Compare our range of personal alarms to find the right option for you or your loved one, with simple setup, reliable support and 24-hour response.
If something seems different or worrying - like using the alarm more than usual - we’ll get in touch to check everything’s okay.
It's our way of Taking Care of you.
It helps catch small changes early so you can stay safe and independent, and your loved ones feel reassured. Find out more.
Trusted by over 250,000 people across the UK. Real experiences from people using our personal alarms across the UK.
Support your health and reduce the risk of frailty with a personalised programme that helps you stay active, build confidence and maintain independence.
Includes a free Fitbit watch for activity monitoring, GO GPS alarm pendant and guidance to reduce the risk of falls if needed. Find out more.
Choosing the best personal alarm for elderly people can feel difficult with so many options available. Our team is here to help you find the right fit with confidence.
Answer a few simple questions to get a personalised recommendation based on your needs. It takes less than 2 minutes.
Our friendly UK-based team can guide you and answer any questions. No pressure, just helpful advice. Lines open Mon – Fri, 9am - 6pm.
A personal alarm is a wearable emergency device that connects you to a 24-hour Emergency Resolution Team at the press of a button, helping you stay safe and independent at home and on the go.
They provide immediate assistance during emergencies and come in various forms, such as pendants or wristbands, and are especially valuable for older adults that live alone or have a history of falls, health emergencies, or accidents in and around the home.
A personal alarm for elderly people is a small wearable device that connects the user to a 24-hour monitoring team at the press of a button. When activated, a trained operator speaks with the wearer and arranges whatever help is needed, whether that means calling a family member, a neighbour, or the emergency services.
Personal alarms are particularly suited to elderly people who live alone, those with a history of falls, or anyone whose family wants reassurance that help is always available. Unlike a mobile phone, a personal alarm is designed to be worn at all times and works even if the wearer cannot speak or cannot reach a phone.
All personal alarms for elderly people from Taking Care are monitored 24/7 by our UK-based Emergency Resolution Team, not outsourced, and not reliant on a family member being available to respond.
Not sure whether a monitored alarm or a family-contact alarm is right? Read our guide: family-contact alarms vs monitored alarms.
From ordering to setting up and using your alarm in an emergency, here's what to expect at each stage.
Compare our range of personal alarms for elderly people and place your order online, or call our team on 0800 085 7371 for advice. Most customers receive free next working day delivery in England and Wales.
No engineer visit is needed. For in-home alarms, plug in the base unit and test the alarm. For GPS alarms, simply charge the device before testing. Setup usually takes under 10 minutes. Full setup guides are included.
After ordering, you will be asked to provide emergency contacts online or by post. You can also provide basic medical information to help our team provide the most appropriate support in an emergency.
Personal alarms are lightweight, water-resistant and comfortable to wear around the neck or wrist. They are safe to use in the bath or shower, where falls are most common. For GPS alarms, charge the device every few days or when the battery is low.
Press the alarm button and a trained operator from our Emergency Resolution Team will respond quickly, often within 30 seconds. They will speak with you through the device, assess the situation and arrange help. If you cannot speak, they will still send assistance.
The Emergency Resolution Team contacts whoever is needed: a family member, a neighbour, or the emergency services. If you press the alarm by accident, simply let the operator know and no further action will be taken. You can cancel your alarm at any time with no long-term contracts.
24-hour UK monitoring, every day of the year
Our Emergency Resolution Centres are staffed around the clock, including Bank Holidays and even Christmas Day, so help is always available.
Responds within seconds
We aim to answer every alarm call within 30 seconds. Operators are trained to assess the situation and take the right action quickly.
Works without a landline or WiFi
All Taking Care alarms use a mobile SIM connection. No landline is needed, which is important as the UK analogue telephone network is being switched off.
Water-resistant and wearable in the bathroom
Personal alarms are designed to be worn at all times, including in the bathroom and shower where falls are most likely to happen.
Automatic fall detection available
If a fall is detected, your alarm can automatically call for help, providing extra peace of mind when you may be unable to press the button yourself. View fall detection alarms.
Free wellbeing calls with leased alarms
Taking Care customers benefit from free wellbeing calls, a valuable addition to our 24-hour emergency resolution.
VAT exemption for most customers
Most elderly and disabled customers qualify for VAT relief, reducing the cost by 20%. Check if you qualify.
No long-term contracts
Cancel at any time with no cancellation fees. You are never tied into a long-term agreement.
There are four main types of personal alarm for elderly people. The right choice depends on lifestyle, living situation, and whether specific needs such as fall risk or dementia are a factor.
Best for: staying at home
A wearable button with a base unit in the home. When pressed, the base unit contacts the monitoring team. Covers the home and garden. No telephone landline needed.
Best for: risk of falls
In-home or out-and-about alarms with a built-in sensor that detects a fall automatically, even if the wearer cannot press the button. Activates itself and contacts the monitoring team.
Best for: active lifestyles
A mobile alarm that works out-and-about. Many will also work in the home. The monitoring team can see the wearer's GPS location when the alarm is activated.
Best for: dementia or Alzheimer's
GPS devices designed to support safer independent outings for people living with dementia. Families can track location and receive safe zone alerts if the wearer wanders outside a familiar area.
Personal alarms are suitable for anyone who wants the reassurance of immediate help in an emergency, but they are particularly valuable for these groups.
Elderly people who live alone may have no one nearby if something goes wrong. A personal alarm ensures help is always a button press away, day or night.
Falls are a common reason personal alarms are activated. A fall detection alarm provides automatic protection if the wearer cannot press the button.
Those with restricted mobility or health issues, including heart conditions, epilepsy, Parkinson's, or diabetes, benefit from the reassurance that help is always within reach, especially when home alone.
GPS alarms suit elderly people who are active and independent but want protection when out walking or visiting family. The Taking Care Anywhere is our most popular outdoor option.
Adult children and carers often arrange personal alarms for elderly relatives so they can live independently without constant worry. Our Emergency Resolution Centres are available 24/7.
The Dementia Tracker Watch provides GPS tracking and safe zone alerts, supporting safer independent outings for people with dementia. See all dementia alarms.
Personal alarms have a one-off setup cost and a monthly or annual subscription that include the leasing of the equipment, SIM costs, and 24-hour monitoring. Most elderly customers qualify for VAT exemption, reducing the cost by 20%.
A personal alarm for the elderly is a wearable emergency button that allows someone to call for help at the press of a button. The alarm connects to a 24-hour response team who can speak with the user and arrange help if needed. It helps support independence while providing reassurance for families.
The best personal alarm for elderly people depends on their lifestyle and level of support needed. Some people prefer a simple alarm that works at home, while others benefit from GPS alarms that work outside.
Features such as fall detection, location tracking and 24-hour monitoring can provide additional reassurance. Comparing options based on these features can help you find the right alarm.
For those at risk of falls, a personal alarm with automatic fall detection can provide extra reassurance. These alarms can detect a fall and send an alert even if the wearer is unable to press the button, helping ensure support arrives quickly.
Our personal alarms are designed to contact a monitoring team first, who can then alert family members, neighbours or emergency services. This ensures the right help is arranged quickly based on the situation. Many families prefer this approach as it provides 24-hour support even if they are unavailable.
A monitored personal alarm connects to a 24/7 response team, while a friends and family alarm (often called a standalone alarm) sends an alert to someone you know, such as a relative.
With a monitored personal alarm, pressing the button puts you in contact with trained specialists who can quickly understand the situation and arrange help. This could include contacting family members or calling the emergency services if needed, ensuring support is available at any time.
Standalone alarms work differently. Instead of a monitoring team, they rely on a chosen contact receiving an alert, usually through a mobile phone or app. This means help depends on that person being available, noticing the alert, and being able to respond quickly, which may not always be possible.
Because of this, many people prefer a monitored alarm for added reassurance and consistent support. A standalone option can still work well where someone is always on hand to respond, but a monitored service removes the need to rely on others being available.
The main difference between a basic and a more advanced personal alarm is the level of support and additional features provided.
A basic alarm typically includes:
A more advanced alarm service like Taking Care's will also include:
The best personal alarm devices will include:
Top-rated personal alarms are usually those that are reliable, easy to use and backed by a 24-hour monitoring service provided by a reputable company.
Highly rated personal alarm companies will be members of the TSA, the Telecare Services Association and offer a range of alarms including:
The best option depends on the wearer’s lifestyle. Many people prioritise werable options, ease of use, fast response times and dependable monitoring when choosing a personal alarm.
You can compare personal alarm reviews and comparisons of personal alarm companies to help you decide.
Choosing the best personal alarm in the UK depends on how and where it will be used. If the person mainly stays at home, a home alarm may be suitable. If they are active or go outside regularly, a GPS alarm offers protection wherever they go.
It’s also worth considering features like fall detection, ease of use and whether it connects to a 24-hour Emergency Resolution Team.
A personal alarm is a small wearable device that connects you to a 24-hour Emergency Resolution Team at the press of a button.
When the alarm is activated, a trained operator speaks with you through the device and arranges help if needed, such as contacting a family member, neighbour or the emergency services.
Yes. Most modern personal alarms use mobile networks, so they do not require a landline or WiFi connection. This makes them quick to set up and easy to use in most homes.
Yes. GPS personal alarms are designed to work outside the home, allowing the wearer to get help wherever they are in the UK, as long as there is mobile signal. Home alarms are typically designed for use in and around the home.
Typical costs start from £22 per month. The exact cost of a personal alarm in the UK depends on the type of device and service. Most alarms have a setup cost and a monthly subscription that includes the equipment and 24-hour monitoring. Additional features such as fall detection or GPS may increase the price.
The setup cost includes setting up your account and registering you as a customer. You will need to set up the personal alarm yourself. If you have an in-home alarm, this typically involves plugging in your base unit and testing your alarm. The setup cost does not include any in-person installation assistance.
If ordering online, you pay for the one-off setup cost by debit or credit card. The subscription is paid separately by Direct Debit. The Direct Debit form is shown once you have completed your order and a link to the form is also included in your order confirmation email. If ordering by telephone then the Direct Debit will be set up over the phone with you by the sales advisor.
The subscription typically includes the alarm device, 24-hour monitoring, SIM connectivity (for mobile alarms), and ongoing support. This ensures your alarm is always ready to use when needed.
No. Most personal alarm plans include the equipment, SIM, calls and monitoring in one simple monthly cost. This means there are no unexpected charges or pay-as-you-go fees.
No. Our personal alarms require a subscription to provide access to a 24-hour monitoring service. Without a subscription, the alarm will not connect to a response team, which is a key part of how the system provides support and reassurance.
With the exception of the Personal Alarm Watch and Dementia Tracker, our alarms are rented for the period of the subscription.
Getting a personal alarm is simple. You can choose the right device online, place your order and have it delivered quickly. Once set up, the alarm will be ready to use straight away.
No, personal alarms are not usually provided for free through the NHS. However, some local authorities or support services may offer assistance depending on individual circumstances.
Yes. Personal alarms are designed to be simple and easy to use, typically with a single button to call for help. They are lightweight, comfortable to wear and require very little technical knowledge.
When the alarm button is pressed, it sends an alert to our monitoring centres. A trained operator will speak with the user through the device and arrange help if needed, such as contacting family members or emergency services.
If the alarm is activated by mistake, the Emergency Resolution Team will simply check that everything is okay. You can let them know it was accidental and no further action will be taken.
Yes. Personal alarms and dementia GPS tracker watches can help support people living with dementia or Alzheimer's by providing quick access to help and, in some cases, location tracking. Features such as safe zone alerts can help families stay informed if someone becomes disoriented or wanders.
Most personal alarms are water-resistant, so they can be worn in the bath or shower. This is important as slips and falls are more likely to happen in these areas, helping ensure support is always within reach.
After ordering your personal alarm, you will be asked to provide details of your emergency contacts. This can be done online or over the phone. These details help ensure the Emergency Resolution Team can contact the right people quickly if help is needed.
Providing basic medical information can help us to offer the most appropriate support in an emergency. This information can also be shared with emergency services if needed.
It’s common for people to feel unsure about wearing a personal alarm at first. A helpful approach is to focus on how it supports independence rather than limiting it. Many alarms are designed to be discreet and comfortable, making them easier to wear as part of everyday life.
Read our guide to talking to Mum or Dad about getting a personal alarm.
Yes. You can cancel your personal alarm at any time, with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. This gives you the flexibility to choose what works best for you without being tied in.
When a personal alarm is activated, it connects to our trained Emergency Resolution Team who will answer within seconds. They will speak with the user and arrange help straight away if needed. We aim to answer alarm calls within 30 seconds.
Battery life varies depending on the type of personal alarm and its features.
Typical battery life include:
Alarms with more advanced features, such as GPS tracking or two-way communication, generally need more frequent charging.
With Taking Care's rented in-home alarms, replacement batteries are included free of charge.
The range of a personal alarm depends on the type of system.
This means an in-home alarm is suitable for use around the house and garden, while a GPS alarm is better for people who spend time outside the home.
Many people find they can use a personal alarm even in areas where their mobile phone signal is weak because the alarm has a multi-network SIM that connects to the strongest available network.
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