The Worry That Keeps You Awake
Picture this: your mum is in the kitchen when she trips over the cat and falls, hitting her head. She’s conscious but dazed, and her alarm pendant is tangled in her cardigan.
She tries to reach it but can’t. Without automatic fall detection, she might lie there for hours. With it, help is already on the way. Just seconds after the fall, a calm voice comes through the speaker: “Hello, this is HelpAlert. We’ve detected a fall. Are you alright?”
Choosing the Safest Alarm Option
Understand how manual and automatic alarms work differently
Manual Alarm
- How it works: If you need help, you just press the button. It sends an alert to our team, and someone will speak to you and get you the help you need.
- When it helps: This type of alarm is great if you’re feeling well enough to press the button when something goes wrong, like if you feel unwell or have a small fall.
- Reliability: It works really well as long as you’re awake and able to press the button. That’s why it’s a good choice for people who are still quite independent.
- Best for: It’s best for people who are steady on their feet and able to press the button if they need help. If you don’t often fall suddenly or lose balance, this type of alarm is a good choice.
Automatic Fall Detection
- How it works: The alarm can tell if you’ve had a fall. It sends an alert by itself, so you don’t have to press anything.
- When it helps: It’s really helpful if you’ve had a hard fall and can’t move, or if you’re unconscious and not able to press the button. The alarm does the work for you, so you don’t have to worry about doing anything in that moment.
- Reliability: This type of alarm gives you extra protection. Even if you can’t call for help yourself, it can still get someone to check on you.
- Best for: It’s best for anyone who’s at risk of falling, especially people who live alone or worry they might not be able to press a button after a fall. If you’ve had falls before or feel unsteady on your feet, this alarm can give you and your family extra peace of mind.
Real-Life Situations Where Fall Detection Helps
Each person has unique needs - we match the right device to their lifestyle and daily routines.
Independent Older Adults
People with Limited Mobility
Those Living Alone
Night-time Fall Prevention
Recovery After Hospital Stay
How Fall Detection Works?
- Motion sensors Built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes measure sudden movements and impacts. A rapid downward drop followed by a sharp stop and little movement suggests a fall.
- Smart algorithm The system analyses sensor data to tell the difference between a real fall and everyday movements like sitting down quickly or dropping the device.
- Automatic alarm When the sensors detect a likely fall, the device immediately calls the 24/7 monitoring centre without the user doing anything.
- Human response: Trained operators try to speak with the person through the alarm's two-way speaker. Even if there's no response, they'll still send help immediately.
Our Fall Detection Alarms
Getting your device is super easy, get yours today!
Go Pendant Plus
Go Watch Plus
Home lifeline Plus
Why Automatic Fall Detection Matters
Older adults at risk
Seniors living alone, especially those who've had falls before or have mobility issues, are the main beneficiaries.
If your parent has balance problems or health conditions that make falls more likely, a fall detection alarm could be life-saving.
People with medical conditions
Anyone with conditions that might cause sudden falls, blackouts, or dizziness – such as epilepsy, diabetes, or heart conditions – may benefit.
The alarm calls for help if they collapse and can't press a button.
Carers and families
Fall detection alarms help carers and family members too.
Knowing your loved one has this protection reduces anxiety and provides invaluable peace of mind.
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Fall Detection FAQs
Find the answers you need right here.
Do fall detection alarms really work?
Yes – automatic fall detection alarms really do work and save lives. Modern devices achieve around 85-95% accuracy for detecting genuine falls. Whilst no system is 100% perfect, the vast majority of serious falls will be caught by the technology.
Will every fall be detected?
Not every single fall will trigger the alarm. The sensors look for specific patterns like sudden drops, impacts, and a lack of movement. Very slow falls or cushioned landings might not always register. However, most falls that leave someone on the ground will be picked up.
What if the alarm goes off by mistake?
False alarms can happen occasionally during vigorous movement or if the device is dropped. If this happens, simply tell the monitoring operator it was a false alarm and that you're okay. Some devices give you 10-15 seconds to cancel an automatic call before it goes through.
What if my loved one can't respond when help calls?
If there's no response from the user, the monitoring team assumes it's serious and sends help immediately. They won't leave someone alone in an emergency – help will be dispatched even if the person is unconscious or can't speak.
Does it work outside the home?
Yes, with GPS-enabled devices. HelpAlert's fall detection alarms use multi-network mobile coverage and GPS technology to protect users wherever they go in the UK, not just at home.
How accurate is the location tracking?
GPS technology can pinpoint the user’s location within a few metres, which is vital for getting help quickly, especially when someone is out and about.
Do grab bars and non-slip mats work?
Yes. Installing grab bars beside the toilet and shower plus non-slip bath mats can reduce bathroom falls by up to 50 percent. (Enquire about how we can provide your home with grab bars/non-slip mats)
How long until I feel steadier?
Confidence often rises within three weeks of regular exercise. Noticeable strength gains appear after six to eight weeks but benefits fade if you stop training.
Which medical conditions cause frequent falls?
Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetic neuropathy and orthostatic hypotension are leading causes. Specialist physiotherapy plus home safety changes help reduce falls in these conditions.
Who is at the greatest risk of falling?
Adults over 65 who have fallen in the past year, take four or more medications or report balance problems face the highest fall risk and should book a comprehensive falls assessment promptly.
Installation you can trust
Installation you can trust
Approved by Which? Trusted Traders
We’re proud that our alarm installation service has been checked and endorsed by Which? Trusted Traders. That means when one of our trained team members sets up your personal alarm or key safe, you can expect a high standard of care, safety, and professionalism.
