Emergency Care Technology
Understanding Emergency Care Technology
The NHS says, “Technology and devices can help you stay safe and independent at home.” While this is true, it’s important that you know how to use them properly, as otherwise, you will not get the benefits and reassurance that they’re intended to provide. Many concerned family members insist that their vulnerable loved ones have alarms and devices installed but then don’t check that their family member understands how to use them, or that the device is flexible enough to adapt to their changing needs. This renders the service almost useless and not fit for the purpose it was intended.
Another form of reassurance is having a Helping Hands carer there when you need them. They’ll remind you how to use emergency devices or be there to respond to a crisis, which is additional reassurance for you and your loved ones. We offer support tailored to you that is available on both a visiting and live-in care basis.
Examples of Emergency Care Technology
Basic alarms
Basic alarms work by sounding loudly if you need help and press the button. They’re designed to alert those nearby that you need assistance.
Pros – They’re cheap and easy to set up
Cons – Only people nearby will be able to know you need help
Pendant alarms
Pendant alarms connect you with an emergency response centre if you need help. Depending on the service you choose, they can monitor everything from scam callers to having a fall.
Pros – 24/7 monitoring, giving peace of mind to you and your loved ones
Cons – Can be expensive and may not be affordable for everyone
Fall detectors
As we age, the risk of falling increases, as does the potential for serious injury or even death from a fall. Detectors sense downward motion and alert someone that you need help.
Pros – You know help is on its way if you fall in range of the sensor
Cons – May incur monthly fees and costly set up charges
Lifeline
Local authority or community alarm systems are often referred to as Lifeline. They work in the same way as private alarm schemes.
Pros – The local authority may subsidise some or all of the costs
Cons – Will still usually incur a subscription or other fees
GPS tracking
GPS trackers have no restriction as to their service range, unlike traditional pendant alarms that may only operate within a person’s home.
Pros – No limit to location; users can be supported anywhere in the world
Cons – Service does incur subscription fees which may be costly for some
Key safes
If you’re unable to get to the door for any reason, a key safe allows selected individuals who have the code to enter your home and assist you.
Pros – No monthly fees or subscription charges
Cons – No way to contact someone if you require urgent assistance
Why Use Technology for Emergency Care?
Using emergency care technology means that you and your loved ones get additional reassurance that there will be help at home if you need it. Living independently is incredibly important to many older and vulnerable people, and having additional technology in the home may make the difference between you being able to continue living in the home you love or considering residential care. Of course, having a Helping Hands carer living with you or calling in regularly also offers a superb way for you and your family to know you’re fully supported with every aspect of your daily routine. It complements other services while keeping you living where you want to be.
What Effective Emergency Care Technology Looks Like
You say technology to many people and it immediately makes them panic that they’ll be asked to use a system they’re not comfortable with. However, technology shouldn’t be seen as something that is designed to annoy and confuse us, rather we should embrace additional help that can keep us safe and utilise it to our own advantage. If you are keen to have a monitoring service or alarm system fitted in your home but you’re unsure where to start, you should ask loved ones for advice or contact your local authority to see how they can help.
Choosing the Right Technology for Emergency Care
Another reason why it’s a good idea to have someone else supporting you with your emergency care technology purchase is that you may become overwhelmed with “patter” from salespeople, and they may convince you to sign up for something that is ultimately not the best choice for you. However, by talking it over with family or friends, having them available to go through the different services with you, or contacting your local authority’s adult social care department, you can find out your options and what would work for you.
How can Helping Hands Help?
Because Helping Hands has been supporting people to remain living in their own homes since we were established in 1989, we really are the UK’s home care experts, trusted by people across England and Wales to deliver exceptional care. Whether you need someone to do some housework and laundry for you once or twice a week, would like someone to come in every day for essential companionship, or even live in around the clock, we’ll tailor your support to fit your routine.
Fully regulated by the CQC/CIW
Our visiting and live-in care is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and the Care Inspectorate Wales, meaning that our care and support can be trusted to always be of the very highest standards. Many care companies and agencies are not regulated, which means you cannot be sure of their credentials, the care you’ll receive, or whether their carers are fully screened. Our carers are fully screened through the DBS, and we check their references carefully before they’re able to come into your home. We employ all of our carers directly too, meaning they get all the benefits of UK employment law, rather than leaving them to fend for themselves.