Before you buy, consider the points listed below:
- Standard mobile phones are a good way of contacting family or friends, and numbers can be stored to make dialling easier in an emergency. Some phones have an SOS button which calls a specific responder of your choice. Some phones have the option of setting up speed dial numbers to enable one button dialling. There are simple mobile phones with programmable photo, braille, or texture buttons to make calling easier. Some smartphones have integrated GPS tracking so they can be located, or an app can be downloaded for this function.
- If you struggle with phones, there are portable alarms which enable you to press a button to send an alert. The alert may go to either family and friends, or a call support centre depending on the device and your choice. Call centres can not provide responders, but, when alerted they will contact your nominated responders for you. Many alarms allow t-way communication between the user and responder.
- Some alarms have inbuilt falls detectors so that should you have a heavy fall and be unable to raise the alarm yourself, an alert will be sent automatically. Detectors are triggered by a set of variables such as sudden change of altitude, rapid downward movement, or impact. The alarm is therefore only triggered if a fall happens in a particular way, so there is a risk that not all falls will be detected.
- Many alarms include a tracking device to enable your responder to locate your whereabouts in an emergency. These devices send an alert to your responder’s mobile phone with a map location reference. This can be viewed on a Smart phone, or by logging in to the specific tracker website.
- Alarms and tracking devices rely on GPS and mobile phone signals so it is important to be aware that they may be less effective in areas with a weak phone signal. Most have integral batteries which need regular charging.
- After the initial purchase, most alarms operate on a ‘pay as you go’ or mobile phone contract arrangement, with carers charged local text rate every time they make contact with the device. Where alarms are monitored via a call centre, there will be an additional subscription fee for monitoring the device as well as individual call charges after the initial purchase and set up fees.
- If you are worried that you may get lost, it can be useful to identify local routes with familiar landmarks in a safe range from home. You could also carry an I.C.E. (in case of emergency) card. This feature can also be set up on many mobile phones. People with dementia can get a ‘Dementia Assistance Card’ with address and contact details in case they get lost.
- If you are concerned that you may get lost in unfamiliar areas, some trackers can be set up to send an alert and map reference to your responder when you venture beyond your specified ‘safe’ local area. You may see this referred to as Geo-fencing. If you think you might forget to take a tracker with you, there are some which attach like a key fob to your keys, a bag, or coat to ensure you take it with you when going out. Insole trackers or clips to discreetly attach to clothing are also available.