This blog has been reviewed 11 November 2025.
When something goes wrong, the shortest path to help wins. An SOS personal alarm gives you a single button that opens a direct line to trained support, day or night, wherever you are.
The signal path, step by step
- Press the help button on your pendant or wriststrap.
- Connect to the 24/7 APERS Care Team through the system’s built-in speaker and microphone.
- Assess: our team speaks with you, confirms what’s happening, and checks your details.
- Notify: we contact your nominated family or friends, and call emergency services if required.
- Stay: we stay on the line until help arrives or the situation is resolved.
Two system types, same monitored response
Home Companion personal alarm is an in-home base unit with a wearable pendant or wriststrap for use in and around the home.
Freedom Friend is a mobile SOS pendant with 4G and GPS for support when you’re out and about so the Care Team can see your approximate location when an alert is raised.
Ordering and Set Up
Devices arrive preconfigured. Plug in the base unit, put on the pendant or wriststrap or turn on the Freedom Friend and press the help button to make a practice call with the APERS Care Team. We’ll answer, say hello, and walk you through what to expect so you can hear the speaker clearly. Prefer help? A family member or installer can set it up with you.
What the Care Team sees and does
- Your profile: name, address, keysafe code and who to contact first.
- The alert source: which device triggered the call and where you are (in-home system or approximate mobile location).
- Escalation: we follow your agreed plan, update family or carers, and brief paramedics if they’re dispatched.
Everyday practicality and upkeep
Wearables are designed for daily use and are water resistant for showering and hand washing. The base unit includes backup power for outages. If a battery needs attention, the APERS Care Team is alerted and will guide you on what to do.
False alarms and cancellations
Pressed the button by mistake? Just tell us when we answer. We’ll confirm you’re safe, cancel any notifications, and reset the system. It’s better to press and check than to hesitate.
Limits to understand
- Fall detection (on selected wearables) helps, but no sensor is perfect. Always press the help button if you can.
- Coverage matters: Home Companion protects in and around the home via the base unit. Freedom Friend relies on suitable mobile coverage when you’re away from home.
- Not a substitute for medical care: the system connects you to help quickly but doesn’t replace your doctor’s advice or emergency treatment.
Who benefits
People living alone, anyone with a history of falls, dizziness or fainting, those recovering after a hospital stay, pregnant people who spend time at home without a support person, lone or shift workers who want a direct line if they feel unsafe, and carers who want reassurance that a loved one can reach help fast.
Next steps
If you’re mostly at home, choose Home Companion. If you’re regularly out and about, choose Freedom Friend. Not sure which suits you? We’ll help match a setup to your routine.
Health and product information only. Always follow your doctor’s advice and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
For more information about our services please call 1300 852 148 or send us a message on our website.
