Careline alarm technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Traditionally, alarm users would have to press a button on their personal alarm or pendant if they wanted to call for help. However, modern technology is making it even easier for Careline alarm providers to keep their clients safe. Fall detector alarms are a perfect example.

What is a Fall Detector Alarm?

A fall detector usually contains a built-in height sensor (also known as an altimeter). The device will be programmed to the wearer’s height; if it detects a sudden drop in altitude, it will raise the alarm automatically and contact the alarm monitoring centre. This means there is no need for the user to press the alarm button. Therefore, fall detector alarms are perfect for people who may be prone to fainting or seizures, those who may not remember to press the button after a fall, or who have limited dexterity.

Let’s take a look at the best fall detector alarms for elderly people in the UK. I’ll compare price plans from the UK’s leading personal alarm providers to help you get the best deal possible. The technology of a fall detector is pretty advanced, so naturally these alarms are a little more expensive than standard Careline alarms.  However,  in my opinion, the extra peace of mind is well worth the extra cost. All prices given below do not take into account VAT, as many telecare alarm users are exempt.

1. Careline365 – Vibby Fall Detector

Annual plan: £184 per year (plus £40 set-up fee)

The Vibby Fall Detector is made by leading UK manufacturers Tunstall, making it compatible with a wide range of Tunstall alarm systems. It’s my number one fall detector alarm for several reasons:

Firstly, it has all the standard features you would expect in a fall alarm: automatic fall detection, a button to raise the alarm manually, and waterproof certification. There are a few extra features that really make it stand out. Most careline alarms rely on small LED lights to confirm that the alarm has been activated. The Vibby makes use of these LEDs too, but the pendant also vibrates upon a successful activation. This makes it ideal for anyone who is visually impaired and may struggle to see a tiny light flashing. What’s more, cancelling a false alarm is easy with Tunstall’s Vibby Fall Detector; the user simply needs to stand up within 20 seconds or cover the face of the device with their hand.

Careline365 provides the Vibby alongside the Lifeline Vi Alarm unit. I chose Careline365 as their annual plan offers the best value I could find – coming in at around 50p per day.  The plan comes with a 24/7 monitoring service and a neck wearing attachment.

More info: go to the Careline365 website.

2. Lifeline24 – Vibby Fall Detector

Annual plan: £189 per year (plus £35 set-up fee)

The Vibby makes another appearance in this Top 5 list,  this time from Norwich-based telecare providers Lifeline24. It’s ever so slightly pricier than Careline365, but the set-up fee is cheaper by the exact same amount, so you’ll end up with an initial payment of £224 either way.

Lifeline24 is a member of the Telecare Services Authority (TSA). This accreditation means that Lifeline24 complies with the TSA’s high standards of service such as acting with integrity and handling complaints promptly and courteously.

With this Fall Detector alarm plan, you’ll receive the Vibby Fall Detector with a wrist strap, the Lifeline Vi Alarm unit, and 24/7 monitoring for 12 months. Lifeline24 also offers a wide range of personal alarm accessories such as alarm-linked smoke detectors.

More info: go to the Lifeline24 website.

3. Telecare24 – Vibby Fall Detector

Annual Plan: £190 per year (plus £45 set-up fee)

Another appearance for Tunstall’s Vibby Fall Detector – but in this case, it comes with the Novo Careline Alarm base unit. There aren’t many significant differences in the two base units we’ve seen so far. They both connect to the user’s landline socket in order to call the monitoring team. Telecare24 promises to answer alarm calls in under 9 seconds and is recommended by televisions Dr Hilary Jones, which may appeal to some potential shoppers.

The fall alarm plan from Telecare24 is a little pricier than the ones we have looked at so far, with a higher annual fee and a higher set-up fee than both Careline365 and Lifeline24. They’ve also received TSA accreditation. What may clinch it for some is the ability to add a second fall detector (either as a spare or for someone else living at the same address) for £95, slightly cheaper than the other careline alarm providers at number 1 and 2 on this list. You’ll receive the fall detector pendant and your choice of either a wristband or a neck cord, as well as the base unit and 24-hour monitoring service.

More info: go to the Telecare24 website.

4. SureSafe – iVi Fall Detector

Monthly Plan: £14.99 per month (plus £124.95 initial payment)

SureSafe’s Fall Alert alarm comes in at number four, keeping the Vibby from a clean sweep of this Top 5 list. The iVi Fall Detector, also manufactured by Tunstall, is a similarly intelligent device. Naturally, it contains a sensor that can detect when the wearer takes a fall, as well as a help button for raising the alarm manually.

Instead of vibrating to confirm that the alarm has been activated, the iVi will play an ascending tone, alongside the traditional LED flashing lights. It also features a second button, which users can press to cancel a false alarm. The cancel button is much smaller than the main button to minimise accidental cancellation. Like the Vibby, the iVi Fall Detector is also certified water resistant.

I’ve included it here as it’s one of the only monthly plans I’ve come across. While you’ll get better value by paying annually, some people may simply prefer to pay in smaller instalments. With this fall alarm plan, you’ll receive the fall detector pendant, SureSafe alarm base unit, neck cord attachment. You can select 24-hour monitoring during the ordering process.

More info: go to the SureSafe website.

5. Carelink24 – Vibby Fall Detector

Weekly Plan: £4.50 per week (plus £82.70 initial payment)

And we’re back with the Vibby Fall Detector once again. By now you know the features and benefits of this particular alarm, so I won’t bore you with the details again. However, what’s unique about Carelink24 as a telecare alarm provider is the weekly plan they offer. This gives you much greater flexibility than paying annually for a 12 month contract each time.

You’ll be billed quarterly with the ability to cancel anytime. If you’re looking for the cheapest initial payment on your fall detector alarm, Carelink24 is the place to go.

With this personal alarm plan, you’ll receive the Vibby Fall Detector with a wrist strap, the Lifeline Vi alarm base unit. You’ll also receive a 24/7 monitoring service.

More info: go to the Carelink24 website.

Compare Careline Alarm Providers

And there you have it – my top five fall detector alarms. Click here to compare more careline alarms and providers.

Choosing a personal alarm can be a daunting prospect. It is hard to figure out which is the right one for you or your loved one. Luckily, I have some experience with this. Today I will be sharing my wisdom on how to pick the best personal alarm that meets all your needs.

Without further ado, here are my top five factors to consider before you buy a careline alarm:

1. Price

You get what you pay for, so the old saying goes. This is true when it comes to personal alarms too. However, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. It is easy enough to compare prices from one provider to the next and many will offer better rates for a longer subscription. You’ll generally have the choice to pay annually or monthly, with some providers offering weekly or quarterly billing. Some even offer lifetime plans, which usually offer the best value but also the biggest commitment. Make sure you shop around for your telecare alarm, just like you would before buying a new television or a car.

2. Style

It may seem trivial, but feeling confident in your alarm is the first step to making sure it gets used as it should. No one wants to feel as if they are wearing a piece of medical equipment. Fortunately, there are many personal alarms out there that are designed to blend in. Many lifeline alarm pendants these days look like smartwatches or simple jewellery. Others can be worn as brooches or attached to a belt. For anyone who is concerned about feeling self-conscious, the majority of personal alarm pendants are compact enough to conceal under your clothing. Equally, for  those who want a pop of colour in their telecare alarm, many providers offer wrist straps and alarm covers in a range of vibrant colours.

3. GPS Location

Next, it’s important to consider whether the user will need a GPS-enabled alarm. Traditional careline alarms are dependent on a landline connection, so they’ll only work within a certain range of the base unit in the home. Nowadays, GPS technology is everywhere, including inside many personal alarms. If the user wants to maintain an active, independent lifestyle, going off to the shops or to visit friends by themselves, for example, a GPS alarm is an excellent choice. Conversely, if the user doesn’t tend to leave the house unaccompanied, a flashy GPS device may not be worth the extra expense.

4. Fall Detection

This is another important feature to consider. Like a GPS locator, this extra technology will bump up the cost of your telecare alarm somewhat, but for many personal alarm users, it’s absolutely essential. A fall detector alarm contains a built-in sensor which can detect a sudden drop and raise the alarm automatically. This is ideal for anyone who has a history of fainting or seizures as they may not be able to press a button to call for help in the event of a fall. Similarly, fall detectors are very useful for people with dementia who may not remember to press their button when they need assistance.

5. Ease of Use

Last but by no means least, usability is probably the most important factor to consider on this list. While most personal alarms will be designed with ease of use in mind, there will be differing levels of accessibility. In an emergency, the user needs to be able to activate their alarm easily and without effort, in case they are injured. There are plenty of alarms with easy-to-use buttons. Many careline alarm providers will also send you an easy-press adaptor upon request. This will fit over the existing alarm pendant to make the button easier to press for those with limited grip strength or dexterity.

Compare Careline Alarm Providers

That is my compiled list of how to buy a personal alarm. I hope it has provided much needed advice and security. I know a list like this would certainly have come in handy when my mother was selecting her personal alarm.

Click here to compare the UK’s leading telecare alarm providers and find the best deal for you.

Personal alarms for the elderly support thousands of people throughout the United Kingdom.  In fact, it’s currently estimated that there around 1.7 million personal alarm users in the UK.

The system uses monitoring and communication technology and continues to grow and improve. But, why are personal alarms so successful? Why are more and more people purchasing them for their home, or for a loved one?

Today, Careline Compare provided you with a comprehensive guide to personal alarms for the elderly. Discover why there is a need for them, about the equipment used, and the benefits of having one at home.

An Ageing Population

The United Kingdom has an ageing population, and it’s continuing to rise. The improvements in healthcare and medicine mean that people are now living longer.

According to figures released in December 2017, there are around 11.8 million people over the age of 65 in the UK. This figure is expected to rise by another 40% in the next 17 years. There are then further 1.6 million people over the age of 85.

Although healthcare is continuing to improve, the natural ageing process can still cause problems. Falls among the elderly becomes a real problem, as do unexpected and sudden health problems, such as arthritis and dementia.

It’s this issue and the fact that many elderly people live alone that’s the main cause for concern. If somebody falls at home and is unable to reach their telephone, it could be hours, or even days) before somebody visits to help them. This could potentially put their lives at risk.

32% of people live alone in the UK, that’s 32% of the population. Furthermore, 51% of people aged 75 and over live alone. These loneliness figures, and sudden health turns, also puts pressure on the NHS. Bed-blocking is a severe problem, where patients are unable to leave hospital after receiving treatment as they live alone and cannot afford or find suitable care.

This is where personal alarms for the elderly can help you, your family and the NHS.

Personal Alarms for the Elderly – The Idea

The idea behind the personal alarms for the elderly is to provide 24/7 care and support in your home, but with minimal intrusion and no difficulty. The aim of the personal alarm industry is to help the elderly, and disabled, to continue living in their own home.

They hope that by have an alarm at home, you and your loved ones will not worry as much about the consequences of a fall or sudden medical concern. Instead, you’ll feel confident and safe in your home.

The theory behind the personal alarm is that you can find help quickly and easily – no matter what the situation is. If you fall, you simply push a button and a specialist team respond, assess and call for help on your behalf.

With more and more people having personal alarms, it’s also hoped that the pressure on the NHS will be reduced and that less people will be forced into moving into care homes – or into paying for home care.

The Alarm Equipment

The most common form of the personal alarm comes in two separate parts, both of which are designed to be as simple to understand as possible. Alongside the term personal alarm, some companies may also use the following phrases:

• Telecare Alarm.
• Careline Alarm.
• Personal Alarm Pendant.
• Help Button.

The first part of the personal alarm is the base unit. This box, which is often a similar size to an internet router, is plugged into the telephone line and your mains power. Your telephone would then be plugged into the back of the base unit, using an adaptor included inside the box by the manufacturer.

The base unit will have a help button for you to press in an emergency, as well as a cancel button for false alarms. Some models may also include a button which you can press to inform your supplier that you’re going away for a while – on holiday for example.

Alongside the base unit, personal alarm users will also receive a small pendant button. One of the best examples, and most common, is the MyAmie Pendant by Tunstall. This example includes all the latest in Telecare technology.

This button is worn either around the wrist or neck, whilst some models can be clipped onto your belt or shirt. The pendant is essentially a little help button which should be pressed in an emergency.

Wearing a pendant means that you can call for help no matter where you are in your home, or garden.  The MyAmie Pendant, used by most providers, is waterproof. This means that the wearer can keep their pendant on in the bathroom – where the risk of a fall may increase.

The pendant button is a great device as it gives the power to you. You’re able to choose how you wear it, so that you’re always as comfortable as possible. It’s easy to hide too – simply tuck it under your sleeve your down your top.

In an Emergency 

So, how exactly do personal alarms for the elderly work? Let Careline Compare provide an example situation to help explain.

Last year my elderly mother, who lives by herself, suffered from a fall in her kitchen. Fortunately, she has a personal alarm in her home – following some persuasion from myself and our family.

After she fell, my mother pressed the button on her pendant. She wears it around her wrist, so she was able to reach and press it quite easily.

Once she pressed her pendant, an alert call was made to her personal alarm provider’s monitoring team. They responded almost instantly and talked to her over her alarm’s base unit. She informed me afterwards that they had asked her exactly what had happened and what her injuries were, as well as trying their best to reassure her.

I then received a phone call from the monitoring team. A friendly lady phoned me and informed me that my mother had suffered a fall and needed my assistance. As her injuries were severe, the lady told me that she had also phoned the emergency services and that an ambulance was on its way.

The paramedics and I arrived on the scene and my mother was taken to hospital. She had broken her arm and was badly bruised, but she had received the help she needed quickly, and was now on the road to recovery.

Without the personal alarm I wouldn’t have known that anything had happened. If she wasn’t able to reach her phone, it’s possible that she’d have been on the floor until me or a sibling went to visit.

Fall Detector 

Some personal alarm providers will give the option of a fall detector upgrade. This device works in the same way as the standard pendant does but has one major difference which adds even more protection.

The fall detector automatically detects when you’ve suffered from a fall and will send an alert call through to your provider’s monitoring centre. There is no need for you to press anything.

The two most popular examples of the Fall Detector are the iVi Detector and the Vibby Pendant – both manufactured by Tunstall. The iVi is worn around the neck, whilst the new Vibby can be worn around the wrist or neck.

Both examples include a regular help button, which can be pressed if you need help for any other reason.

Some providers also offer smoke detectors, which can also be linked through to their monitoring centre. Should the detectors be set-off, an alert message is raised just like it would if somebody pushed their pendant

Personal Alarm Add-Ons

Alongside personal alarms for the elderly, some Telecare providers also offer other useful equipment such as Key Safes and smoke detectors.

Key Safes are fantastic as they not only work well with the personal alarm, but they also add extra security to your home. They’re attached to the exterior wall of your home and are used to lock spare keys away behind a secure metal door.

You then set your own combination code, which can be shared with your family. You should also provide your personal alarm provider with this code as it could come in handy in an emergency.

Let’s say, for example, that when my mother fell last year the paramedics had got to her home before me, but her door was locked. If she didn’t have a key safe, or even if she did but she hadn’t shared the code, the paramedics would have had to wait for me to arrive. Either that, or they may have had to use force if her injuries were life-threatening.

With a Key Safe and the code, the paramedics would be able to gain entry and begin treatment. The time saved here could be life-saving.

Careline Compare

I’m forever grateful that personal alarms for the elderly exist, and that the service works so well. That’s why I created Careline Compare – to help others to find the most reliable and most affordable provider of this Telecare equipment.

If you’re finding it difficult to choose which Careline provider to go with, then Careline Compare is here to help. My website collects the prices and packages from all the leading providers of Telecare equipment and compares them in one easy-to-use website.

I only show providers which are fit for purpose, with the majority being accredited by the industry body; the Telecare Services Association.

Find Peace of Mind

Peace of mind is a term I often see when reading reviews of the various personal alarm providers, and this is definitely true. Our family feels so much better now that we know my mother will always be able to find help.

Compare prices today and find peace of mind for you and your loved ones!