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Dehydration & Heatstroke: Benefits of Personal Alarms

glass window with moisture in summer

Dehydration & Heatstroke: Benefits of Personal Alarms

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Summer is, generally, a pleasant time of year for everyone. The days are longer, and the weather is – mostly – nice. However, even the joys of summer are not without their risks. Hotter weather means an increased chance of dehydration and heatstroke, which can have serious impacts on your health. Therefore, it is important to take precautions.

Dehydration

You probably know the importance of staying hydrated. In fact, according to the NHS, you should be aiming to drink between 6 and 8 cups of fluid a day. In warmer weather, when you are more likely to sweat, you should aim to drink even more. This is so that your body can function properly.

The human body is between 45% and 75% water. The exact amount varies depending on gender, age, and fitness levels. However, this water level is important for keeping your body working. Much of it is found in your blood but it also helps protect our organs and regulate body temperature. A shortage of water can, therefore, have serious negative effects, especially in warmer weather.

Signs of Dehydration

When you are dehydrated, your body is losing more fluids than it is taking in. Therefore, dehydration is a major risk in hotter weather. The more you sweat, the more you need to drink. If you don’t balance your fluid intake, you may start to notice:

  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth and eyes
  • Peeing less often
  • Darker pee when you go

Personal Alarms for Dehydration

It’s important to try to avoid becoming dehydrated. However, this is not always possible, especially if you struggle to move around the house. If you start to feel unwell because of dehydration, it is important that you can get help as soon as possible. A personal alarm allows you to request help at the press of a button.

Your provider’s response team will be able to contact family, friends, or neighbours to help.

Heatstroke

If dehydration goes untreated, it may develop into heatstroke. This can have serious medical consequences and could require hospitalisation. The fluids in our bodies aid with heat regulation; this keeps our body functioning properly. However, if our bodies get too hot, our vital organs can be damaged.

The longer heatstroke goes untreated, the more damage is done to these organs. Suffering from heatstroke could result in long-term damage to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.

Signs of Heatstroke

If someone is experiencing heatstroke, it is crucial that they receive medical aid immediately. Call an ambulance if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • High Body Temperature – If their temperature is in excess of 40°C, they are likely to be experiencing heatstroke.
  • Fast Pulse – As the body attempts to regulate its temperature, it will pump blood around the body harder, putting strain on the heart.
  • Nausea and Vomiting – Sickness is a sign of heatstroke and could also contribute to dehydration.
  • Rapid Breathing – A person experiencing heatstroke may breathe fast and shallow.
  • Flushed Skin – High body temperature may result in skin turning red.
  • Confusion or Irritability – Heatstroke can affect a person’s mental state. Also be on the lookout for slurred speech.
  • Fainting – They may lose consciousness because of heatstroke.

If you notice someone is – or you are – experiencing heatstroke, it is important to call for an ambulance. You should also do everything possible to reduce body temperature. Stay in shade, remove clothing if possible, and splash them with water. Sips of water will also help them remain hydrated.

Personal Alarms for Heatstroke

A personal alarm makes it easier to call for help if you are experiencing heatstroke. If you experience any of the symptoms above, activating a personal alarm makes it easy for your provider to arrange help. Some providers also offer fall detector plans, offering additional reassurance if you faint due to heatstroke.

Choosing a Personal Alarm

You want to make sure you are safe. Whether you need some extra peace of mind during the summer heatwaves or just want to know help is available if you feel unwell, personal alarms provide many benefits.

To help you pick the right personal alarm, be sure to read my article on How to Choose a Personal Alarm. Then look through the list of providers. The compare page will help you find the best deal. Finally, you can find other helpful posts like this in the News section.

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What the Cap on Care Costs Means for You

stacks of money getting taller representing rising care costs

What the Cap on Care Costs Means for You

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Earlier this year, the government announced its proposals for funding social care had passed through the House of Common. Steps are being taken towards addressing issues that have plagued the care sector, including unsustainable care costs. These steps include a care cost cap of £86,000, but what does this mean for you? Keep in mind that:

  • The £86,000 cap only includes private contributions to care
  • NHS funding does not cover care for dementia
  • People receiving care will have to pay a “daily living allowance” of £200 per week
  • Anyone with assets over £20,000 will have to contribute a “tariff income” levy which is separate to other calculations for the care cap
  • The £86,000 cap is a fixed amount, unaffected by a person’s assets
  • Individuals will have to pay their own top-up fees for privately funded care home placements once the £86,000 cap is reached
  • Some people may need to sell their homes to cover care costs

From April 2023 no one will have to pay more than £86,000 in care costs

This means that no one receiving care will ever be expected to pay more than £86,000 for their care. However, this cap only applies to care paid for out of your own pocket. It does not cover contributions by the NHS or local authorities. This means even if the NHS pays £10,000, you may still need to pay up to £86,000.

Unfortunately, this only covers care costs alone. A daily living allowance, used on food and accommodation, is not included. There is a separate cap for this, set at £200 per week.

Moreover, people with assets over £20,000 will have to pay a levy of £200 per week.

What this essentially means is that everyone – except people with the minimum means – will have to pay £86,000 in care costs before becoming eligible for funding.

The care funding “floor” will be raised to £100,000 from April 2023

Under the current system, people with more than £23,500 in assets are responsible for all care costs. As of April 2023, however, this will be increased to £100,000. This will allow more people to retain their assets if they become eligible for care funding support.

However, if a person’s assets total between £20,000 and £100,000, the will be required to pay £200 per week.

Means tested support will be available for people with £20,000 to £100,000 in assets

Also from April 2023, people with assets between £20,000 and £100,000 will be eligible for support from their local authority. This support will be means tested. Due to the threshold for care support being raised to £100,000, more people will be eligible without having to reduce their assets.

People with less than £20,000 in assets will no longer pay for care

However, if a person has no assets but is still receiving an income, they will need to pay the tariff income contribution. This comes to approximately £200 per week.

What are the implications?

Under the new care cap, if you have more money, you keep more. This is because the £86,000 cap is a fixed amount for everyone with more than £100,000 in assets. Therefore, if you own your own home worth £750,000, paying for your own care up to the cap will leave you with £664,000.

However, the less you have the longer you will be paying for care. If you are paying for part of your care with support from your local authority, the local authority’s contributions will not count towards the £86,000 cap. Therefore, if you were paying £680 per week out of your own finances, it would take almost two years for you to reach the cap. At this point you would stop paying for your own care.

Extra help at home

If you are worried about care costs or feel you need extra help at home, consider a personal alarm. You can find out about the different alarm services available by looking at the Providers page. To find the best offer, read the Compare page. If you are unsure how to choose the right provider, check out our article on How to Choose a Personal Alarm.

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Medical Conditions That Can Benefit from Fall Detector Alarms

elderly woman with medical conditions that benefit from a fall detector

Medical Conditions That Can Benefit from Fall Detector Alarms

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As our loved ones get older, they become more likely to develop health complications. Some of these conditions can leave them vulnerable and in need of additional support. This month, I though it would be worth looking at medical conditions that could benefit from a fall detector alarm.

By purchasing a personal alarm, people with health complications can continue to live independent lives. A fall detector provides additional peace of mind, as they will activate automatically if they detect their wearer has fallen. The alarm provider’s response team will always assume an emergency if the alarm user is unable to answer.

Diabetes

As a medical condition, diabetes involves an inefficiency in the body’s ability to process glucose. It may be that the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or that the body struggles to use it. This can result in irregular blood sugar levels that lead to illness and fainting.

If you or a loved one have diabetes, the condition can strike suddenly and with little warning. A spike in blood sugar could result in dizziness or a fall. In some cases, you may lose consciousness.

Personal alarms offer extra reassurance. When you start to feel unwell, you can activate your alarm and your provider can arrange help for you. If you opt for a fall detector plan, you will not even need to press the button yourself. This is especially helpful if you fall unconscious before you can press your button.

Dementia

People with dementia suffer from a deterioration of brain function. This is a medical condition that impacts memory, movement, and language. In some cases, it can also alter personality and cause people to lose interest in their hobbies.

One way in which personal alarms can help someone with dementia is by providing aid should they have a fall. A fall detector package, especially, will allow the provider to send help even if your loved one doesn’t press the button. This can be a lifesaver, as a person with dementia might not remember they are wearing an alarm during an emergency.

Further aid can be provided by purchasing a GPS alarm. It is not uncommon for people with dementia to lose their way when out and about on their own. This can be due to confusion or because they believe they are on their way to work – despite being retired for years! A GPS alarm allows the provider to relay their exact location to emergency contacts.

Read More: Best Personal Alarms for Dementia Patients

Heart Disease

One of the leading causes of death in the UK is heart disease. It is also a medical condition that can have serious effects on your overall health. You may suffer from regular chest pain and breathlessness, and on bad days this could also trigger severe nausea or dizziness.

Perhaps the most well-known symptom of heart disease is a heart attack. These can strike suddenly and are often life-threatening. If there is no help available, the chances of survival become frighteningly low.

Fortunately, by opting for a personal alarm, users can call for help if symptoms strike. Like with other serious medical conditions, a fall detector could be a wise investment. If a heart attack occurs and you are unable to press the alarm, a fall detector will activate automatically. Even if you don’t reply, your provider will alert the emergency services.

Epilepsy

People with epilepsy are at high risk of falls because of seizures. These can be triggered by various factors, but most commonly by flashing lights or stress. Epileptic seizures can come on suddenly and may result in serious injury. These injuries will often be as a result of the initial fall.

When a person with epilepsy has a seizure, they will not be able to request help. In older people, especially, this medical condition comes with an increased risk of injury as their bodies may be frailer. Support after a seizure can often be more important than support during one, too. The sufferer may be confused or may have injured themselves without realising.

A fall detector alarm will allow help to be arranged as soon as you or your loved one has a fall. This means help can be available to support them during the seizure of afterwards. If seizures are likely to occur outside of the home, they may benefit from a GPS alarm instead.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical condition that strikes suddenly and can have devastating consequences. The sooner a person having a stroke receives help, the less damage is likely to be done to their body. Unfortunately, the chances of having a stroke increase with age.

Strokes are caused either by blood clots blocking the brain’s blood supply, or by the bursting of a blood vessel. Both can cause very sudden symptoms. The most noticeable of these are a drooping of one side of the face, weakness in one or both arms, and slurring of speech. They may also become dizzy and lose their balance.

During a stroke, it is possible that the person will fall. Fall detector alarms mean that help can be arranged fast. This could be in the form of emergency contacts or an ambulance. Immediate support increases the chances of the affected individual surviving their stroke largely unharmed.

fall detector alarm for medical conditions that may cause falls

Choosing a Fall Detector Alarm

Other medical conditions may also increase the likelihood of falls and benefit from a fall detector. Therefore, it is important that you can choose the right service. The sooner help is available, the safer you or your loved one will be.

In the past, I looked at the Top 5 Fall Detector Alarms. Using this as guidance, be sure to look at all the providers on this site and compare what they can offer. If you are unsure what to look out for, read my post about How to Choose a Personal Alarm.

You can find additional posts about comparing personal alarms in the News section.

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Assistive Technology for the Elderly

elderly hands typing on a laptop using assistive technology

Assistive Technology for the Elderly

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Getting older can impact our loved ones’ health. Their eyesight may deteriorate, or they may suffer from more serious health conditions such as dementia or diabetes. It is, however, important that they are still able to live happy, independent lives. This is where assistive technology can help.

Many of us wonder what technology is available. Today, I will look at some of the devices available for our elderly loved ones.

What is Assistive Technology?

“Assistive technology” may be a phrase you have heard before. It is an umbrella term for any device or app that is designed to offer support in day-to-day life. This includes things as simple as reminding our loved ones to take their medication. The goal of assistive technology is to reduce reliance on other people and help our loved ones to live independently.

Types of Assistive Technology

There are a wide range of assistive technologies on the market that can improve quality of life for our loved ones. Some are designed for everyday use, whilst others are intended for emergencies.

Smart Doorbells

It used to be that when we heard the doorbell, we wouldn’t know who was on the other side until we reached the door. For our elderly loved ones, mobility issues may mean that by the time they answer the door whoever was there is gone – delivery drivers may end up leaving something undelivered.

Smart doorbells change that. When someone presses the button, an alert is sent to an app on your (or your loved one’s) phone. It will show you who is outside, and many also come fitted with a speaker allowing you to talk with them. This allows your loved one to say that they’re on their way or ask for the parcel to be left on the doorstep.

These devices are also becoming increasingly affordable as they become more popular.

Interlinked Smoke Detectors

It is a legal requirement for every floor in a house to have a smoke detector fitted. However, our loved ones can get additional protection by investing in interlinked smoke detectors. These devices are digitally connected so that if one goes off, they all go off.

Purchasing interlinked smoke detectors may be ideal if your loved one has hearing difficulties. If an alarm goes off in one room whilst they are in another, they might not hear it; an alarm going off in the same room as them is more likely to be noticed. This will allow them to get help sooner.

Some of the Telecare providers listed on this website provide affordable smoke detector options. In some cases, they are also connected to the personal alarm systems.

Medication Dispensers

Regardless of age, almost half of us take at least one form of prescription medication. When we need to take multiple medicines, it can become more challenging to keep track of them. If our elderly loved ones are beginning to suffer from memory problems, this becomes even more difficult.

Medication dispensers are a useful type of assistive technology that can help your loved ones keep track of their prescriptions. There are various types of medication dispenser, from simple plastic pots to electronic smart dispensers; the latter often include an alarm or connect to an app to remind your loved ones to take their pills.

With so many choices available, it’s easy to find one that suits your loved one’s needs and budget.

Screen Readers

With so much information available to us online, it would be a shame for our loved ones to lose access due to failing eyesight. Fortunately, screen readers are an assistive technology option that can help.

Usually existing as apps on laptops or phones, screen readers convert written information into sound. They will read out articles, descriptions of images, and navigation options, supporting your loved ones in using their favourite apps. Screen readers could also be useful if your loved ones are fans of eBooks.

Many devices come with built-in screen readers as part of their accessibility options. However, there are some high-quality apps that may be better suited to your loved one’s needs.

Text-to-Speech

Some medical conditions can impact our loved ones’ ability to speak. This can be very frustrating for them as it can become difficult to socialise or ask for help. In these situations, using a text-to-speech device could help.

Existing either as apps on phones, or as specially designed speech generation devices, text-to-speech allows your loved ones to type what they want to say. When they have finished, the device will then read it out loud so that other people can hear.

Text-to-speech could be an invaluable form of assistive technology. Being able to communicate confidently with friends and family can support mental health and fight isolation.

Telecare Alarms

I would be remiss if I did not discuss Telecare alarms in a post about assistive technology. These devices are amongst the best options for supporting elderly loved ones at home. They provide additional peace of mind, ensuring help is always available.

Most Telecare alarm systems consist of a small pendant that is worn by the user. If they have a fall, feel unwell, or feel unsafe, they simply press a button and someone from their provider will arrange help for them. For additional reassurance, you might even consider a fall detector or GPS plan.

Whatever Telecare system you choose, it ensures your loved one is in safe hands 24/7. Be sure to compare different companies to get the best deal.

Financial Support

Depending on your loved one’s needs, they may be able to get some assistive technology for free. This will generally be as part of a care package from their local authority. To be eligible for this support, your loved one will have to undergo a care needs assessment. This will determine whether they need help and what help can be provided.

In other case, your loved one may be offered a discount on certain products. It is also worth keeping an eye on different providers to see if they have any special offers.

Finally, if your loved one is disabled or has a long-term health condition, assistive technology may be VAT exempt.

Choosing the Best Alarm

If you are considering purchasing a personal alarm for your loved one, you want to make sure you are getting the best deal. With that in mind, be sure to check out the compare page. If you need further guidance in choosing the best personal alarm, be sure to read How to Choose a Personal Alarm.

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Leading Causes of Falls in the UK

elderly woman with walking stick to prevent leading causes of falls

Leading Causes of Falls in the UK

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According to the NHS, 1 in 3 over 65s, and half of all over 80s, will have at least one fall a year. Falls can cause a range of injuries and can be lifechanging. Personal alarms help to provide support if a fall occurs. In this article, we will look at the leading causes of falls in the UK.

Muscle Weakness

As we get older, our muscles naturally begin to weaken. This results in a lack of strength and endurance and can also affect our balance. Simple tasks such as walking to the shops become more challenging. These activities put extra strain on muscles resulting in you becoming tired faster.

As well as age, muscles can be weakened by a lack of exercise. Alternatively, they may deteriorate due to health conditions such as arthritis.

Weaker muscles mean we are less steady on our feet, resulting in falls. Due to muscle weakness being normal as we age, it is amongst the leading causes of falls.

Dizziness

Falls can often occur because of dizziness. One moment we might be steady on our feet, the next the room starts spinning and we end up on the floor. Dizziness is one of the leading causes of falls simply because it can affect anyone.

Whilst some older people may have health conditions that make them more vulnerable to dizziness, sometimes we feel dizzy simply because we are dehydrated or hungry. Blood sugar levels can also contribute.

If you find you or your loved ones are getting dizzy regularly, it is worth being checked by a doctor. Personal alarms can offer additional peace of mind.

Blackouts or Fainting

Blackouts and fainting are leading causes of falls, as they partially shut down your body. People will have incidents where they suddenly find themselves on the ground without knowing how they got there. Usually, if you have had one incident you are likely to have more.

Sudden losses of consciousness can be scary, as they can often strike out of nowhere. Even if you have a personal alarm, you may not have a chance to call for help. Therefore, it is worth choosing a provider that sells a fall detector option.

There are a few conditions that can cause regular blackouts, such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate) and diabetes. If you experience fainting episodes, speak to your GP, and consider personal alarms as a safety measure.

Poor Vision or Hearing

Impaired senses can affect how we move around. We might not notice obstructions, or suffer from reduced spatial awareness. Our balance can also be affected. These extra challenges make vision and hearing problems leading causes of falls.

Age can lead to changes in eyesight, affecting how our eyes adjust to changes in lighting. Depth perception can also worsen over time. When we cannot see as clearly, our likelihood of tripping over or losing our balance increases.

Whilst poor eyesight is often a natural part of ageing, it can be worsened by certain health conditions. Diabetes can result in macular edema, which can cause blindness. Similarly, strokes can have a major impact on your vision.

Medication

Though they are necessary for our continued wellbeing, some types of medication can result in side effects that increase the likelihood of falls. They may result in mild symptoms such as drowsiness or cause more severe problems such as high blood pressure.

Taking medication is one of the leading causes of falls simply because no two people will respond to medication in the same way. People who take anti-depressants, blood pressure tablets, sleeping pills, or anticonvulsants are at the highest risk of symptoms that could lead to a fall.

If you are worried that your medication is making you more likely to fall, consult your GP.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Often, falls are caused by environmental factors. It doesn’t matter how good our eyesight is, how steady we are on our feet, or if we have never fainted. Sometimes all it takes is for us to put a foot down wrong or fail to notice a hazard.

Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common causes on accidents in the UK. As such, they are also one of the leading causes of falls. We might not notice that the floor is wet, or there may be a cable along a walkway. Sometimes stepping off a kerb wrong is enough to result in a fall.

Because an accidental fall can happen at any time, it is important to have a system in place to look out for your wellbeing. A personal alarm can help.

How to Choose a Personal Alarm

It is clear that falls are a recurring hazard for older people in the UK. As such, it is in your best interests to purchase a personal alarm. They allow you to call for help if you have a fall. Help can be sent to you so that you do not get stuck on the floor for hours.

However, there are so many options out there that it can be hard to choose the right personal alarm for you. That’s where Careline Compare comes in. We have compiled a list of the nation’s top providers. To find the best service for you, check out the compare page. If you need some extra help choosing a personal alarm, read our guide on How to Choose a Personal Alarm.

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Personal Alarms Can Keep You Safe in Winter

benches in winter

Personal Alarms Can Keep You Safe in Winter

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Winter can be a troubling time for many of us. It can especially affect older people, who may struggle with their health or heating bills. Therefore, many elderly adults in the UK will want some extra reassurance this time of year. With that in mind, here are some benefits of using personal alarms in winter and how they can keep you safe.

Winter Risks

Cold weather can be problematic for many older people. Dropping temperatures can lead to health problems such as cold or flu, and adverse weather conditions can make it hard for you to get down to the shops. Icy paths also increase the risk of falls whilst out of the house. Many elderly people also find themselves increasingly isolated during the winter months, as it is harder for friends and family to travel.

Heating costs can also be a worry, and whilst there are government schemes in place many elderly people still go without adequate heating. Personal alarms in winter won’t keep you warm, unfortunately, so make sure to wrap yourself up in plenty of layers and keep the heating on as much as possible.

The Benefits of Personal Alarms in Winter

Though a personal alarm is no substitute for a good heater and a woolly jumper, purchasing one can provide additional support during the winter months. It is comforting to know that help is at hand if you feel unwell or have a fall.

Peace of Mind

Worries during winter may result in heightened anxiety, which can interfere with sleep and eating habits – both of which are important when it gets colder. Owners of personal alarms in winter will benefit from additional peace of mind, knowing that if anything happens, you can easily call for help.

24/7 Service

Telecare companies look after you or your loved ones 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In winter, particularly, this is a great comfort. Nights are long and cold, and you are more likely to have a fall when it is dark. If you are too cold, you may also feel weaker. You want to know that your alarm service can always provide support. This is especially true if you are spending Christmas alone. It is reassuring to know that you are still in safe hands.

Choosing a Personal Alarm

Your wellbeing is especially important this time of year, and you want to ensure you are getting the best possible protection. If you are looking at personal alarms in winter, then it is important you can get a good deal. Fortunately, that is what this website is all about.

Check out my blog post on how to choose a personal alarm, and then use the compare page to identify which service seems best for you. You can also find more information on the different providers to ensure you are making the right choice.

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How Personal Alarms Help the NHS

nhs ambulance

How Personal Alarms Help the NHS

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It is no secret that the NHS is under strain. An already underfunded system has faced almost two years of added pressure from the pandemic, and its services are more in need than ever before. This problem is compounded by the increasing size of the elderly population, who are statistically more likely to be admitted to hospital. Fortunately, personal alarms can help the NHS.

NHS Crisis

A&E patients across the UK are facing record-breaking wait times, with some people waiting as long as 12 hours to be treated. This comes as a result of huge backlogs caused by Covid-19, as well as delays in the provision of care for many patients.

This is especially troubling for elderly people, many of whom are being kept in hospital because they lack organised care at home. Known as bed-blocking, it has been a growing problem in recent years. Research has highlighted that a lack of home care plans are a major contributor.

Personal Alarms Help the NHS

Many ageing adults opt to purchase personal alarms after a hospital visit. This may be due to a fall or other health problem. By choosing to install a personal alarm, you are connecting yourself to a trusted care service who can support you in case of an emergency. In most cases, a simply push of a button puts you in touch with a remote team who can arrange help.

Personal alarms count as a home care provision, meaning patients with these systems in place are more likely to be released from hospital, preventing the extension of the bed-blocking crisis. This, in turn, relieves strain on the NHS, allowing them to provide their deeply appreciated services to those in need.

Does the NHS Pay for Personal Alarms?

Unfortunately, in the face of national cuts to certain funding, personal alarms are not provided by the NHS or by most local authorities. If you are eligible for certain benefits, this money can be put towards a personal alarm, and certain health conditions may exempt you from paying VAT. The most important thing is to find an affordable but reliable personal alarm service.

Choosing a Personal Alarm

Finding an affordable and reliable personal alarm is why Careline Compare exists. By checking out the Providers page you can find a helpful summary of the country’s leading telecare companies. You can also find links to their websites for further information about each service.

Because you need to make the best choice possible, the Compare page shows exactly what you get from each service and at what price, making your decision that little bit easier. You can also see their Trustpilot ratings. All this comes together to help you choose a company you can trust.

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Why Choose a Personal Alarm?

elderly couple choosing a personal alarm

Why Choose a Personal Alarm?

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It’s not unusual to let pride get in the way of our own wellbeing. We don’t like to admit that we’re not as strong as we used to be and asking for help can feel like an admission of weakness. Many of us may worry that our struggles will lead to a loss of independence. Fortunately, a careline alarm can offer extra support without having to change your lifestyle. Today I will provide a few examples of why you should choose a personal alarm.

Peace of Mind for You

Sometimes it can help just to know you’re in safe hands should something happen. Accidents happen to everyone. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), approximately 6,000 deaths a year are caused by accidents in the home.

When you choose a personal alarm, it means you will be able to receive help even if you have had a fall and cannot get to the phone. Many careline services also provide fall detectors, which will automatically alert your telecare team in an emergency.

For more information on fall detector alarms, read more here.

Peace of Mind for Your Family

Our families try to be there for us as much as they can, but this is not always possible. When they cannot be there for you, they may find themselves worrying about your welfare. Opting to install a careline alarm will put their minds at ease, knowing that you are in safe hands.

Most telecare customers choose family members as their emergency contacts, which also means they will be informed if you have an accident. This will help them to be there for you when you need them.

Even if you don’t think you need a personal alarm, choosing to have one may help to assuage your loved ones’ fears.

Affordable

A quick glimpse at the Compare page will show that telecare services are available at reasonable monthly fees. Most will cost you less than £15 a month. This is a small price to pay for extra safety at home.

If you have a long-term health condition, you may also be eligible for VAT exemption on careline products. This means you will be making a saving on your potentially lifesaving device.

Which Personal Alarm Should You Choose?

Careline Compare is dedicated to helping you choose a personal alarm that meets your needs. That is why the best telecare companies are all listed on the Providers page, making it easy for you to get a quick summary of their merits and to visit their websites.

Their services are all neatly laid out on the Compare page, so you know exactly what you’re getting from each company. You can also see their Trustpilot ratings; don’t forget to check out the reviews to ensure you’re choosing a company you can trust.

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Best Personal Alarms for Dementia Patients

an elderly man looking out a window

Best Personal Alarms for Dementia Patients

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Personal alarms are ideal for helping to keep your loved ones safe. If they are in danger or need help, they can simply press the button and get the help they need. Sometimes, though, our loved ones have extra needs that can make life more challenging. This is particularly true if they have been diagnosed with dementia.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a condition that is caused by deteriorating brain functions. It can cause memory loss, affect movement, and lead to language problems. More than 920,000 people in the UK are living with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. Dementia patients can undergo changes in personality and lose interest in their usual hobbies. They may also cease to engage with people socially.

Sometimes a person with dementia can become very confused. They may think they need to go to work even though they have been retired for years. If they walk to the shops, they may forget the way home. They can also become distressed at home.

Benefits of Personal Alarms for Dementia Patients

People with dementia often struggle at home. They might get confused or become distressed when they forget something. A personal alarm can help dementia patients remain independent. If they are particularly distressed, they can press the button on their alarm, and a friendly voice at the other end will provide support.

If your loved one needs help, the monitoring teams can alert you and ask you to attend. Monitoring teams can also call the emergency services if the patient is injured.

GPS Alarms

The best personal alarms for dementia patients come fitted with GPS locators. If they leave the house and cannot find their way back or have left without informing anyone where they are going, the alarm can be used to find them.

Most personal alarm services come with a pendant device. This is the device your loved one presses when they are in trouble. Provided they are wearing this when they leave the house, a call to your alarm provider may be all it takes to find them. The GPS locator will be active even if the button has not been pressed.

This could make all the difference when you are trying to find your loved one.

Choosing a Personal Alarm

There are many alarm services to choose from, and as such you want to make sure you are making the right choice. The Compare page provides details on alarms from eight of the best services across the country – including whether they come with a GPS option.

You may also want to look at my article on fall alarms to further inform your choices. Finally, take a look at the Providers page for some details on the companies and links to their webpages. Many of them have blogs of their own giving advice on caring for your loved ones and certain medical conditions.

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Telecare Services Association: What is It and Why is it Important?

the telecare services association logo

Telecare Services Association: What is It and Why is it Important?

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When looking for the right careline service, it’s important that you know you are getting the best possible product. None of us want to put our trust in a subpar product, especially when it’s our loved ones’ lives on the line. Fortunately, the Telecare Services Association (TSA) exists to ensure careline services adhere to quality guidance.

What is the TSA?

The Telecare Services Association is the industry and standards body for careline services in the UK. They set rules for companies to follow, and these rules ensure that customers receive the best quality of telehealth care.

Their role is not only to hold companies to account, however. The TSA also promote the benefits of careline services to the public. Therefore it is safe to say that they are invested in supporting companies and customers alike. As such, you know you can trust them to only back the best businesses.

What is Accreditation?

For a company to be accredited by the TSA, they must adhere to a set of guidelines. These guidelines include:

  • To treat suppliers, partners, customers and employees properly, and without discrimination.
  • To deliver legally compliant products and services.
  • To compete fairly by promoting products and services in a fair, honest and balanced way, and not presenting competitors in an unfair light.
  • To handle complaints promptly and courteously.
  • To adopt environmentally sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint.
  • On cessation of membership to immediately remove all references to TSA membership from websites, literature etc.

Companies that breach this guidance can be stripped of their accreditation.

Why is it Important?

Companies accredited by the TSA are held to the highest possible standards. Therefore you know that the service you choose is guaranteed to look out for you.

TSA Accreditation is a great way of choosing the most trustworthy product. Whilst reviews can give you some idea of which is the best service, accreditation guarantees quality. Because of this, you will know that the people on the other end of the careline alarm are looking out for you or your loved one. Furthermore, you will know that they are an honest company who always puts the customer first.

Choosing a Careline Service

I have made sure to include whether a service is TSA Accredited on the Compare page. By doing this, I hope I have made it easier for you to choose the best possible product. If you want to learn a little more about all the companies, be sure to look at the Providers. You can also find links to all their webpages on this page.

Hopefully you will find the best deal for you or your loved ones.