you quickly.
Fall detection: Certain personal alarms automatically detect falls and initiate a call for help, even if you are unable to press the button yourself. This can be a crucial feature for individuals at a higher risk of falling.

Choosing the right personal alarm for you

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a personal alarm:

Your lifestyle: Do you primarily spend time indoors or venture out frequently? Consider the level of portability you need.
Your needs: Do you require features like two-way communication, fall detection, or GPS tracking?
Monitoring options: Will you have a monitored alarm system with a 24/7 response centre, or do you prefer a system that directly contacts pre-programmed emergency contacts?
Ease of use: Choose an alarm that is easy to operate and comfortable to wear.

Additional things to consider

Here are some steps to take if you're considering a personal alarm:

Discuss your needs with your doctor: Talk to your doctor about your concerns and whether a personal alarm could be beneficial for your situation.
Research different options: Explore the various personal alarm options, considering factors like features, monitoring options, and costs.
Talk to a personal alarm provider: Reputable providers can offer personalised advice and demonstrations to help you choose the most suitable alarm for your needs.
Regular testing: Test your personal alarm regularly to ensure it's functioning properly.
Informing loved ones: Inform your family, friends, and neighbours about your personal alarm and how it works. Provide them with contact details for the monitoring centre (if applicable) or pre-programmed emergency contacts.
Battery life and replacement: Personal alarms are typically battery-powered. Ensure you understand the battery life and have a plan for timely replacements to avoid interruptions in service.
Cost considerations: Personal alarms vary in price depending on features and monitoring options. Consider your budget and prioritise features that best suit your needs.

Where to buy equipment to help you feel safe

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.