View all services for the public
Frequently asked questions - safety devices, monitoring services and alarm systems
- My father lives alone and is registered disabled. I am worried that he might fall and be unable to summon help. Could you tell me about the alarm systems that can summon help in an emergency?
- I am worried about my elderly relative who is becoming more and more forgetful. She cooks with gas and I am worried about her leaving the gas on.
My father lives alone and is registered disabled. I am worried that he might fall and be unable to summon help. Could you tell me about the alarm systems that can summon help in an emergency?
The Disabled Living Foundation has published a factsheet giving an overview of the alarm systems available.
For someone living alone who does not have local neighbours and friends that can be relied on to be there to help, an alarm system that uses the telephone network is usually the preferred option. There are two styles of telephone alarm. The first dials through a series of pre-programmed numbers (of relatives or friends, for example) and transmits a recorded message alerting the call recipient that help is required. If the telephone is not answered then the phone will automatically go on to dial the next and subsequent numbers. You must be sure that someone will be able to answer at least one of the pre-programmed numbers and that no one will be using an answer-phone or voice mail. Some of these systems can have the last programmed number specified as that of a monitoring service as a safeguard.
The second system dials through to a monitoring service that is staffed day and night. The call station staff are able to communicate with the person at home, give reassurance and contact relatives or friends on his/her behalf or, in a medical emergency, phone for an ambulance.
Before buying an alarm privately first check whether your local council
has a community alarm scheme that you can link to. Most areas run one
for older or disabled people who are vulnerable in some way. Make enquiries
with your Social Services department, which will be based at local council
offices. If you need to pursue other routes, the next port of call is
Help the Aged who give advice on community alarm schemes. Their address
is:
Help the Aged
207 -221 Pentonville Road
London N1 9UZ
Tel: (020) 7278 1114
Fax: (020) 7239 1116
Minicom:
(0800) 269626 Helpline: (0808) 800 6565
Web site: www.helptheaged.org.uk
If you need contact details of companies providing the various systems, please contact our Helpline on 0845 130 9177 or email an advisor with your request.
I am worried about my elderly relative who is becoming more and more forgetful. She cooks with gas and I am worried about her leaving the gas on.
There are gas alarms that are triggered when they detect natural gas in the air. When activated, a loud noise is emitted. Some can also be programmed to automatically turn off the gas supply. If your relative does not live alone, but spends time during the week at home on her own, you could also consider contacting her gas company and asking them to fit an isolator switch to temporarily turn off the gas supply to the cooker whilst your relative is alone in the house.
Back to top
