For older people living on their own, it’s vital to have a way of getting help when you need it, in a hurry. This is especially true in these challenging times when you may need to send a medical alert should you feel unwell. A personal alarm service is designed to do exactly that – to be on hand at any time, day or night, ready to step in and help you when your loved ones need help most.
It is a quick and simple way of getting help at the press of a button if you have an accident or emergency in your home. Once you press the button you are connected to a contact centre that is open 24-hours a day, 365-days of the year.
The personal alarm service helps individuals to live more independently and have an improved quality of life. A discrete pendant is worn around the wrist or neck and means that an alarm can be raised at the touch of a button from anywhere in the home. When the button is pressed it sends a signal to the base unit that’s connected to the telephone. The range is up to 50 metres, so it works anywhere in the home or garden. The base unit, which has an alarm button of its own, calls the Emergency Response Centre to alert them that help is needed.
- Press the button – Simply press the button on your pendant or alarm unit when you need assistance
- Speak to staff – They will respond and speak to you via the alarm unit. If they cannot get in touch they will summon help.
- Help is on the way – Will summon help by contacting the nominated key holder (relative, friend or neighbour) or the emergency services.
The service is designed to support a range of people of any age. An alarm can help if you are self-isolating or shielding, live alone and are at risk of falling or have a disability or long-term condition.
If you think a personal alarm would be beneficial for you or a loved one, you can speak to your local council to see if you are eligible for funding or go direct to a provider as a private payer. In East Sussex, for example, you might be eligible if you have health problems, are frail, or have a disability – more info here
Most companies offer a self-installation service whereby the equipment will be posted to you, or an option to have an engineer visit and install it on your behalf. The equipment is easy and simple to install but customers often get a relative or friend to help them. A test call is part of the installation process so you can be confident that it is all set up and working. During a professional installation the engineer will fit the equipment, test the system thoroughly, show you how it all works and even help you with the paperwork. Detailed information on your health conditions, GP and friends and family contacts will be held on our system so we know who to contact in an emergency. It is often recommended that you also get a Keysafe – these are fitted outside a property and can only be opened with a code that we hold on your behalf. In the event of an emergency, we will give the code to the emergency services who can gain access to your property without forced entry.
For more information on our personal alarms.