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Elderly parents

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Original poster

Personal alarms- recommendations?

12 replies

PollyPerky · 23/05/2017 10:06

In the process of setting this up for parents. Anyone got any good experiences? They need a pendant each and costs are varying.

OP posts:

NannyR · 23/05/2017 10:11

We got one for an elderly relative and I think it was available through the council, they had to pay for it monthly but it wasn't very much and it was a very good service. Age concern may be able to give you some information too.

thesandwich · 23/05/2017 20:55

Our local authority reccomended one backed by a local housing association- our la has a helpline for advice and some webpage advice. Age U.K. Are well Ruth a look- they were more expensive for dm

CMOTDibbler · 23/05/2017 21:00

My parents have theirs through AgeUK, and have used it quite a few times, and the service has been really, really good

Original poster

PollyPerky · 24/05/2017 13:11

Thanks. Their LA was most expensive of all and didn't call me back with an answer to something so that didn't inspire confidence.

Age UK was my 2nd option but I've gone with another provider.

One thing that seems to be how they work- the company (like Age UK or whoever) seem to be the middle man. This is because all the providers I looked at had a FAQ on their site 'Who is the provider of telecare?' The answer was 'Ask when you call us [when you have already set up the alarm] '

so it looks as if many companies offering these alarms use a control centre somewhere to actually take the calls from the elderly.

OP posts:

thesandwich · 24/05/2017 13:16

Interesting how practice and costs vary- and the middle man aspect. DM's is £15 per month.

lucyl1 · 07/07/2017 10:41

Hi, sorry to jump in a bit late on this thread. Have you sorted out pendants for them now?

Did you ever consider the different types of personal alarms? For instance there are pendants, wrist alarms, or call buttons that link to a carer's pager.

I tried to find some articles with more information for you, like this one which compares pendants and wrist alarms, and this one which covers choosing and buying a personal alarm.

Hope that might help you out a bit!

EvaAmeliaBrown · 26/08/2021 14:56

Sorry to bump an old thread but couldn't find any newer ones. My mum is suffering with her health and I'm frightened shes going to fall. Has anyone used the fall alarms from taking care?

I'm a bit confused at the moment so many to choose from, any tips would be appreciated.

Janedownourlane · 27/08/2021 17:38

I cant remember exactly which one my mum has (sorry) but it came with a key safe on her outside wall. She started off with a watch/bracelet style but her skin is so thin that it caused a sore patch on her wrist. She moved it up her arm but that was no bettter really. She now has a 'necklace' which is much better. She doesnt wear it (ha, that's another story...) but its fine. She has accidently pressed it just one and the response was immediate and I know she felt reassured by that. You do have to have another person limked to it, my mum has my DB and I think she would be reluctant to press it as she knows they would 'bother' him.
They seem like a great idea if you can get your mum to wear it! My mum funds her own and constantly says shes getting rid as its too expensive, but then she thinks everything should be free regardless!!

RedRosie · 27/08/2021 17:55

I would go with a council responder service if your area has them. One of the ones who actually attend, not just alert relatives. Many people who fall don't need an ambulance, they just need helping up and reassurance from a trained person. I have this for my parents because I'm their only UK relative and live 200 miles away. It is worth its weight in gold. I pay £60 per quarter. This service relieves pressure on the ambulance service, and provides peace of mind for all. It's fantastic.

MereDintofPandiculation · 28/08/2021 08:45

Our Council responder service merely alerts relatives - to use it you have to give the contact details of at least two relatives who can be called. Since part of the purpose was to get away from being called out any time of the day or night, never being able to relax or have a drink with your meal, this wasn't a lot of good.

RedRosie · 28/08/2021 15:56

Yes ... I think it depends where you live. My elderly parents live in the Midlands and have had to call on that service (brilliant as it is) several times. Attending responders are also available in my own London borough. It works so well. It seems a shame it can't be everywhere. Think of the ambulance call outs that could be saved?

Grinch48 · 29/08/2021 02:03

My parents had one from lifeline 24 very easy to set up and use

It will call nominated people or an Ambulance or police whatever is needed
One thing to consider is a key box - you give the company the code to the key box
So if an ambulance arrives they can access the house as the person might not be able to answer the door

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