INTRODUCTION
Many people who live alone, or who are alone for long periods, choose to have an alarm system so that they can summon assistance should they require it.
There is a large choice of systems available, ranging from simple pull-cord alarms which activate a flashing light or bell outside the home through to autodialler alarms which dial, via a telephone, directly to a 24-hour monitoring station.
When selecting an alarm system, check that you can easily operate the activating switch. Also ensure that the person from whom you are summoning help will be able to get into your home to help you.
This Information Sheet provides information on the types of alarm systems available to help with specific difficulties, and details about the useful features of some of the more popular types of alarms.
For up-to-date information on specific products and suppliers in Ireland, visit the ‘Products and Suppliers’ section of the Assist Ireland online database (www.assistireland.ie). The information in this resource can also be accessed using the telephone support service on 0761 079 200 during office hours.
The information contained in this document is strictly for information purposes only. There are hazards with all equipment and the suitability of any solution is totally dependent on the individual. It is strongly recommended to seek professional advice and assistance before you consider buying any type of equipment mentioned in this Information Sheet.
HOW TO GET AN ALARM
The main ways to get a personal alarm are:
- from your local authority (if you live in a local authority sheltered housing scheme),
- directly from the manufacturer or supplier,
- through the Seniors Alert Scheme, a grant support from the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs that is administered by local community and voluntary groups
Local authority
Many local authorities run an alarm scheme within their own sheltered housing schemes. However, their rules as to who they will supply, how they run the service and their charges will differ. Contact your local authority’s housing departments to get details.
Manufacturers or commercial firms
Some of the alarm manufacturers sell or rent alarms directly to the public. You can get information on some products and suppliers in the Products Directory of the Assist Ireland website. Age Action Ireland (see Useful Addresses) will also supply the names and contact details of commercial suppliers (this does not imply there is any endorsement of the companies or services provided). All Irish suppliers provide their own monitoring service and charge an annual fee for the service.
Seniors Alert Scheme administered by community and voluntary groups
If you cannot pay for the installation of an alarm there is an annual grant available which covers the cost of buying and installing a monitored alarm system. This Scheme also provides funding for other safety and security equipment such as external security lighting, internal emergency lights, monitored smoke detectors and monitored carbon monoxide detectors.
To be eligible for this assistance you must be:
- aged 65 or over and have limited means or resources
- living alone or with someone who also meets the eligibility criteria
- living in the area covered by the community group administering the grant support
- able to benefit from the equipment being supplied
- willing to maintain contact with the community group
The grant is funded by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. The Department uses local groups such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul to administer the scheme within the community. You should contact either your local community Garda, or the Department directly (see Useful Addresses), to get the name of the group administering the scheme in your area.
The community group assesses your eligibility for the scheme, identifies suitable equipment, obtains quotes and then submits the application form and supporting documents to the Department.
(Note: The Scheme does not cover the annual monitoring fees or maintenance fees associated with these systems. In addition, the Scheme does not cover the cost of conventional intruder alarms.)
COSTS
The costs for the alarm system can be divided into once-only costs and on-going costs.
The once-only costs include:
- telephone line and socket (if you don't have one already),
- new style plug in telephone socket (if you don't have one already) or, if you have a new style socket, you may need an additional one for the alarm,
- alarm system, if you are buying the alarm outright.
On-going costs include:
- telephone line rental,
- telephone call costs, this will depend on how often you use the alarm system,
- control centre charges per year, if you choose to use one and if you have to pay for the service.
PRIVATE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT
Private purchase may be necessary if the user is not eligible to obtain the necessary equipment from the local area health services, local authority or qualify for a grant from the Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs. Some people may also choose to buy privately because they want the wider choice of equipment available on the private market.
FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO SUMMON HELP FROM A CARER OR NEIGHBOUR
PORTABLE ALARMS
Personal alarms, also sometimes called anti-mugging devices, can be used by a disabled person to attract the attention of a person who is nearby ie within earshot. There are two main types of alarms available:
- Battery powered alarms that emit a loud noise when the trigger is pulled out.
- Gas alarms that consist of a pressurised container that emits a loud noise when the cap is pressed.
Check that you are able to operate the alarm easily and that the carer/neighbour can hear the alarm from all positions ie garden, upstairs, garage etc.
They are widely available through many high street retailers and mail order companies.
Advantages: cheap and portable
Disadvantages: limited to summoning help from a person within hearing distance; batteries/cylinder needs changing.
ALARMS WITH A FIXED POSITION TRANSMITTER AND FIXED POSITION RECEIVER
These alarms usually have a fixed receiver in a prominent position such as outside the front of the house and/or with a neighbour. They are activated by fixed position transmitters, for example pull cords and push buttons, within the user's home. These alarms sound a bell or buzzer, and/or a flashing or non-flashing lights.
Multiple transmitters can be placed at strategic positions in the house. Systems that, once activated, automatically release the door lock will enable a helper to enter the house.
Advantages: cheap to install
Disadvantages: user must be within reach of the pull-cord or button; carer must be within hearing/visual distance of the receiver.
ALARMS WITH A PORTABLE TRANSMITTER AND A FIXED POSITION RECEIVER
These alarms comprise a portable, body-worn transmitting device that can be secured around the wrist or worn as a pendant around the neck. They are activated by a press button that alerts the carer via a receiver that can be located in another room or outside the front of the house. The emergency signal is usually a bell, buzzer, vibrating pad or flashing or non-flashing light.
Some transmitters have an inertia alarm built-in. This means that the alarm is automatically triggered if the user does not move for a pre-set period of time.
Systems with a receiver that plugs into a standard 13 amp plug socket have the advantage of being portable for holidays, visits to friends etc.
Advantages: user has alarm trigger to hand.
Disadvantages: limited range; carer must be within hearing/visual distance of the alarm.
ALARMS WITH A PORTABLE TRANSMITTER AND A PORTABLE RECEIVER
These alarms consist of a portable, body-worn transmitting device that can be secured around the wrist or worn as a pendant around the neck. They are activated by a press button that alerts the carer, who also has a portable, body-worn receiving device. The emergency signal is usually a buzzer or vibrating pad. These alarms are usually battery operated.
Unlike fixed position transmitters and receivers they eliminate the risk of a user being unable to reach the transmitter or the carer being unable to respond to the emergency signal because the receiver is out of sight or earshot. Since portable systems will only operate within a given range, the required range should always be established to ensure that the system will remain working, for example if the user is inside the house and the carer is out in the garden.
Some systems also detect when the user has had a fall and then automatically send a signal after a pre-set period of time.
Advantages: both the user and the carer carry the alarm components with them.
Disadvantages: batteries must be regularly checked and routinely changed; limited to use within a specified range.
EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMES
There are a large range of call systems available for residential and/or hospital use. They usually consist of a central control panel that is situated at the nursing/warden station and indicates from whom and from where the call has originated. Some systems enable the nurses/wardens to use a portable receiver as well so that if they are with another resident they are aware that another alarm call has been made.
Residents can call for assistance in a variety of ways including pull cords attached to the ceiling, pendant transmitters that are worn around the neck or fixed position wall units. Many companies will design a system to individual specifications.
Advantages: traditional and well-tested system for people in sheltered complexes who may need to summon help from time to time; some systems can be upgraded to provide portable transmitters in addition to fixed pull cords/push buttons.
Disadvantages: station may not always be staffed 24 hours a day.
FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO SUMMON HELP FROM FURTHER AFIELD
Autodial systems are useful for people who live alone or spend time alone and who do not have a friend, neighbour or relative nearby to help in an emergency. They are particularly useful for people with mobility difficulties who may be at risk of falling. Almost all alarms have a portable pendant transmitter that is worn around the user's neck, or on the wrist or waist.
AUTODIALLER ALARMS - DIRECT DIAL
When the transmitter is triggered it sends a radio signal to a table-top alarm unit situated in the user's home. The unit will automatically dial individual contacts such as a relative or friend. The unit is programmed with several numbers which it will dial in turn, until it receives a response. However, it must be remembered that these individuals are unlikely to be in 24 hours a day; and, if the emergency contact has an answer machine or voice mail, the message might be delivered but there may be nobody available to act immediately. Some systems have an option of dialling a 24-hour monitoring system if none of the contact people are available.
Advantages: enables the user to summon help from a familiar person who does not live in their immediate neighbourhood.
Disadvantages: cannot guarantee that someone will be in to receive emergency call.
AUTODIALLER ALARMS - MONITORING
Like the direct dial autodiallers these systems are useful for people who live alone and may need to summon emergency assistance. They are particularly useful for people with mobility difficulties who may be at risk of falling. They too have a portable pendant transmitter that is worn around the user's neck, or on the wrist or belt, with the option of alternative triggers.
The transmitter sends a radio signal to a table top alarm unit situated in the user's home which will trigger the unit to automatically dial through to a central monitoring station that is staffed 24 hours A day.
Advantages: help can be summoned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; integral two-way intercom enables user to receive reassurance from the monitoring staff that help is on its way.
Disadvantages: more expensive to buy and run.
FOR CARERS NEEDING TO MONITOR A PERSON'S ACTIVITY IN ANOTHER ROOM
There are a number of alarms that can be used to make the carer's role less stressful.
ONE WAY INTERCOM
These enable sound or speech to be transmitted in one direction only. They may be useful when a disabled person is in one room of the house and the carer is in another. The disabled person can then speak to the carer.
Most baby alarm systems work in this way. They may have a transmitter and receiver that plug into standard 13 amp plug sockets allowing them to be used between any rooms in the house. Alternatively, they may have a portable transmitter and receiver which are battery operated. This allows the user and the carer to move around but remain in contact, even in the garden or garage.
Advantages: cheap and easy to obtain.
Disadvantages: in some situations could be considered an intrusion of privacy.
FALL ALARMS
An alarm system comprising a portable transmitter that is activated when the user falls beyond 20 degrees from vertical and lies prone or supine for eight seconds. It will alert a carer in a number of ways. Either a signal is sent to a portable pager or an autodial alarm telephone is triggered.
Movement monitors
These are primarily used at night time to alert the carer to a epileptic seizure. Sensors detect movement or monitor vital signs and will automatically trigger an alarm if things are not as they should be.
Wandering alarms
These are devices designed to track the movements of a person who is prone to wandering. Some comprise pressure sensors eg a pressure mat that is placed alongside a bed or in a doorway; some monitor when there is a reduction in weight, for example when a person gets out of bed. Others comprise a body worn device and antennae that are fitted to the appropriate exits. If a person strays, a warning will be emitted.
HYPOTHERMIA ALARMS
These alarms monitor the ambient temperature and give a signal if this falls below a designated level. They may be useful for people who are forgetful or for people who are reluctant to put on their fire or heating due to expensive bills.
FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO BE ALERTED TO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS
GAS DETECTORS
A device that detects gas leaks and alerts the user with a visual, audible or vibrating alarm. Some devices automatically cut off the gas supply when gas is detected.
SMOKE/FIRE DETECTORS
Smoke alarms are legally required in all new buildings and standard smoke alarms are available through many high street retailers.
People with a hearing impairment may have difficulty in hearing a smoke alarm. Therefore, they should use one that has a visual alarm, most commonly a flashing light. For profoundly deaf users, a vibrating alarm may be necessary. These alarms can be carried by the user or placed underneath his/her pillow at night.
Alarms should be tested at least once a month. A torch test facility is available for those users who cannot access the alarm.
Mains powered alarms are slightly more expensive but do avoid the necessity of replacing batteries. They should be installed by a qualified electrician. These mains powered alarms should also have a back-up battery in case there is a mains power failure or power cut.
A new generation of smoke alarms fit into an overhead pendant light socket between the pendant and the light bulb.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON AUTODIALLER ALARMS
HOW THEY WORK
Autodialler alarms have some kind of push-button/pull-down transmitter that people carry around with them so that they can call for help from wherever they are in the home. These portable transmitters send a signal to the alarm unit. The transmitter is designed to be worn around the neck, on the wrist or clipped onto clothing. Some brands offer additional methods of setting off the alarm, for example, a push button on the alarm unit itself, wall buttons or pull cords. Some alarms will go off automatically if they detect smoke, an intruder, a low room temperature or if the user has not been moving around for a while.
Once the button has been pressed, the alarm unit will automatically contact a relative or friend or a special control centre.
An alarm that dials directly through to a relative or friend's house will usually be programmed to dial more than one number to increase the chances of finding someone at home. If the alarm has contacted a control centre then the user's details will automatically appear on a screen in front of the operator. He/she will usually try to speak to the user, often via an intercom channel that is opened up when the alarm is activated and, if help is needed or he/she cannot get a reply then he/she will arrange for someone to visit.
This could be a relative or friend; a mobile warden is available with some systems; or the control centre may call a doctor or ambulance.
CHOOSING WHO ANSWERS THE CALL
There are two main ways in which you can choose to have emergency calls answered - through a control centre, or by relatives or friends.
Control centre service
Some control centres are run by local authorities for their local sheltered housing complexes, or on their behalf. Most suppliers, commercial firms, operate their own control centres.
Depending on who is operating your system, you many have to pay for the services of a control centre but there are advantages. The centres are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The staff are trained in dealing with emergencies and will contact appropriate people and services quickly. They have different ways of getting help:
- Mobile wardens - the centre will send out a member of staff to help sort out the problem.
- Volunteer responders - the centre will hold details of a few people you have nominated, such as neighbours and relatives living nearby who will have a set of keys to get into the house. The centre will telephone one of these people if the alarm is raised.
Dialling helpers direct
Some alarms are programmed to dial your neighbours, friend or relatives direct. They do not go through a control centre first. All call more than one number in turn but you still run the risk that there may not be anybody available to answer your call for help.
If you choose a direct dial system, choose people to contact who:
- are on the telephone,
- live nearby or have their own transport,
- are strong enough to be able to help,
- you trust with your house keys,
- are often at home or are at home at different times of day so that it is unlikely that everyone will be out when you need them,
- do not have a telephone with a voice-mail facility or answer-phone connected,
- live in a household where everyone who is likely to answer the phone knows what to do.
You should not programme the unit to call the police, a doctor or anyone else without their prior permission.
FEATURES OF THE ALARM
Having decided on the type of service that you want and who will supply it, you then need to consider the alarm unit and trigger.
The alarm button
These are battery powered and are usually worn around the neck, clipped to clothing or worn like a wrist watch. You can have more than one trigger with your alarm.
Consider:
- How comfortable is it to wear?
- How easy it is to use?
- How will it stand up to everyday use?
- Over what distance will it work? When the alarm is installed, test the trigger from the furthest point that you are likely to use it from. With some, the aerial is in the neck cord so it is important that it is worn around the neck, and not held in a pocket with the cord wrapped around it which will reduce its range
- Other ways of setting off the alarm
A button on the alarm unit
A button on the alarm unit allows you to set off the alarm without the trigger. This is a good idea should you mislay the trigger.
Extra triggers
These can be fitted around the house in the form of wall-fixed buttons or pull cords. When these triggers are pressed they will set off the alarm unit in the same way as the portable trigger.
Intruder alarms
Sensors can be fitted to windows and doors and are set off if anyone tries to break in. They operate the alarm system in the same way as if you had pressed the trigger.
Fire alarms
These will set off the alarm if they sense smoke.
Room temperature alarms
If the room temperature falls below a pre-set level the alarm will automatically be triggered.
Habit cycle alarms
Some units have a habit cycle button that is programmed so that you need to press it regularly, for example once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The base unit will buzz to remind you to press the button but, if you fail to do so, the alarm will automatically be triggered.
Alternatively, some alarms can be set up so that if you don't move around the alarm is triggered. Sensor mats which can sense when you walk over them, or an infra-red beam which 'sees' you walking past can be set so that, should you fall and not pass for a pre-set period of time, the alarm will automatically be triggered.
Alarms with built-in telephones
Some alarms come with built-in phones. If you have an existing phone you may not want this and may choose to have a system which provides the alarm unit only.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
Power cuts
All the alarm units work on mains electricity though some also have battery back-up. The battery will automatically cut in if the power is disconnected or fails. The alarm unit warns you if there has been a power failure or if the battery back-up is low.
Alarm call not connecting
Most alarm units will dial again, at least five times, if the call does not get through. Should this still fail to connect you with the control centre, then you can press the trigger again.
Telephone line not working
Some alarm units will give a visual or audible signal if the telephone line is not working or if the unit has been unplugged from the telephone socket.
Pressing the trigger by mistake
Most units have a cancel button which you can press to stop the call being made if you have pressed the trigger by mistake. However, the control centres don't mind receiving accidental calls.
CHECKLIST OF FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
The alarm unit
- Does it have an alarm and a cancel button?
- Are these buttons easy to use?
- Does it make more than five attempts to call for help?
- If the alarm call doesn't get through can you restart it by using the trigger?
- Does it have battery back-up power that lasts at least 8 hours?
- Does it warn you if the mains power fails or if the back-up battery is low?
- Does it warn the control centre if the mains power fails or if back-up battery power runs low?
- Does it give a clear signal to tell you that the alarm signal is getting through?
- Does it warn if the telephone line is faulty or disconnected?
- Does the built in telephone carry on working even if the unit loses all power?
The portable trigger
- Is it comfortable and easy to use?
- Will it set off the alarm from anywhere in the home and garden?
