Help Alarms For the Elderly

Help alarms give elderly people (and their loved ones) the peace of mind that they can quickly call for assistance if they fall or have an emergency. These devices can also help prevent hospital admissions and free up NHS beds for other patients.

Find out if the device has 24/7 monitoring, whether it can be used inside and outdoors and what additional features like fall detection are available.

Personal Alarms

Personal alarms offer a simple, easy-to-use way for those in danger to get help. They typically come in the form of an SOS button attached to a necklace, wrist strap or wall mount unit, but can also be digital and accessed from a mobile phone app or communication panel.

Personal safety alarms can help protect against violent crime, medical emergencies and falls. They’re particularly useful for elderly individuals who may be unable to call for help themselves if they fall or become unconscious, such as after a stroke.

They can also provide peace of mind and a sense of security for children, solo workers or those living independently with a disability, and their loved ones and caretakers. A number of personal alarm devices require a large amount of personal data to function, however, and some collect this information via unsecured methods. It’s important to do your research before choosing a supplier. They should be fully transparent about how they’ll use your data and have clear policies in place.

Medical Alert Devices

Medical alert devices, also called personal emergency response systems or PERS, provide seniors with the ability to live independently at home with the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is just a button press away. When a help button is pushed on a pendant or wristband, it connects to a 24/7 monitoring center where a trained operator can contact emergency services or your emergency contacts.

Some systems also offer home safety features such as motion detectors and home air and temperature sensors that can detect dangerous conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning or unsafe indoor temperatures. AARP recommends these types of systems as excellent ways to keep seniors safe and independent at home.

When selecting a system, check to make sure monthly fees are clear and that equipment is included in the price. Ask whether there are any hidden fees and if the equipment is covered by a warranty. Also look for a company that offers professional home installation as an option.

At-Home Devices

For elderly individuals who want to remain in their homes, smart home devices can offer a range of useful solutions. These devices can be incorporated into everyday routines to provide gentle reminders and monitor activity from afar. For example, a smart medication dispenser can send text messages to family members and caregivers to ensure the correct dosage is being dispensed at the prescribed time.

Doorbells and locks can be augmented with video technology to give seniors the ability to view who is at their doorstep without getting up from bed. This feature can also allow caregivers and friends to remotely grant access.

Other home automation technology, such as a smart stove minder can help to reduce the risk of fires by monitoring temperature changes and sending an alert when something has been left on for too long. Similarly, a smart vacuum cleaner can autonomously navigate a home and scour hard-to-reach areas for dirt and dust.

On-the-Go Devices

Many seniors need a little extra help in their daily lives. NZ Medical Alarms Thankfully, there are several smart devices that can help them with routine tasks like taking medication or turning on lights in the middle of the night.

Some of the most popular connected health devices for elderly people include pill dispensers, which alert users when they’ve forgotten to take a dose and send reminders through an app. They can also track a person’s blood glucose level, such as the CONTOUR DIABETES system or FreeStyle Libre device, which automatically shares data with doctors.

Another important category of smart home devices for elderly people is movement sensors that can detect falls, which are one of the leading causes of injury for adults over 65. Devices such as the Medical Guardian fall detection monitor help the elderly stay safe by connecting them to a trained care specialist when they need assistance. Other devices, such as the First Alert motion sensing light, help prevent trips on rugs and other trip hazards in a loved one’s home.