Caring for an elderly parent or loved one can be an emotional journey, especially after having a fall, dealing with a medical emergency, or grieving for the loss of a partner. As a family member, you want to help your loved one maintain their independence while ensuring their safety at home.
Fortunately, due to advancements in technology the ways we care and protect our loved ones has evolved in recent times, offering new solutions for peace of mind.
Personal alarms have long been a reliable solution for ensuring safety, particularly for elderly or vulnerable individuals living alone. While most personal alarms operate using mobile networks, some use Wi-Fi to send alerts to smartphones or mobile apps that notify family and friends of emergencies. However, these Wi-Fi alarms will not work during a power outage or if the internet connection is unstable, preventing alerts from being sent.
With so many options available, choosing the right personal alarm can feel overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the role of Wi-Fi enabled personal alarms, discuss their limitations, and explain why mobile network alarms remain the preferred option for flexibility and reliability.
Jump to:
- What are Wi-Fi personal alarms?
- Why personal alarms on a mobile network are more reliable?
- Alternatives to Wi-Fi smart home monitoring solutions
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Choosing the right personal alarm
What are Wi-Fi personal alarms?
Wi-Fi enabled personal alarms are devices that connect to a home's broadband internet, using the wireless network to send alerts to an app or smartphone of designated emergency contacts.
The main advantage of Wi-Fi personal alarms is the ability to send alerts directly to family members' smartphones, making them aware of an emergency. However, if the home's internet connection is not working or if an older adult moves outside the Wi-Fi range, alerts cannot be sent, limiting the effectiveness and reliability of the alarm.
Other smart home devices, such as the motion sensors, smart plugs and door alarms included in Taking Care Safe Home Alert, may also use Wi-Fi and can provide an additional security alongside a personal alarm.
Why are personal alarms on a mobile network more reliable?
Mobile-network digital personal alarms are more reliable and recommended over Wi-Fi enabled personal alarms, particularly if your loved one is active and spends plenty of time outdoors. Here’s why:
Easy to setup and reliable
You will need an internet connection at home with a wireless network for a Wi-Fi personal alarm to work. To connect to the Wi-Fi, you will need to know the wireless network ID and password. If the wireless network changes or is replaced, then you will have to reconnect the alarm to the network. To connect the wireless personal alarm, you will need to download and install an app on your mobile phone.
In comparison, digital personal alarms work straight out of the box and will automatically connect to the strongest available mobile network. All mobile data network costs are included in the subscription too.
24/7 monitoring by specialist teams
Mobile-network personal alarms can be monitored 24/7 by an Emergency Resolution team, ensuring immediate help when needed. The round-the-clock monitoring means you are not reliant on friends or family to respond to alerts sent to an app or phone, providing more reassurance and independence.
Wider coverage
Mobile-network personal alarms operate on cellular networks like a mobile phone. Many of these alarms will work anywhere with network coverage, both inside and outside the home, offering protection for active older adults. Wi-Fi personal alarms, on the other hand, are restricted to the range of the home Wi-Fi network, which will not extend beyond the home.
Improved reception and reliability
Digital personal alarms automatically connect to the strongest available mobile network, and usually have better reception than a mobile phone. This means they often work in areas with a poor mobile signal, ensuring clear and consistent communication in an emergency. Wi-Fi personal alarms are reliant on the wireless network they are connected to, which may drop out or change.
More reliable in power outages
If the power goes out or the wireless network fails, a Wi-Fi-only personal alarm will be unable to send an alert. In-home mobile-network alarms have backup batteries in their base units and are not dependent on a broadband connection, so are more reliable in an emergency, especially if there were to be a power cut.
Reliable emergency communication
In an emergency, a mobile personal alarm makes sure that an elderly person can get help no matter where they are. A Wi-Fi personal alarm for elderly individuals may not provide assistance if they step outside their home or move to an area with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
Alternatives to Wi-Fi home sensors
Wi-Fi home sensors and wireless smart home monitoring solutions are also reliant on the home internet network to work, and have the same limitations as wireless personal alarms. To address this, some home monitoring solutions like Taking Care Sense use a special low-power wide-area network (LPWAN), ensuring reliable communication without relying on the home's Wi-Fi or broadband connection.
Taking Care Sense is a discreet sensor placed in the kitchen that monitors activity levels and temperature, alerting the Taking Care monitoring centre to any significant changes in daily routines. The device works without any setup needed and without having to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
The sensor can work alongside an alarm and is worth considering if loved ones don't live close by and you want extra reassurance or if you don't want to wear an alarm.
Choosing the right personal alarm
While Wi-Fi personal alarms offer some security at home, they are not a substitute for mobile network digital personal alarms that are monitored 24-hours a day. If you or your loved one requires an alarm that works anywhere, a mobile personal alarm is the better option.
If you're considering a personal alarm think about your specific needs. A monitored mobile-network alarm ensures round-the-clock protection, while a Wi-Fi alarm that sends alerts to a smartphone or app relies on family and friends to respond.
Taking Care offers a range of personal alarm solutions, ensuring that you and your loved ones receive the best possible protection. Our range of personal alarms, home monitors, and GPS tracking devices for the elderly help older and vulnerable people to live an independent and full life.
How to order a Taking Care personal alarm
Take proactive steps to protect yourself or your loved ones today. Compare personal alarms and discover how our personal alarms can enhance your safety and independence.
