How Personal Alarms Help Elderly Australians Live Independently at Home

Ageing is a natural process for us all, but as our bodies and minds grow older certain aspects of life can become more difficult.

Everybody wants to keep their independence, but sometimes living alone as a senior can be challenging when you have to negotiate new health issues related to age, such as hearing or vision loss, balance issues which can lead to falls, and pain or discomfort from musculoskeletal concerns like osteoarthritis and joint inflammation.

Living alone can become daunting when you have to face these challenges alone, and social isolation and loneliness can become a major problem too. This can lead to serious mental and physical health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, depression and cognitive decline.

The good news is that a personal alarm can help the elderly to overcome a lot of these issues, and it will also give their family and loved ones peace of mind, knowing that if anything should happen help is at hand.

Personal alarms can significantly enhance the independence of the elderly by providing a crucial link to help in case of any emergencies, and this reassurance can help to reduce anxiety and the fear of living alone.

Is There an Alarm System for the Elderly Living Alone?

Anybody can benefit from one of these alarms including children, those suffering from chronic health conditions and people with disabilities. Personal alarms are simply a device designed for rapid emergency assistance, and are usually a compact, wearable device that can be worn on the wrist or around the neck.

The alarm is activated by pressing a button that connects to a call centre if help is required. There are different types of alarms for the elderly living alone, and the system you choose will depend on the personal needs and current health condition of the person using it.

Home alarms are reliable and robust. They are usually waterproof so they can be used in the bath or shower, which is important as this is a high-risk area for falls with the elderly, and they are designed for use around the house and garden only. This type of alarm connects to a base unit within the home and will only provide coverage within a certain range of the base unit, so if the wearer goes out often it may be more useful to have a mobile alarm.

Mobile alarms work anywhere there is good cellular coverage, and they usually have a GPS system that will provide the location of the wearer in case of an emergency. They are ideal for active people who like to be out a lot, but will require charging every 24-48 hours, and their coverage can be affected by tall buildings and dense developments.

How Do I Get the Alarm for the Elderly Living Alone in Australia?

There are many different options and bundles available for various alarm systems, depending on the type of personal alarm you or a loved one requires.

Some of these can be cost effective, and some can work out quite expensive, but the good news is that there are also several government and state programs in Australia to help you get an alarm for the elderly living alone. These programs provide financial assistance for those in need to obtain essential safety devices like personal alarms.

• The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): This helps older Australians access entry-level support so they can live safely, and independently at home.

• The Home Care Package: This is designed for those with more complex care needs so that an affordable home care package can be arranged for the elderly in their own home.

• Personal Alert Assistance SA (PAASA): This program offers personal alarm systems and fundings for residents who are eligible and living in South Australia.

• Personal Alert Victoria (PAV): They provide emergency assistance and daily monitoring of those eligible residents living in the state of Victoria so that they can remain living independently in their own homes.

You can get personal alarms and basic monitoring systems online or on the high street, but remember the service provided, the quality of the system and the suitability will vary, as will the cost. It is always worth contacting your local council to see if you or your loved one are eligible for any funding or assistance.

Key Points Regarding Personal Alarms

• 24/7 Monitoring: You can rest assured that whether it’s night or day, assistance will be at hand.

• On The Go: A personal alarm in the form of elegant pendants or smart-looking watches can be worn discreetly and will work almost anywhere.

• Fall Detection: This feature determines sudden changes in motion that indicate a fall and will automatically trigger an alarm.

Personal alarms help keep your loved ones safe and independent and helps you feel calmer as a result. At SureSafe Alarms, part of the Bora Health group, we’re committed to providing this lifeline to everyone who needs it.