7 Signs Your Parent Needs a Personal Alarm

 

As your parents or loved ones age it’s normal to worry about their safety, especially if they live alone or have complex health conditions. A personal alarm can offer immediate help with just the press of a button, giving you both some much-needed safety and assurance. But how do you know when it’s time to suggest one?

 

Here are some of the strongest indicators that your parents will benefit from the safety net that a personal alarm can provide.

 

1. They’ve Had a Fall or Near Miss

 

Around one third of adults aged 65 and older, and nearly half of those aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year.

 

But it doesn’t just end there, studies have shown that a fall in an older adults significantly increases the likelihood of future falls. 

 

Even fear alone can play a part. Research shows that older adults with relatively higher concerns about falling are at least 60% more likely to experience a fall.

 

That’s why peace of mind matters just as much as physical protection. Feeling safe and secure, the kind of reassurance a HelpAlert personal alarm can provide, can play a powerful role in helping you stay steady on your feet.

 

Falling later in life isn’t just about a scraped knee or a couple of bruises. It can have serious consequences:

 

• Fractures and broken bones which often lead to surgery like hip or knee replacements
• Reduced mobility in the long-term
• Longer hospital stays which can lead to muscle weakness over time
• Loss of independence and confidence

 

To reduce these risks and ensure immediate help is available, many families choose a personal alarm, worn as a watch or pendant. These devices stay with your loved one at all times, even when their phone isn’t nearby.

 

 

2. Health Conditions or Medical Risks

 

If your parents, or loved one, has medical conditions that put them at high risk of complications, it’s worth getting some extra support. 

 

With age, the risk of serious medical events like heart attacks, strokes or seizures increases. 

 

These events often require immediate medical attention and the confusion, pain and shock they cause can leave many seniors disoriented and unsure of what to do next.

 

That’s why a personal alarm, with a single button press or fall detection, offers a critical connection to our 24/7 response team who can assess and act quickly.

 

3. Struggling With Mobility

 

If your loved ones find daily tasks like bathing, getting dressed, or cooking meals harder than they used to, it could be time to consider extra safety measures. 

Slippery bathrooms floors, loose rugs and even reaching to grab things from shelves can be very risky when mobility, balance and strength are compromised. 

 

A personal alarm makes sure that if they ever get stuck or fall while carrying out daily activities, help is just a button press away.

 

4. Living Alone

 

Older adults who live alone are at risk of what’s known as a “long lie” which means being left on the floor for an extended period of time, typically more than an hour.

 

This can lead to:

• Pressure sores
• Dehydration
• Hypothermia
• Muscle damage which can affect the kidneys

 

Our alarms not only enable users to get quick help but also notify trusted neighbours, family members and friends from a pre-set emergency contact list, ensuring your loved one gets all the help they need. 

 

5. Memory Issues or Dementia

 

According to the NHS, 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK. Yet the Alzheimer' Society estimates that more than a third of people that have dementia remain undiagnosed. 

But even without dementia, many older adults can develop what’s known as mild cognitive impairment (MIC) which can affect memory, attention and decision-making.  

Lots of medications, or serious infections, can also cause side effects or delirium, respectively. 

 

All of these issues, whether temporary or long-term, can increase the risk of falls, wandering or accidents at home. 

 

That’s why our personal alarms allow you to set a “safe zone” using a digital map. If your loved ones wander beyond the boundaries of the safe zone, our team is notified straight away and will also ping you, the registered contact, with their location.

 

6. Fear of Going Outside

 

Going outside and getting some fresh air and light physical activity is so important for older adults. Not just for their physical health and strength but also for their mental wellbeing and mood. 

However fear and anxiety around stepping outside or getting hurt, can put a lot of seniors off. That’s why our personal alarms, which also have the optional GPS tracking - provide an extra layer of safety and added peace of mind.

 

 

7. Worsening Eyesight

 

It’s common for eyesight to decline with age. Small print becomes harder to read and everyday details can seem less sharp.

 

Poor lighting and trouble adjusting between day and night time can make basic tasks more difficult.

 

If your loved one is struggling with their vision, they have an increased risk of trips and falls around the home. Improving your lighting and reducing obstacles are good first steps, but having a personal alarm gives some much-needed extra support.