Getting a panic button for elderly mum

[BinkyBoinky]

Hi my mum has asked me to look into getting her a panic button as she's finding her mobility is getting difficult and she lives on her own. Has anyone done this and can they recommend a system? I can see councils do them (means tested) - but are they any good? I always think of councils as inefficient.. and I would want a service that would respond fast if there was an emergency.

I'd love some recommendations please. Would a private service be better than the council/NHS, and if so which one?

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

@BinkyBoinky please contact your mums local council in the first instance. They will have the best knowledge. In our area, the Council service has an Emergency Response Team where if you fall but don't need an ambulance, or if you are feeling unwell, two responders come out within 60 minutes to assist you. Also, the council system here also has "add ons" for no additional cost eg temperature sensors, falls monitors etc.

Do check if your mum is eligible for Attendsnce Allowance. It's not means tested and can be used to cover costs like a pendant alarm service.

[BinkyBoinky]

Thanks so much everyone, I'm going to give her council a call.

I'd like her to get a key safe but she always keeps her door bolted from the inside, she's so fearful of burglars etc. I've told her in the past that if anything happens to her I won't be able to get in! But she's a little, ahem, inflexible in her ways.