This blog has been reviewed 11 November 2025.
Living on your own shouldn’t mean facing an emergency on your own. An SOS personal alarm gives you a simple way to call for help so you can stay independent with confidence.
You may be thinking, “I can simply use my mobile phone.” What if you fall and you can not get up, and your mobile phone is not on your person?
There are many situations where you may need emergency help, but your mobile phone or landline phone may be out of reach, or the battery is flat, or you have misplaced your mobile phone, or some other situation where your mobile phone is inoperable.
What is an SOS personal alarm?
It’s a small wearable device with a help button (or SOS button) that connects you to a 24/7 Monitoring Centre where a highly trained Care Team operator will answer, day or night. That is, unless the device is self-monitored. Learn why they are not at all ideal here. [Note: we do NOT provide self-monitored devices.]
Many people call SOS personal alarm devices: personal alarms, medical alert pendants, emergency alarms or SOS pendants.
They DO NOT rely on your landline phone to operate. They use the 4G network and have their own SIM.
How do they work?
When you press the button, the device sends an alert to the 24/7 Monitoring Centre. One of our Care Team quickly takes the call. We talk to you through the system, find out what’s happening, and then contact your nominated family or friends, or emergency services if needed.
What type of systems are there?
There are two main options.
- The Home Companion personal alarm has an in-home base unit with a wearable pendant or wriststrap for use in and around the home.
- The Freedom Friend is a mobile SOS pendant with 4G and GPS for support when you are out and about.
How do I set it up?
Most systems are plug-in and test. Connect the base unit to power, follow the quick-start guide, then press the help button to run a test call with the APERS Care Team. If you prefer, a family member or installer can help. One of our most enthusiastic customers to set theirs up was 94.
Can I wear it in the bathroom or garden?
Yes, the wearables are designed for everyday life and are water resistant for use like hand-washing and showering but avoid submerging for extended periods.
How far will it work?
For Home Companion, the wearable talks to the base unit for use in and around the home. For Freedom Friend, the pendant uses 4G and GPS, so it works wherever there is suitable mobile coverage.
What about batteries and upkeep?
The wearable has a long-life battery and the base unit includes a backup battery for power outages. The APERS Care Team is notified if a battery needs attention, and we’ll guide you through what to do.
Who is an SOS personal alarm for?
Anyone who wants fast, simple access to help after a fall, sudden illness, is aging, lives alone (or are left alone from time to time), is a lone-worker, or for anyone who in any way feels unsafe. They are also helpful for families who want peace of mind that a loved one (or loved ones) can reach someone at any time.
Getting started
If you’re mostly at home, choose Home Companion with a pendant or wriststrap. If you’re regularly out and about, choose Freedom Friend for mobile support. Not sure which suits you? We can help you compare options.
This blog post is general health and product information only. Always follow your doctor’s advice and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, whenever able.
Our SOS personal alarms of extreme benefit if you live alone, or your partner or carer is out and an emergency occurs… AND you are unable to call Triple Zero for reasons that could include:
- You have fallen and cannot get up
- Your phone battery is flat
- Your phone has been damaged
- A myriad of other possible reasons
Because you are wearing your wearable device, you can press the SOS/ Help button straight away. You are NOT reliant on your mobile phone.
Similarly, if you are away from home, and an emergency occurs, our devices are also of extreme benefit.
For more information about our services and products, please call 1300 852 148 or send us a message via our Contact Us page.
