What is the Best Personal Alarm for Elderly Loved Ones?

Personal alarms are small wearable pendants or watches that older individuals can use to get help in case of emergencies, such as a fall, feeling unwell, or needing assistance. With a simple press of a button, these alarms can alert others in the house or connect the wearer to a 24/7 monitoring team trained to assess the situation and arrange help accordingly. But with so many available, how do you know which is the best personal alarm for the elderly?

Here we bring you Eastleigh Care Home’s guide to the best personal alarms for the elderly, highlighting their features and benefits. What makes each one ‘best’ is often down to personal preferences. Additionally, it’s worth noting that no personal alarm can remove the security of in-person care, such as that provided in our homes.

 

1. Taking Care Anywhere Personal Alarm

The Taking Care Anywhere Personal Alarm is an excellent choice for active elderly individuals. It includes a GPS-capable pendant that can detect falls and allows wearers to have a conversation with Taking Care’s emergency response team. The system also features an emergency alarm button for immediate help. Additionally, customers receive a backup pendant to use while the main GPS pendant is charging, which takes between three to five hours.

2. Careline SOS GPS Alarm

Careline offers the SOS GPS Alarm, utilising GPS technology to track the location of elderly relatives for easy locating during emergencies. With a quick press of the SOS button, users are connected to Careline’s 24/7 Emergency Care Team. The pendant is waterproof and offers 24/7 monitoring, with the option to add fall detection for an additional fee.

 

3. Ring Alarm Panic Button

The Ring Alarm Panic Button complements the company’s alarm systems. After holding the button for three seconds, it triggers a siren on the Ring Alarm and notifies loved ones of the emergency. The Ring App allows users to set up alerts for panic, medical, or fire situations, and the panic, medical, and fire stickers help differentiate between the buttons. The alarm can be stored on flat surfaces or attached to walls.

 

4. Doro 7030

The Doro 7030 is a flip phone with a built-in emergency response button that alerts family members or carers during emergencies. When pressed, it also shares the user’s GPS location, allowing loved ones to reach them quickly. This phone features a large display, easy-to-use software, social media apps, a basic camera, a torch, email, an alarm clock, a calendar, daily reminders, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and support for hearing aids.

 

Check out our guide to choosing the best mobile phone for your elderly loved one. 

 

5. Taking Care Sense

The Taking Care Sense is a sensor system designed for homes, tracking daily activities and extreme temperature changes. When irregular activity or temperature is detected, it alerts the Taking Care emergency response team, who then contacts the nominated emergency contact for further assistance. The Taking Care Sense can be used alongside the Taking Care Anywhere personal alarm to ensure comprehensive care for vulnerable relatives.

 

6. Sentai

Sentai is a smart alarm system providing elderly individuals with independent living support. The system comprises a motion sensor, a click-to-talk button, and a smart hub, allowing family members to monitor their elderly relatives and receive alerts for any break in their usual routine. Users can hit the clicker if they fall over, sending a warning notification to their emergency contacts. Sentai can also provide reminders for daily tasks and includes Amazon Alexa for added assistance and companionship.

 

7. Doro 8100

Doro is popular for its user-friendly smartphones, and the Doro 8100 is one which can double as a personal alarm for the elderly. Designed to cater to the needs of elderly users, this smartphone features an emergency response button, ensuring that help is just a press away when they need assistance from loved ones or carers. It’s got a decently sized touch-sensitive screen, 4G connectivity, and internet access, allowing users to stay connected and engaged.

 

9. Careline Fall Detector

The Careline Fall Detector has many advanced features. This emergency response system comprises an alarm base unit and a pendant that can be worn on the wrist or around the neck. At the core of this personal alarm is a high-tech algorithm capable of measuring sudden changes in altitude and speed. If any irregular patterns are identified, the system automatically alerts Careline’s 24/7 Emergency Care Team, ensuring immediate attention and assistance in case of a fall. The Careline team is known in the industry as being particularly kind and responsive.

How to choose the best personal alarm for the elderly

As you can see, personal alarms vary enormously from pendants or wrist wearables through to SOS buttons on phones. Consider the individual needs of your loved one as to which is best for them. For example, if they don’t take their mobile phone everywhere then this type of personal alarm has its limitations. Typically, a wearable device that has a monthly subscription to a response team is best for independent living.

Is a personal alarm the best solution?

While personal alarms are valuable tools for ensuring the safety and independence of elderly individuals, they do not replace the level of care and support provided by a specialist residential home. Personal alarms offer a lifeline during emergencies and provide reassurance to both the elderly person and their loved ones. As such, while the above alarms are many of the best personal alarms for the elderly, they are not a failsafe.