Stairs / Hallway
Lifeline / Community Line / Pendant / Falls Detector
I want information about...
- getting help in an emergency
- getting help after a fall
What can it be used for?
These are small devices, often worn around the neck or wrist, which have a button that can be pressed in an emergency to get help. There are quite a few different names that can be used for these types of device including, telecare, lifeline, community alarm, alarm pendant, SOS alarm and personal alarm. They all have a common function that they can be used to get help easily in an emergency but they might work in slightly different ways. When the button is pressed it usually either goes through to a monitoring centre or is programmed to alert one or more family members or friends that the person needs help. Some devices just send an alert when the button is pressed, other devices the person responding can speak to the person who has pressed the button to find out more about what has happened and what help is needed. Some devices link to a larger device called a base unit and only work within a set distance of this unit, other devices have a SIM card and will work anywhere there is a mobile phone signal.
Search on the internet for 'Telecare lifeline system', 'community alarm', 'alarm pendant', 'SOS alarm', 'personal alarm'. Include the words 'falls detector' if one is needed that will automatically detect falls.
Benefits
- Immediate Assistance: These alarms provide a quick and easy way to call for help in case of a fall or other emergency, particularly if someone cannot get to the telephone. They have a button that is usually easy to press and can be connected to a monitoring centre who will respond and arrange help. Some have automatic fall detection, which sends an alert without the button needing to be pressed when someone falls down suddenly and hits the ground with force.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that help is readily available can reduce anxiety for the person planning to use it and their family or friends. This can encourage more independence and confidence in daily activities.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Many fall alarms are connected to a monitoring centre that operates around the clock, ensuring that help is available at any time.
Things to Consider
- Suitability: Consider how it will be worn, will the person feel comfortable wearing it in this way? Is the device discreet or will it show others the person might be vulnerable, if wearing in public can it be hidden? Will the person remember to put it on and to press it if they need help? If not, consider if there are other devices that will ensure they get help e.g. a lifestyle monitoring system, chair occupancy sensor or bed occupancy sensor.
- Ease of use: Does it have batteries or will it need charging? If it needs charging how often will this need to be done, is it easy to connect to the charger and can the person do this themself or will they need help or reminders. If it has a built in falls detector will this pick up the type of falls the person usually has?
- Connectivity: If it has a SIM card is this connected to one mobile phone network or does it have a roaming SIM which will connect to the network with the strongest signal. A roaming SIM will work in more places. If it works using the telephone line in the home is it compatible with a digital telephone line? By January 2027, the old analogue telephone network will be completely switched off, replaced by new digital landlines which work using broadband. In preparation for this change home phone providers have been switching customers over to the new type of phone line ahead of the deadline, this can cause issues for lifelines that work through the telephone line as they will not work if there is a powercut or if the internet stops working. You can find out more information about this at: Connected Together - All-IP - About BT | BT Plc. Instead, look for one that, even though it will only be used in the home, uses a SIM card or has a back up system.
- Responder: Who will respond when it is pressed or activated, do they live close enough? If not is there a paid for responder service that can be used? How will the person who will respond be alerted? Will they receive a call from the monitoring centre, will there be a phone call from the device or will it be a notification or text message on their mobile phone? Will the route of this alert work for the person responding, will they see it quickly enough to help the person as quickly as needed. Does it alert someone else if the first responder doesn't acknowledge the alert? Look for the right type of alert for responder to ensure the person will get help as quickly as they need it.
- Cost and value for money: Consider up front costs and any ongoing costs. What will happen if anything goes wrong? Check reviews or use reliable sources of information to find a reliable company.