Personal alarms are not a new concept. Basic personal alarms for the elderly have been available for a long time.
They give older people who are living independently the peace of mind that if they slip and fall, or become unwell, they will be able to summon aid quickly.
Some families may be dubious about the reliability of personal alarms because the first and second generation alarms had limited features.
Modern alarms are much more robust and reliable, and this means that they are a good choice for those who value their independence but may need some help from time to time.
Personal Alarms Will Work Outside the Home
One common misconception is that personal alarms will not work if you’re outside in the garden. This is no longer the case.
Modern personal alarms have a range of 300 meters or more away from the base unit, so they will still work when you are out mowing the lawn or relaxing in the garden, giving the user more freedom to do what they love[1].
Personal Alarms Are Comfortable to Wear
The early generation personal alarms were quite bulky and uncomfortable, but that is no longer the case.
Just as phones have gotten smaller, so too have personal alarm watches and pendants. Some personal alarms weigh as little as 7 grams.
They can be worn around the wrist like a watch, or on a pendant if the user prefers.
A personal alarm is only useful if the user actually wears it and has it on hand in an emergency.
Making the alarms smaller and more comfortable to wear is a big step towards ensuring that.
The latest alarms are even waterproof so they can be worn in the bath or shower.
Since falls while getting in and out of the bath are a common cause of injury this particular feature is very important.
Who Monitors the Alarms?
One thing that a lot of families wonder and worry about is who will be monitoring the alarm.
Some basic alarms, such as alarms that are a part of a ‘senior phone’ will simply call pre-designated numbers of friends and family members.
While that may be all that some older people need, there are other alarms that offer much more sophisticated monitoring.
At APERS, we offer 24/7 monitoring services and support, so if the alarm is triggered, one of our professional care team members will assess the situation and speak to the user, if possible.
From there they will notify the user’s emergency contacts or emergency services if it is needed.
When choosing a personal alarm it is important that you consider the support package.
It may be that your elderly relative is familiar with a given brand and would feel more comfortable talking to “the friendly people from that company” rather than having a more impersonal alarm service.
Small things like that can make a big difference to a person’s confidence and peace of mind.
Personal Alarms Are a Lifeline for Many
Today, personal alarm technology is mature and reliable, and the right alarm service can truly be a lifeline for the wearer.
Senior citizens who are able to retain their independence enjoy a better quality of life.
Forget what you think you know about personal alarms from seeing your grandparents or great grandparents wearing them.
Newer devices are smaller, more discrete, and more reliable, and have a longer range too, making them an effective choice for keeping elderly people safe.
At APERS, we understand that keeping your loved ones safe is the most important thing in the world.
For more information about our services please call 1300 852 148 or send us a message on our website.
