The Best Personal Alarms in Australia for 2025: Our Expert Picks for Seniors
A personal alarm is a device that is designed to help people that can quickly summon help in the case of an emergency. They’re designed particularly for those of an older age or with a disability, but they can be useful for just about anyone, including children or adults that live on their own.
Your personal alarm will be connected to a monitoring centre or designated contacts that you provide, so that you can receive assistance if you are unable to get it yourself.
A personal alarm provides reassurance not only for the user, but for their loved ones also, knowing that should an emergency arise or the unexpected occur, help will be readily available. They allow individuals to live more independently and provide a lifeline in situations such as medical emergencies, security concerns or should the user have an unexpected fall.
There are two basic types of personal alarms you can choose from: a pendant that is worn around the neck, or a smartwatch that is worn on your wrist.
Best Personal Alarm for Elderly People
When deciding on the most suitable personal alarm for you or a loved one it is important to take into consideration what the requirements of the alarm are, and the mental and physical condition of the user. Will the user be able to use the functions on a watch if they are suffering from dementia or have become very forgetful? Do they tend to wander and get lost?
Some alarms come with GPS built in and some will only activate an alarm within a certain distance in or around the home, so it is important to know if the wearer is out and about a lot. In some cases, people may require an in-home alarm to be set up too, which is connected to a landline and can include features like automatic fall detection. This can be a particularly useful type of alarm for the elderly getting out of bed as this can be a high-risk time to have a fall.
The best personal alarm watch for elderly people will depend on the user; if they are used to wearing a smartwatch or using a touchscreen then it won’t be too much of a problem to learn to use the new device, but if they have never used a touchscreen before it may take a long time to learn.
The same thing applies for those suffering with arthritis or sight problems, having a small touchscreen worn on the wrist may be difficult to navigate, especially in an emergency.
Advantages of an Elderly Alarm Linked to a Mobile Phone
Not everyone is connected to a telephone landline. Some people choose only to use a mobile phone today, so it is important to check whether the monitored alarm system requires the user to be connected to a phone line or not.
Some alarm systems run off the mobile phone network, so in the event of an emergency the user presses the button on the device and will be connected to a response centre via the mobile network. They will be able to speak to a person who can assess what kind of help is needed. This can be a vital feature on an alarm for those who can’t get to a phone very easily.
Understanding Your Personal Alarm Features
When choosing the most suitable alarm be aware of its key features:
- GPS Location: As long as the user is carrying the device their location can be tracked, however, be aware that certain geographical features like tall buildings or dense developments can interfere with coordinates.
- Geo Fencing: For those that wander a ‘virtual fence’ can be set up that surrounds their known areas. Once they exit their virtual fence an alert will be sent to a contact.
- Non-Movement Alarm: If the device doesn’t detect movement after a specific amount of time a contact will be alerted.
- Contacts: Make sure your system allows you to add multiple contacts. The more contacts you have the better, as the alarm will automatically go through the list until somebody answers.
- Battery Life and Charging: Ensure the battery life is at least 24 hours and has an easy charging system like a charging dock or magnetic connector.
If you are looking for safety features for females, then the best personal alarm for women will combine a loud siren and a strobe light for visibility. It should be easy to activate quickly, like having a pull-out ring, but make sure the activation is difficult to trigger accidentally.
SureSafe Personal Alarm for Elderly People
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to personal alarms, so read reviews and go with reputable companies like us who offer SureSafe personal alarms for the elderly. Our alarms are known for their reliability, ease of use and comprehensive features.
