In this article by Sarah Ball of Home Help 24/7 we will talk about fall alarms and the five main reasons to get a personal alarm for an older person who lives alone. Personal alarms are not just for emergencies; they help give peace of mind, safety, and confidence to both older people and their families.
As people age, living alone becomes more difficult, usually because of failing health and the general increasing frailty of old age. Their safety and well-being become a huge concern for themselves, their family, and their friends.
While living alone allows older people to maintain independence, it can also bring new challenges—especially in medical emergencies or instances requiring urgent assistance.
For families, knowing their loved ones have immediate access to help provides significant reassurance. A personal alarm for older people is a practical solution designed to address these concerns, offering a swift response to falls or emergencies. Personal alarms are useful devices made especially for older people. They help keep older people safe and give them an easy way to call for help.
These alarms, such as fall alarms, come with essential features like fall detection and GPS tracking, enabling everyone to stay safe while keeping their independence.
- How Personal Alarms Work: These alarms have a button to press when help is needed. If someone falls or has an emergency, pressing the button sends an alert for help.
- Special Features: Some alarms have fall detection, which can sense if someone falls. Others have GPS tracking to show where the person is. These features help older people live alone safely and stay independent.
Fall Alarms: The Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Summary |
| Safety in Emergencies | Personal alarms offer immediate assistance for medical emergencies, like falls, with a simple button press. |
| Enhanced Home Security | Alarms provide added protection against intruders, helping older people feel secure in their homes. |
| Peace of Mind for Family | Family members gain reassurance knowing their loved one can call for help anytime, reducing worry and stress. |
| Supports Independence and Confidence | Older people can maintain independence, with the assurance of quick help if needed. |
| Affordable and Easy to Use | Cost-effective and simple to operate, personal alarms are accessible and require minimal maintenance. |
Reason 1: Quick Help in Medical Emergencies
One important reason to have a personal alarm is for quick help during a medical emergency. As people get older, they have a higher chance of sudden health issues like falls or heart problems. These emergencies can be very risky, especially for people who live alone.
The Growing Risk of Falls and Health Problems
- Falls Are Common: For many older people, falling is a big worry. One out of three people over 65 falls each year. Half of people over 80 fall more than once a year.
- Serious Injuries: Falls can cause serious injuries like broken bones or head injuries. These can make daily life harder and may lead to losing some independence.
- Other Health Emergencies: Heart attacks, strokes, or sudden dizziness can also be very dangerous if help doesn’t come quickly.
How Personal Alarms Help in Emergencies
- Easy to Use: A personal alarm has a simple button to press for help. If someone falls or feels unwell, they can press this button to call for assistance right away.
- Extra Safety Features: Some alarms have fall detection, which senses if someone has fallen. Others have GPS, which shows where the person is. This means help can find the person even if they can’t press the button.
- Quick Response: Personal alarms can connect directly to emergency services or family members. This ensures help arrives as soon as possible, which can make a big difference in emergencies.
In moments when every second counts, a personal alarm can help older people get the care they need quickly.
Case Study: Real-Life Impact of Personal Alarms
This gadget has proved invaluable to me with my disorder of FND. I must say a special thank you to Sarah Ball who has been there every step of the way from recommending the item, setting it up and testing it. Worth ever penny!!
Fortunately I have only needed it once in a real emergency and it was incredible. I don’t remember it happening as I get no warning with my seizures but I do know that action was swift and I was taken to hospital for treatment. It just gives myself and my loved ones full 24/7 peace of mind.
Thank you Homehelp247
Reason 2: Extra Security Against Intruders
Personal alarms don’t just help in medical emergencies; they also help keep homes safe from intruders. Older people living alone may feel unsafe, especially at night. Homes of older adults can be targeted by burglars, so having a personal alarm with security features can make them feel more secure.
Security Challenges for Older People
- Physical Limitations: It can be harder for older adults to secure doors and windows or respond quickly if someone tries to break in.
- Higher Risk of Break-Ins: Statistics show that homes of older people are often chosen by intruders because they may think it’s easier to enter.
- Living in Isolated Areas: People living in quiet or rural areas may feel less safe because there are fewer neighbors around to watch for suspicious activity.
How Personal Alarms Help with Security
- Emergency Calling: Many personal alarms allow users to call for help if they notice anything suspicious.
- Two-Way Communication: Some alarms let users talk directly to an operator. This is helpful if they feel unsafe or need advice on what to do next.
- Panic Buttons Around the House: Some alarms come with extra panic buttons that can be placed in different rooms. This way, if something happens, they can easily call for help from any part of the house.
These features can give older people a stronger sense of security. Knowing they can quickly get help for any reason, whether it’s a medical issue or a security concern, helps them feel more in control of their safety.
Reason 3: Peace of Mind for Family Members
When an older person chooses to live alone, family members can feel worried. Busy schedules or living far away can make it hard for families to check in regularly. Personal alarms give families peace of mind by making sure their loved one can easily get help if needed.
The Emotional Impact on Families
Families often feel stress and worry about older relatives living alone. Some common concerns are:
- Emergency Delays: Worry that, if a loved one falls or has a health issue, they may not reach a phone in time to call for help.
- Home Safety: Anxiety about intruders, especially if their loved one lives in a quiet or rural area.
- Daily Risks: Concerns about day-to-day tasks, like cooking or bathing, which can be risky for older adults.
These worries can affect family members’ peace of mind and sometimes even strain family relationships as they try to balance caring for their loved one with other responsibilities.
How Personal Alarms Help Families Feel Secure
Personal alarms can help ease family concerns by offering reassurance in many ways:
- Quick Access to Help: Families know their loved one can call for help anytime, so they don’t feel the need to check in constantly.
- Automatic Fall Detection and GPS Tracking: Some alarms have features that alert help automatically if a fall happens. This way, even if the person can’t press the button, help will be on the way.
- Alerts for Family Members: Personal alarms can be set to notify specific family members or friends if there’s an emergency, keeping them informed and involved.
These features help families feel connected to their loved one’s safety without needing to be there in person all the time. Knowing their loved one has a personal alarm can make it easier for family members to balance caregiving with other responsibilities.
Expert Insights: Mental Benefits for Families
Experts in senior care say that personal alarms provide important mental benefits for both the users and their families. Studies show that family members feel less stressed and anxious when their loved one has a personal alarm. This peace of mind helps create healthier family relationships, as everyone can feel more confident that their older loved one is safe and independent.
Reason 4: Independence and Confidence
For many older people, staying independent is very important. Personal alarms help older adults live on their own with safety and confidence. With quick access to help in emergencies, they can enjoy daily activities like chores, hobbies, or social visits without worry.
Why Independence Matters for Older People
Keeping independence is closely tied to feeling good and having a strong sense of self. Some benefits of staying independent include:
- Feeling Purposeful: Doing daily tasks gives a sense of achievement.
- Confidence: Being able to handle personal tasks alone boosts confidence.
- Better Mental Health: Being independent helps reduce worry and sadness in later life.
Still, the risk of emergencies like falls or sudden health issues can sometimes reduce their confidence. Personal alarms help remove this worry.
How Personal Alarms Support Independent Living
Personal alarms act as a safety net, allowing older people to live on their own while staying safe. They offer many helpful features:
- Easy to Use: A simple button press makes alarms easy to use for people with different mobility levels.
- Freedom to Move: Some alarms have a wide range or mobile tracking, so users feel safe moving around indoors and outdoors.
- Discreet Design: Personal alarms can be worn as bracelets or pendants, making them easy to carry without feeling bulky.
These features let older people feel confident to make choices and stay active, knowing they can get help quickly if they need it.
Real-Life Example: Personal Alarms in Action
Take the example of John, a 79-year-old who enjoys gardening and walking in his local park. With a personal alarm equipped with GPS tracking, John can go about his daily routines without fear. Knowing that help is available at the touch of a button, both he and his family feel reassured. For John, the personal alarm is a tool that supports his lifestyle, not a restriction on his freedom.
Fantastic service from this company!
In particular Sarah Ball who helped with the initial set up and gave superb after sales support of the device. It has really given us peace of mind having this service available 24/7 should we require it. It’s a small price to pay for comprehensive support any time day or night, thank you Home Help 24/7! Google Review
Reason 5: Affordable and Easy to Use
Personal alarms are a safe and affordable way to help older people stay independent. They are simple to use and budget-friendly, making them a good choice for both seniors and their families. Personal alarms provide peace of mind without a big financial cost.
Affordable Safety Compared to Other Options
When choosing safety tools for older people, personal alarms are often the most affordable. Here’s why:
- Low Start-Up Cost: Many personal alarms are inexpensive to buy. Some can even be rented, so families can choose a plan that fits their budget.
- Affordable Monthly Plans: If monitoring is needed, monthly fees are often low, especially when compared to hiring a caregiver or paying for assisted living.
- Low Maintenance: Personal alarms don’t need much upkeep. Usually, they only need a battery change or a charge now and then, keeping extra costs low.
With reliable emergency help at a low cost, personal alarms let older adults live independently without spending a lot of money.
Easy-to-Use Features
For a safety device to be effective, it should be easy to use. Personal alarms are designed with this in mind:
- Simple to Use: Most personal alarms work with one button, so they’re easy to use even for people with limited hand strength or vision.
- Quick Setup: Many alarms come ready to use, with little or no setup required.
- Comfortable to Wear: Personal alarms can be worn as a pendant, watch or bracelet. They are lightweight and not bulky, so they fit easily into daily life.
Types of Personal Alarms
There are different types of personal alarms to match different needs and budgets:
- Basic Alarms: These allow users to call family or emergency services with one button.
- Fall Detection Alarms: These alarms sense a fall and send an alert automatically, even if the user can’t press the button.
- GPS Alarms: These have location tracking, so they work both indoors and outdoors. This option is good for people who like to go out or live in rural areas.
With these options, families and older people can pick the alarm that best suits their lifestyle and budget, making personal alarms both accessible and adaptable.
Why Personal Alarms are Essential for Safe, Independent Living
Personal alarms are a valuable tool for older people living alone. They provide safety, independence, and peace of mind, helping people enjoy a full and confident life. Here’s a quick summary of the five main reasons to consider a personal alarm:
- Immediate Help in Emergencies: With just a button press, users get life-saving support when they need it.
- Extra Home Security: Alarms give added protection against intruders, helping older people feel safe at home.
- Peace of Mind for Families: Family members worry less, knowing their loved one can easily get help.
- Independence and Confidence: Older adults can live on their own terms, feeling secure and self-reliant.
- Affordable and Easy to Use: Personal alarms are a cost-effective and practical choice for staying safe.
Adding a personal alarm to daily life lets older people live independently with confidence, knowing they’re protected in case of an emergency. Families, too, feel comforted knowing their loved one has quick access to help whenever needed.
If you or a loved one is looking for ways to stay safe at home, a personal alarm is a smart choice for both security and independence. For help finding the right personal alarm, check out our guide on the best options for seniors. Staying safe doesn’t have to mean giving up freedom—personal alarms make it possible to have both.
Further Reading:
Source Gov.uk:
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
“More than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.”
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
About the Author Sarah Ball:
Sarah Ball is the Managing Director of Home Help Ltd, leading efforts to enhance the safety and independence of older people through personalized home care and innovative solutions. With over a decade in senior care, Sarah’s work focuses on practical, compassionate approaches that empower older adults to live independently and confidently.
Her previous roles, including Managing Director at Home Care Assist and Head of Call Centre at Big Warranties, have honed her expertise in customer service, emergency response, and the effective use of personal alarms. She advocates using technology like personal alarms, which provide quick help in emergencies, added home security, and peace of mind for families.
Sarah is passionate about supporting older adults’ independence, enabling them to feel secure in their homes. Based in Bournemouth, she combines professional experience with genuine care, offering families reassurance and practical safety solutions. Connect with her on LinkedIn for more insights on safety for older people at home and independent living news and business networking.