Fall alarms play a crucial role when it comes to the safety and independence of elderly loved ones. These devices offer peace of mind by alerting caregivers or emergency services when a fall occurs.
But one common question arises: Are fall alarms waterproof? In this blog, we'll explore the water-resistant features of our fall alarms, their benefits, and scenarios where they prove invaluable.
Jump to:
- Which elderly fall alarms in the UK are waterproof?
- Benefits of having a waterproof fall alarm
- How a waterproof fall alarm can be useful for older adults?
- How to choose a waterproof fall alarm?
- Do I need to know anything else about waterproof fall alarms?
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Find the best water resistant fall alarm for you
Which elderly fall alarms in the UK are waterproof?
Taking Care offers several personal alarms designed with water resistance in mind, making sure older adults can maintain their independence without compromising safety.
While the term "waterproof" is often used interchangeably with "water-resistant", it's important to understand the difference:
- Water-resistant fall alarm - the device can cope with a bit of water, like splashes or getting wet in the rain. It’s fine for things like washing your hands or light use in the bathroom, but it shouldn’t be kept underwater for too long.
- Waterproof fall alarm - the device is protected against water. It can be immersed in water to a certain depth and for a certain time without getting damaged.
You can compare personal alarms for water resistance here, meaning they’re safe to use in everyday water-related, high-risk areas, such as bathrooms.
You can choose from several water-resistant Taking Care alarms:
Digital Personal Alarm
This pendant is water-resistant up to 1 metre (3.2 feet) for up to 30 minutes, meeting the IP68 standard. It's suitable for use in the shower or bath, where slips are common. This alarm does not detect falls.
Digital Fall Alarm
This pendant is water-resistant up to 1 metre for a maximum 30 minutes, meeting the IP67 standard. It's designed to be worn in the bath and shower, offering added safety in these high-risk areas.
Taking Care Anywhere
This GPS-enabled pendant is water-resistant up to 1 metre for 30 minutes, also meeting the IP67 standard. The backup pendant is IP68 waterproof up to 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes. The pendant is ideal for users who spend time both indoors and outdoors, offering protection against water exposure.
Benefits of having a waterproof fall alarm
Choosing to invest in one of our water-resistant fall alarm offers several benefits to older adults:
- Enhanced safety - water-resistant fall alarms allow elderly loved ones to wear them in environments where falls are more likely, such as bathrooms.
- Peace of mind - knowing that the alarm will work properly, even if exposed to water, can make older adults and their families feel secure.
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Durability - water-resistant fall devices are built to handle everyday exposures to water, which can help reduce the risk of failure.
How a waterproof fall alarm can be useful for older adults?
Taking Care water-resistant fall alarms can be particularly helpful in the following situations:
Bathing and showering
Bathrooms are common places for falls due to their slippery surfaces. Having a water-resistant fall alarm close to hand makes sure help is readily available if needed.
Outdoor activities
For users who enjoy gardening, a fall alarm with water-resistance offers protection against unexpected falls outdoors. This can give users the confidence to make the most of days out, knowing assistance is at hand whenever and wherever they need it.
Daily living
Accidents can happen at any time. From doing the washing up to watching TV, a water-resistant alarm gives continuous protection throughout the day, regardless of the user's activities.
How to choose a waterproof fall alarm?
When deciding between Taking Care’s water-resistant fall alarms, always think about the user’s individual lifestyle and needs. This includes factors such as:
- Mobility
- Risk of falling
- Whether they need help both inside and outside the home.
Each of our fall alarms has unique features that could be helpful in different scenarios. For example:
- Digital Personal Alarm: may be useful for users who spend most of their time indoors and want a simple, reliable way to call for help without needing automatic fall detection.
- Digital Fall Alarm: offers automatic fall detection and sends an alert even if wearers are unable to press the button. This device could be more useful for individuals with an increased risk of falling, for example, due to mobility issues or a medical condition.
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Taking Care Anywhere: includes location tracking so the Emergency Resolution Team can quickly find the wearer in an emergency. This could be handy for users who like to get out and about more, whether for walks, shopping, or visiting friends.
Do I need to know anything else about waterproof fall alarms?
Alongside their water-resistant features, here’s a few more of the important things to know about our personal fall alarms.
- Battery life: depending on which of the above alarms you choose, you can enjoy up to six years of battery life. This means you won’t need to worry about frequent recharging. But it’s still essential to do regular checks to help make sure the device is working correctly.
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Compatibility: some of our fall alarms, such as Taking Care Anywhere, may not be suitable for individuals with pacemakers. Don't worry though, you can find out more here and we can configure the alarm differently if you let us know you have a pacemaker when ordering.
Find the best water resistant fall alarm for you
Taking Care is committed to helping older adults live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible. With over 30 years of experience, we offer trusted personal alarm services and 24/7 support, giving peace of mind to both users and their families. Take a look at our range of personal alarms to discover more.
Speak with an Independent Living Advisor
If you need help in choosing the right device for your needs, why not speak with a member of our friendly team? Give us a call on 0800 085 7371, we’re available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm.
