If you are concerned about living alone or feel vulnerable, an alarm can provide reassurance. You may wonder if there is an NHS personal alarm available for free that would meet your needs.
A personal alarm for older adults can offer security and peace of mind. Many older people find these services very helpful when they return home from the hospital. They are also useful for those with medical conditions that need extra care.
In this article, we look at whether you can get a personal alarm for free through the NHS, and who can get a discounted or free personal alarm. We also discuss the other options if you don't qualify for a free personal alarm, and the benefits of considering a paid-for personal alarm service.
Jump to:
- What is a personal alarm?
- Does the NHS provide free personal alarms?
- How to get an alarm for free from your local council
- What is the qualifying criteria for a free personal alarm from your local council?
- Choosing the right personal alarm from a local authority or council
- Other options if you do not qualify for a free personal alarm
What is a personal alarm?
A personal alarm is a watch or pendant the elderly can use to call for assistance if they fall, feel unwell, have a medical emergency, or are in distress. These wearable devices provide reassurance and confidence to the wearer and their loved ones.
A personal alarm can quickly connect you to a trained professional in case of an emergency or any concerns.
Personal alarms have a range of features beyond calling for help, such as GPS tracking and automatic fall detection alerts. They also have two-way communication with a powerful speaker and microphone built-in, allowing you to speak directly to the alarm monitoring centre.
One of the many benefits of a personal alarm over a mobile phone is that you can always have an alarm pendant on you. They can have a long-lasting battery life, so you don't have to worry about charging them or the battery running down.
- With a personal alarm, you can call for help at the push of a button to speak with the 24-hour alarm monitoring centre.
- The team will speak to you through the alarm equipment and quickly assess the situation. They will call nominated contacts, such as family, neighbors, or friends, if they need further help.
- If you require medical assistance or the alarm monitoring centre can't reach your loved ones, they will call the emergency services.
Does the NHS provide free personal alarms?
No, the NHS does not provide personal alarms for free. The NHS offers excellent and valuable healthcare services, however emergency alarms come under the category of social care or assistive technology devices, sometimes known as telecare. They typically fall under the responsibility of local authorities and councils rather than the NHS.
The NHS website discusses the value of personal alarms and suggests approaching the adult social services at your council to find out whether you are eligible for a free personal alarm or contacting private providers, such as Taking Care.
How to get an alarm for free from your local council
While the NHS does not provide personal alarms for free, you or your elderly loved one may qualify for a free alarm through the local council, depending on whether you qualify. Some councils provide telecare alarm services, although they are usually basic alarm systems and increasingly councils are unable to provide these services due to budget pressures. Whether you are eligible can depend on various factors such as age, income level, medical conditions and disabilities.
You can contact your local council by visiting their website to enquire about any support schemes or services they have for telecare alarms. Different local councils may have different qualifying criteria, if they are able to offer the service, and this can involve a home assessment.
If you need help with how to reach your local council, visit the Gov.UK website for more information.
What is the qualifying criteria for a free personal alarm from your local council?
Income
Elderly people with low incomes or those who receive benefits and entitlements like pension credit might be eligible for a free personal alarm. For some elderly individuals, housing associations or councils sometimes provide emergency alarm devices for a reduced monthly cost.
Vulnerable or living alone
Elderly individuals living alone or without regular support might qualify for a free or discounted personal alarm. If you or your loved one are in this category, local councils may do a home assessment to understand your situation.
Disability or health conditions
Elderly people with a disability, mobility issues, or a chronic health condition might qualify for a discounted or free personal alarm. These conditions might put you at a higher risk for emergencies at home, making you eligible.
If you qualify, the local council may cover the cost of the alarm or provide funding for it as part of your care package.
Where to turn if you cannot get a free personal alarm
If do not qualify for a free personal alarm or your local council does not offer this service then consider a device through a private provider such as Taking Care.
Choosing the right personal alarm from a local authority or council
There are different types of alarms and assistive technology devices available, although councils may only be able to offer basic packages. Whether you are considering a free personal alarm from your local council or from a private alarm provider, it's important that you choose one that meets your needs. We've put together a guide to help you find the right one for you.
Pendant alarms
Pendant alarms or emergency buttons are designed to be worn at all times, ensuring that you or your loved one can always get help at the push of a button. These devices are lightweight and comfortable to wear around your neck or as a bracelet. This means you won't forget to wear the alarm as you move around the house or in the garden.
Fall alarms
These alarms include automatic fall detection technology so that an alert is raised if the device detects the wearer has fallen. This means that even if you have fallen and hurt or are unable to move or speak, assistance can still reach you. A fall alarm can be beneficial if you or your loved one is often worried about falls.
GPS alarms
While many alarms are designed for use in the home and garden, you might also want a device that works out and about. GPS trackers, dementia alarms, and other mobile alarms do not require a landline because they have their own SIM card and can send your GPS location to the alarm monitoring centre.
Other telecare devices
Devices including bed sensors, motion sensors and home monitoring sensors can also be used to provide a level of care which support independent living.
If you still feel unsure about which features of an emergency alarm could be beneficial for you, contact one of our Independent Living Advisors to make sure you choose the right device suitable for your needs.
Other options if you do not qualify for a free personal alarm
If you cannot get a free personal alarm through your local authority, the NHS website suggests contacting the Telecare Services Association (TSA), the industry body for telecare and alarm providers, to find a private provider.
Taking Care Personal Alarms is a member of the TSA and the first Which? Approved alarm provider. We work closely with Age UK and also many local authorities, councils and housing associations to provide personal alarm services.
Personal alarms from Taking Care come with a 30-day money back guarantee. Compare our most popular personal alarms or speak to our Independent Living Advisors.
Also, if you, or the person you are buying the alarm for, have a condition requiring regular medication, are chronically sick, or are registered disabled, you may qualify as VAT exempt, saving you some money on your personal alarm.
Get in touch with our team by calling 0800 085 7371, 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday if you want some help choosing the right alarm.
