Compare personal alarm companies in the UK

The TSA is the industry and advisory body championing technology enabled care (TEC) across the UK. Members undergo a stringent annual audit by the TSA.

In addition, some TSA members will be certified to the TSA's Quality Standards Framework (QSF). This is the only UKAS accredited scheme for technology enabled care in the UK. It is made up of 10 key standards including user and care experience, business continuity and continuous improvement and innovation.

Personal alarm providers that are QSF compliant deliver telecare services of the highest standard.

Taking Care is a long-standing member of the TSA and certified to QSF standards.

Not all personal alarm companies run their own alarm monitoring centre or have their own staff. Some providers outsource this responsibility.

Taking Care operates three centres, ensuring reliability and resilience. We have a comprehensive training programme to ensure the team answer calls to the highest standard.

Whilst you may expect this to be common practice, it is not a requirement across the industry.

Taking Care's Emergency Resolution team undergo dementia training and coaching from our Dementia Champions and Advanced Safeguarding Team to ensure vulnerable customers receive the highest levels of care.

Many digital alarms only require the base unit to be connected to a power supply to work. Most customers are able to do this themselves; however, some may prefer the reassurance of a professional installation service. Not many providers still offer this service, although it is available from Taking Care. The professional installer will bring the equipment with them, set it up and show you how it works. They will also fit your key safe if you have ordered one.

Taking Care charge £99 (£118.80 including VAT) for the professional alarm installation service.

Some personal alarm companies charge a restocking fee when you cancel. If you are purchasing the equipment then the warranty may only cover repairs and faults for a limited period.

Taking Care's in-home alarms are rented and have a lifetime warranty and repair promise. If there is a fault or the battery needs replacing, we will do this free of charge. You can cancel any time without incurring a cancellation charge or restocking fee.

Look out for long-term contracts which are not refundable if you cancel part way through. Taking Care offers a flexible monthly subscription and an annual plan.

You can cancel at any time, and if you’ve paid in advance, we’ll refund you for the unused portion of your annual plan. 

It is quite common for personal alarm companies to offer an annual discount, although this may only apply in the first year.

Taking Care offer 1 month free every year, if you pay annually by Direct Debit.

Not all personal alarm providers run their own alarm monitoring centres. If they do, it is common to have just one location. This makes the service more vulnerable to staff illness, hardware failures and outages as well as being affected by bad weather and other unforeseen emergencies.

For this reason, Taking Care has invested in three monitoring centres in the UK. Taking Care have two in Devon and one in Chichester.

Digital technology offers new opportunities to go beyond emergency alarm calls. Innovative services can enhance support and independence. Taking Care support the independence of older adults with new services like Wellbeing Calls. These services identify wellbeing and health issues before there is an emergency. We recognise that if we support customers to reduce frailty and remain active then they will remain healthy and independent for longer.

Taking Care's personal alarms have a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try the service with confidence you can return it free of charge within 30 days and we will refund the full cost of your order.

The level of support you or a loved needs may change over time. Taking Care customers can upgrade their package to include fall detection, an additional pendant or wellbeing checks.

Taking Care provide technology enabled care services to local authorities and councils, including Cheltenham Borough Council. 

Reviews are great way of understanding what customers think of a company and how the company treats its customers. Read what real customers are saying on product review websites and check whether the personal alarm company replies to reviews.

Be aware that not all reviews are genuine however. Look for balanced feedback that includes downsides and negative comments. Extreme ratings such as all 5 star reviews may indicate bias or manipulation. Repetition or lots of similar reviews with vague or general comments, rather than specific interactions, are another sign of manipulating the overall service score. 

Taking Care read and respond to all personal alarm reviews. Negative or critical reviews are investigated by our Customer Services team and used to improve our service. 

A monitored personal alarm connects directly to a 24-hour Emergency Resolution Team, while a standalone alarm (sometimes called a friends and family alarm) alerts a chosen contact, such as a relative or carer.

A monitored alarm service provides access to trained specialists at any time of day or night. When the button is pressed, they can assess the situation and arrange the right support, including contacting family members or emergency services if needed. This means help is always available, even if the wearer is alone or unable to communicate.

A standalone alarm relies on friends or family being available to respond. Alerts are typically sent via a mobile phone or app, meaning support depends on someone seeing the notification, being reachable, and being able to act quickly. This may not always be possible, particularly at night or if contacts are busy or unavailable.

For this reason, many people choose a monitored alarm for greater reassurance and reliability. A standalone alarm may still be suitable where someone is always available to respond immediately, but a monitored service provides consistent support without relying on others.