Most of us want to remain as independent as possible and to stay living in our own homes, even if we experience diffculties as the result of health problems or a disability. At the same time we want to know that we are safe, and can quickly call for help in an emergency.
If you are an older person and less mobile, or are over 18 and have a physical or learning disability, there are gadgets available that will allow you to quickly call for help in an emergency, particularly if you live on your own.
And the carers and relatives of people with dementia will be greatly reassured if they know that they can quietly keep an eye on the ones they love and ensure that they remain safe and well within their homes.
Modern technology means that there are now gadgets available to help provide this reassurance. These gadgets are often known as 'Telecare' or 'assistive technology'.
If you have suddenly become unwell at home, or have had a fall or accident and can't get up, it's reassuring to know that, by simply pressing a button on a pendant round your neck or wrist, help will quickly arrive. Many people may already be familiar with these types of 'lifeline alarms'.
Depending on your circumstances there are also other gadgets available which can be used to help keep you safe or to summon assistance in an emergency.
Some gadgets have been designed especially for people with dementia. These gadgets can allow you to stay living safely in the privacy of your own home, whilst relatives or others can keep a regular eye on you and ensure that you do not come to any harm.
All the gadgets work in a similar way - an alarm alerts a central team who will check that you are alright or (if you have requested it) contact named relatives or friends to check that you are okay. Either the central team or your named friend / relative will hold a key for your property so that they can come and help you if you trigger the alarm and are having problems.
The alarm is usually sent using your telephone landline. In some cases the gadgets available can now use mobile phone / SIM technology.
Many people find that a Telecare service gives them peace of mind and reassurance that help will arrive quickly if something goes wrong.
The types of equipment available include:
Depending on your situation your local council may be able to assist you to install an alarm or telecare equipment - see below for more details.
Equipment can also be bought directly from suppliers. There is usually a monthly service charge, as well as the initial cost of the equipment.
There are a number of websites which provide information on who may be able to help and what they provide.
People First cannot recommend individual websites but has provided links below to some of the websites out there. We try to check all these sites for content, but cannot guarantee the content or links in any way. No items have been tested by People First and all information is provided without legal responsibility.
Websites which you might find useful include:
Age UK also offer you the chance to buy their simple emergency alarm system.
Smart speakers can serve as effective emergency contact devices, providing a crucial layer of safety for users, especially vulnerable individuals such as older adults. These devices can be programmed to quickly connect with designated contacts through simple voice commands. This hands-free capability ensures that help is readily accessible even if the user is unable to physically reach a phone, offering peace of mind and potentially life-saving assistance in critical situations.
Amazon Echo Devices - Amazon Echo devices can make calls to other Echo devices without needing a phone connected. This is done through the Alexa app and the Alexa-to-Alexa calling feature.
Google Nest Devices - Google Nest devices can make calls to other Nest devices using Google Duo, which does not require a phone to be connected.
These smart speakers provide convenient ways to stay connected without the need for a phone to be directly involved in the calling process.
Apple HomePod - The HomePod devices can make calls to other HomePod devices, but relies on an iPhone's calling feature to initiate and manage calls as it routes the call through your iPhone.
If you or those around you are concerned about your safety when you are alone at home then you can consider installing a small, secure safe outside your home with a set of your keys in it. Anyone wanting to access the keys will need to know a code number; you can set the number, and can then give it only to people whom you know and trust.
This means that when you are in difficulty, and / or have triggered an alarm or the phone to call for help, someone will be able to gain access to your property.
Depending on the overall level of support that you need you may be eligible for a pendant alarm or other Telecare equipment following an assessment from your local council. Please be aware that not all councils provide all of the devices listed above.
If, following an assessment, you are not eligible for any support from your council, or would prefer to pay for an alarm or Telecare privately, you can still make private arrangements using the council's Telecare team:-
Tel: 020 7641 4065
Email: Scs-emergencyresponseeofficer@westminster.gov.uk
Telecare leaflet for Westminster residents* Not available, being updated
The Community Alarm Service (CAS) team
Tel: 020 7605 6509
Email: HM-Cas@rbkc.gov.uk
Telecare leaflet for Kensington and Chelsea residents* Not available, being updated
If you have problems remembering when to take your medication then go to our page on Taking Medication for tips on what support is available to you.
The Which website provides information on all aspects of Telecare / Assistive Technology, and advice on how to choose the best gadgets for you.
The Independent Age website provides a guide on Technology to help you at home.
The Alzheimers Society have produced a guide called Using technology to help with everyday life.
The Disability Living Foundation have also produced two factsheets called Personal alarm systems and telecare and Choosing equipment to help with memory and safety.