As our loved ones age, face health challenges, or lose independence, ensuring their safety and well-being becomes paramount. Personal alarms are innovative devices that provide security and confidence while offering protection in emergencies.
In this article, we aim to provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision about personal alarms for the elderly. We will delve into their functionality, features, and the advantages they offer to both older Australians and their carers.
What is a personal alarm?
A personal alarm is a compact and portable device designed to provide quick assistance in case of an emergency. It is equipped with a button that, when pressed, activates a loud alarm to alert others for help. Additionally, many personal alarms come with advanced features such as fall detection and GPS location tracking for added safety measures.
These alarms are typically worn around the neck or on the wrist, allowing for easy access even in places like the shower or bath where accidents are more likely to occur. There are various types of personal alarms available, including those specifically designed for home use, mobile alarms for when you are out and about, and versatile alarms that can be used both at home and on the go.
Overall, personal alarms are a valuable tool for individuals seeking peace of mind and added security in their daily lives.
Who can benefit from a Personal Alarm?
Personal alarms are specifically designed to offer safety and assistance to a variety of individuals, including seniors living independently, those with chronic conditions, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from surgery. While personal alarms are especially valuable for elderly individuals who are at risk of falling or have underlying health issues, they also offer a sense of security and empowerment for older adults who lead active lifestyles.
In Australia, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries and hospitalizations among individuals over the age of 65. Shockingly, 50% of those who experience a fall are unable to get back up on their own. A serious fall can trigger a series of complications, such as functional decline, frailty, and reduced quality of life, as well as feelings of anxiety, loss of confidence, and independence.
Many older Australians dread the idea of losing their independence, being unable to stay in their own homes, and having to relocate to a nursing facility.
A personal alarm serves as a lifeline for those living independently and their loved ones, offering reassurance that help is just a button press away.
What are the different types of personal alarms?
There are two main types of personal alarms available:
- Monitored Personal Alarm
- Auto-dial Personal Alarm
A Monitored Personal Alarm is connected to a professional emergency response center that operates 24/7. This type of alarm provides an added layer of security as trained professionals can respond to emergencies promptly.
On the other hand, an Auto-dial Personal Alarm will automatically dial a list of pre-programmed contacts until one of them answers. This type of alarm allows for quick communication with loved ones or emergency contacts in case of an emergency.
Both types of personal alarms offer peace of mind and added security for individuals in need of assistance. It is important to choose the type of alarm that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Auto-dial personal alarms
An auto-dial personal alarm is a convenient and reliable safety tool designed to automatically dial pre-programmed phone numbers or emergency contacts when triggered. These alarms can be programmed with 4 to 10 contact numbers, depending on the brand. Some models even allow for messages to be left for contacts or emergency services like 000.
When an auto-dial alarm is activated, it will continue to dial the pre-set phone numbers until someone answers the call. If none of the contacts answer, the alarm may leave a message or keep trying until it reaches a set limit.
There are various reasons why contacts may not be able to answer the call, such as:
- being busy at work,
- picking up children from school,
- on vacation, or
- in an area with poor phone reception.
It’s important to consider if your contacts will be able to respond quickly, ideally within 30 minutes, when you need them.
Additionally, if the alarm calls 000 and you cannot respond to the operator, you may not receive the necessary help. It’s crucial to ensure that your contacts are reliable and able to assist you in an emergency.
Fully-monitored response personal alarm
A fully monitored Personal Alarm is linked to a 24/7 emergency response center, manned by trained operators with the expertise to evaluate emergencies and take immediate action.
Like an Auto-dial alarm, you have the option to designate individuals who can be contacted in case of an emergency. However, the key distinction lies in the fact that our skilled monitors are always available to answer calls and assess the situation to determine the most appropriate course of action, whether it involves contacting your family or dispatching emergency services.
Furthermore, we maintain a record of your health information and pertinent medical history, such as any previous falls. In the event of an emergency, we can furnish this information to the ambulance service, enabling them to tailor their response and prioritize your call.
The primary benefits of a monitored alarm service include:
- Rapid response within 2 minutes, day or night
- Continuous operation 365 days a year, 24/7
- Trained professionals with triage experience ensuring the right assistance is provided
- Maintenance of health information and medical history on file
- Ongoing communication and reassurance until help arrives
- Updates provided to your designated contacts
- Monthly testing of your alarm system
How does a Monitored Personal Alarm function?
If a client is feeling unwell, has fallen, or is facing another medical emergency, they can request assistance by simply pressing the button on their alarm. Alternatively, the alarm can automatically detect a fall and notify the emergency response center.
Once the alarm has been activated, an alert is immediately transmitted to the emergency response center. A trained operator will promptly answer the call and communicate with the client through the alarm system. The operator will address the client by name and inquire, “Are you okay?”, prompting the client to provide additional details so that the operator can assess the situation and arrange for appropriate assistance.
If the client does not respond after activating the alarm, the operator will attempt to contact the client via their home or mobile phone. If there is still no response, the operator will then contact emergency services and provide an update to the client’s designated emergency contact.
What sets apart the home, mobile, and watch alarms?
The Home Alarm is a comprehensive system designed for in-home use. It includes a small pendant that can be worn around the neck or wrist, along with a central base unit. The pendant is waterproof, allowing for use in the shower, and features a simple one-button activation. With 2-way voice communication and a range of 40-50 meters from the base unit, this system ensures reliable communication. Additionally, it has backup power in case of outages, and the pendant battery lasts 2-3 years.
The Mobile alarm is a portable device that operates anywhere in Australia with 4G network coverage. It boasts 4G technology, falls detection, GPS tracking, 2-way communication, low battery alerts, and weighs only 28 grams. Wearable around the neck or clipped to clothing, it is rainproof but not suitable for shower use, with a battery life of approximately 2 days.
The Solo Watch alarm is a sleek smartwatch adapted to connect to the providers’ response center. Based on the Samsung Galaxy Watch, it features 4G technology, fall detection, GPS tracking, 2-way communication, heart rate monitoring, and a pedometer. Completely waterproof and suitable for shower use, the battery lasts about a day, necessitating overnight charging.
Which is the best Personal Alarm for you?
Determining the best personal alarm for your needs can be a complex decision, as it depends on various factors such as mobility, dexterity, comfort with technology, and budget. Seeking advice from your GP, healthcare professionals, or assistive technology specialists can provide valuable guidance in making this choice.
When considering a personal alarm, there are several key factors to take into account:
- Risk factors: Consider your health conditions, medical history, and if you are prone to falls.
- Mobility, activity level, dexterity, and vision should all be considered.
- If opting for a watch alarm, ensure you are comfortable using a touchscreen.
- Determine if you need coverage only at home or also outdoors.
- Battery life is an important factor to consider.
- Evaluate your budget and eligibility for funding.
- Decide between a monitored alarm or an auto-dial system based on your preference for 24/7 emergency service or relying on close contacts.
Is funding available for a personal alarm?
Several government and state programs offer funding for personal alarms to eligible individuals based on various criteria and assessments. These programs include:
- Home Care Package (HCP): This program is designed for individuals with complex care needs who require a coordinated approach to receiving assistance at home. To determine your eligibility.
- NDIS Scheme: Eligible individuals may be able to receive funding for a personal alarm through the assistive technology option. For more information.
- Personal Alert Victoria (PAV): This program is administered by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.
- Personal Alert South Australia (SA): This program, is offered by the South Australian government.
If you need a personal alarm and meet the criteria for any of these programs, be sure to explore your options and take advantage of the funding available to you.