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Helping you and your loved ones live well in later life

PERSONAL ALARMS

What is a personal alarm?

Stay safe and independent with personal alarms - instant help at the press of a button for peace of mind.

April 01, 2025

What is a personal alarm?
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Your essential guide to staying independent

When it comes to safety and independence, having the right support can make all the difference, especially for the elderly and vulnerable. That’s where personal alarms come in.

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What is a personal alarm?

These small but lifesaving devices provide instant access to help at the press of a button, offering reassurance to both older adults and their loved ones. Whether you're looking for an alarm to use at home, on the go, or one with advanced fall detection, there’s a perfect option to suit every lifestyle.

Personal alarms are compact, user-friendly devices designed to improve the safety and independence of individuals, particularly the elderly and those who may be vulnerable.

They provide immediate access to assistance during emergencies (whether that be alerting family members or the emergency services), so these devices are great at offering peace of mind to users and their loved ones. 

The alarm system typically consists of a base unit and a wearable device, such as a pendant, watch or wristband, making it easy for the elderly to call for help from anywhere in their home. When the button is pressed, the Emergency Resolution operator speaks to the user through the base unit to assess the situation.

Some personal alarms do not require a base unit, as they are designed to be worn both at home and on the go, allowing users to speak directly to the Emergency Resolution Team through the wearable device.

Understanding personal alarms and how they work

A personal alarm allows the user to quickly get help in emergencies, which could be a fall, a sudden illness or moments of distress and urgency. At the press of the button, the personal alarm connects the elderly to Taking Care's Emergency Resolution Team. The team communicates through the alarm system to assess the situation. They will contact family, neighbours, or friends if needed, and call emergency services if medical help is required or loved ones are unavailable.

The main purpose of these personal alarms is to ensure that assistance is promptly available, so that the severity of the incident is minimised, and older adults can continue independent living for as long as possible.

The types of personal alarms

Digital Personal Alarms

Digital personal alarm
  • Does not need a telephone landline and includes an alarm pendant, base unit and our 24-hour monitoring service.

  • Speak directly through the alarm unit for immediate assistance.

  • Long-lasting battery life - no charging required, and free replacement if needed.

  • Provides seamless connectivity to Emergency Resolution Team.

Fall Detection Personal Alarms

  • Equipped with sensors to detect sudden falls.

  • Automatically alerts the Emergency Resolution Team without user intervention.

  • Ensures help is available even if the user is unconscious.

In-Home Personal Alarms

  • Designed for use within the home and garden.

  • Includes a base unit connected to a telephone line and a wearable pendant or wristband.

  • Connect users to Taking Care’s 24-hour Emergency Resolution Team.

GPS Mobile Personal Alarms

Out-and-about personal alarms
  • Provides security for active individuals outside the home.

  • Features GPS tracking to pinpoint the user's location during emergencies.

  • Ideal for individuals who may become lost or disoriented.

Pendant Alarms

  • Worn around the neck for easy access.

  • Features a simple button press to call for help.

  • Lightweight and comfortable for continuous wear, even in the shower.

Wrist-Worn Personal Alarms

  • Worn on the wrist like a watch or bracelet.

  • Provide a discreet and convenient emergency alert option.

  • An alternative for those who prefer not to wear a pendant.

Single Button Personal Alarms

  • Simple and easy-to-use with a single emergency button.

  • Designed to minimise confusion during urgent situations.

  • Ideal for users who prefer straightforward technology.

The benefits of using personal alarms

Reassurance your loved one has immediate access to help 

Personal alarms ensure that assistance is available right at the press of a button, which significantly reduces response times during emergencies. We will get your loved one the right level of help they require as soon as possible.
 

Regaining independence

Personal alarms give you the reassurance of prompt help, so users can maintain their independence and continue daily activities with confidence, knowing help is at the push of a button if they need it.

Ongoing peace of mind for loved ones

Family members and caregivers gain an additional level of reassurance knowing that their loved ones have a reliable means to get help if they need it, especially if they do not live nearby. 

Many features available to suit various lifestyles

With various types of alarms available, you can choose devices that best suit your loved ones' lifestyles and specific needs. 

Choosing the right personal alarm

Older adult gardening wearing his personal alarm

Choosing the best personal alarm for your loved one comes down to  their individual circumstances, preferences, and lifestyles. There are several factors you should consider  when choosing a device, but remember you can compare all of our personal alarms if you wish to see all options available. 

  • Lifestyle and level of activity - Active individuals may benefit from GPS mobile alarms so loved ones know their whereabouts, while those primarily at home might prefer in-home systems.

  • Health considerations - For individuals at risk of falls, a fall detection alarm provides an extra layer of safety, especially if a loved one is unable to get to them quickly.

  • Comfort and overall usability - Choose a device that the user finds comfortable and easy to operate, whether it's a pendant, wrist-worn, or another style. It is important that your loved one feels comfortable and confident in operating it. 

  • Special features - Consider additional features like GPS tracking, water resistance, battery life, and connectivity options to ensure the device meets all necessary requirements.

Taking Care personal alarms for peace of mind

With over 30 years of experience, Taking Care is dedicated to providing high-quality personal alarms that cater to the diverse needs of the elderly and vulnerable. Our range of personal alarms and smart home monitoring ensures that every individual can find a suitable solution to peace of mind when it comes to their safety and independence.

Your partner in independent living 

At Taking Care, we are committed to empowering people to live independently and confidently.

We understand the importance of reliable and accessible emergency support, and we are dedicated to providing a service that exceeds expectations. With our 24/7 Emergency Resolution Team, extensive features, and straightforward buying process, Taking Care is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a personal alarm.

Take proactive steps to protect yourself or your loved ones today by contacting our team and discover how our personal alarms can enhance your safety and independence.

 

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