As a family member caring for an elderly loved one, you want to ensure they remain safe and independent in their own home for as long as possible. Whether it's a recent fall, health scare, or just the natural challenges that come with ageing, you’re likely researching ways to support their independence while giving yourself peace of mind.
A community alarm for the elderly could be the solution you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of community alarms, how they work, and why Taking Care could be the trusted provider to help you and your loved one stay connected, safe, and secure.
Jump to:
- What is a community alarm?
- How to get a community alarm?
- Getting a community alarm from your local council
- Getting a community alarm from a private provider
- Why consider a community alarm?
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Why choose Taking Care for your community alarm?
What is a community alarm?
A community alarm is a simple, life-saving device that enables elderly people to get help in an emergency. Typically worn as a pendant or wristband, these alarms connect older loved ones to a 24/7 Emergency Resolution Team via a base unit in their home.
If your loved one falls, feels unwell, or is in any danger, they can press the alarm button, and the Resolution Team will immediately respond and arrange for help, whether it is reaching out to loved ones or calling the emergency services.
Key benefits of community alarm service includes:
- 24/7 Monitoring: Help is available around the clock, providing peace of mind for both the user and their family.
- Emergency Assistance: Whether it’s a fall or a sudden medical issue, the alarm ensures a fast response.
- Independence: A community alarm allows elderly people to live at home safely without feeling dependent on others.
Taking Care, a trusted provider, offers alarms that are designed to give your loved one maximum independence while ensuring their safety at home. Community alarms, such as those provided by Taking Care, connect users to an Emergency Resolution Team, ensuring help is always available.
How to get a community alarm?
Getting a community alarm is a simple process, but there are a few key options to consider depending on your needs and location. First, you can explore local authority-provided alarms, which may be available for free or at a reduced cost depending on eligibility criteria. If these aren’t available to you, then a community alarm from a private provider such as Taking Care is your best option.
Getting a community alarm from your local council
Many local councils provide community alarms to residents who meet certain requirements, such as age or medical conditions, but it’s important to note that there may be waiting lists, and the application process can be lengthy. There will also likely be an additional assessment period where an assessor will visit your / your loved ones home to get an understanding of their requirements and eligibility.
To apply, you would need to contact your local council and complete an eligibility check. Use the link below to find your local council. You will then be referred to their website which will give more details on the community alarm services available and will allow you to start the application process.
Apply for a community alarm with your local council here.
Before you apply, considering the following:
If your local council does offer a community alarm service and you are eligible, the alarms offered will likely be basic devices without the newer functionality to help keep you safe.
In the vast majority of cases, community alarms provided by the council do come with a cost. The cost may be reduced if you are eligible (factors such as age, disability, low income, or living alone without regular support will be considered), but it’s always worth considering the other, more advanced community alarm options available to you.
Getting a community alarm from a private provider
Alternatively, private providers like Taking Care offer a faster and more flexible solution. You can usually order an alarm online at any time, with the benefit of next-day delivery and no waiting lists.
The application process is straightforward, and customer service teams are available to help guide you through the process and ensure that you choose the right alarm based on your loved one’s needs. You don’t need to meet any eligibility criteria and you won’t require an initial assessment. Taking Care offers discounts and savings depending on the alarm and subscription package, so as many people as possible can benefit.
Taking Care also has a range of personal alarms with different features such as fall detection, GPS tracking, and waterproof alarms, providing additional peace of mind. We also offer 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the system to ensure it meets your expectations before committing long-term.
In both cases, it’s important to compare the available features, response times, and costs before making a decision, ensuring that you choose the option that best supports your loved one’s safety and independence at home.
Why consider a community alarm?
Community alarms are not just about responding to emergencies; they provide peace of mind and practical support. Here’s why they’re a valuable investment:
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Greater Independence: Your loved one can feel confident living on their own, knowing that help is just a button press away.
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Reassurance for Families: As a busy family member, having a community alarm means you won’t have to worry constantly about your loved one’s safety.
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Faster Response in Emergencies: With quick access to the trained Emergency Resolution Team, a community alarm can make the difference in critical situations.
Can I get a community alarm from the NHS?
Find out more about NHS recommendations for personal alarms.
Why choose Taking Care for your community alarm?
When it comes to protecting an elderly loved one and ensuring their continued independence at home, choosing the right community alarm provider is important. Here are some reasons why thousands of families trust us to keep their loved ones safe:
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UK-Based monitoring teams: We offer 24/7 support with Emergency Resolution times of 30 seconds.
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Tailored alarms: From fall detection to GPS tracking, our alarms are tailored to suit your loved one’s needs.
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Transparent pricing: With no hidden costs, our pricing is straightforward and easy to understand.
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Award-winning service: We are proud to be rated ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot and continually invest in the latest technology to improve our service.
Range of tailored personal alarms
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Digital community alarmsA simple home-based alarm offering peace of mind for those who are generally steady on their feet but want a reliable connection to help if needed. |
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Community fall alarmsIdeal for older loved ones with a history or risk of falls, this alarm includes automatic fall detection for an added layer of safety. |
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Community alarms with GPSDesigned for elderly who are active and out-and-about, this GPS-enabled alarm works both at home and on the go, providing support wherever your loved one is. |
