Stairs / Hallway

• doorstep safety

A bogus caller button is a silent, discreet alarm button, often placed near a front or back door, but can also be carried by the person. Once pressed it connects silently to a monitoring centre for assistance and allows the centre to listen in and record the conversation to assess the situation and take appropriate action, such as contacting family, neighbours, or emergency services. These buttons provide reassurance to vulnerable individuals who may be at risk from abuse, doorstep crime or unexpected callers.  

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• Easy to Use: Typically installed near the door, the button can be pressed silently and discreetly.
• Increased safety: Provides a quick and simple way call for help if there was an unexpected caller who made the person who will use it feel threatened. When pressed, it alerts a monitoring centre, who can then listen in and take appropriate action, such as contacting the police. Incidents are often recorded, which can be useful for providing evidence in case of a crime.

• Suitability: Is there a place it can be installed that is easy to access where it will be needed or would the person be able to carry it if there are multiple locations? These devices usually require a telecare base unit and need to be within range of this so will only work within the home. Think about whether the person who will use it can remember what it is used for and press it when needed. Consider what would happen if it was pressed accidentally; would the person be able to speak to the monitoring centre to tell them everything was ok or is there a risk that the emergency services would be sent out un-necessarily? An agreed word might be required if it is a domestic abuse situation and if the abuser lives in the same property, a plan would need to be in place with the monitoring centre.
• Cost and value for money: Consider the cost of the ongoing monitoring centre support. Will the provider also ensure it is serviced and repaired if required? These devices can come as an add on to a Telecare lifeline system which might make them better value by increasing functionality.