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title: "Personal alarms for elderly parents: an honest guide"
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[You Care Reminders Caregiver Support ](/)

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1.  [Home](/)
2.  [Caring for elderly parents](/caring-for-elderly-parents)
3.  Personal alarms guide 

Alarms

# Personal alarms: an honest guide

We do not sell alarms, so here is the version without the sales pitch. For the situation they are built for, they are excellent. For everything else, they do nothing.

[Begin caring today for free](/signup)[How it works](/features)

## How they work

A pendant or wristband connects to a base unit in the home. Pressing the button opens a line to a monitoring centre, which speaks to the person and calls a nominated contact or the emergency services.

Some add automatic fall detection, though these produce both false alarms and missed falls, so treat detection as a bonus rather than the reason to buy.

## What they cost

Typically a modest monthly fee, sometimes with a setup charge. Many councils offer a scheme, and some charities subsidise them, so check locally before signing a private contract.

Ask about the contract length and the cancellation terms, which are where the unpleasant surprises usually live.

## Where they fall down

-   They only work if worn. Many end up on a bedside table. 
-   They only work if pressed, which is exactly what an unconscious or badly shaken person cannot do. 
-   Most work only within range of the base unit, not in the garden or the shops. 
-   They do nothing at all about the slow problems: skipped meals, dehydration, isolation. 

## How to choose, and what to pair it with

Pick monitored over family-call-only if nobody local can respond. Check it is digital-ready for the phone switchover, and confirm the response process in writing.

Then pair it with something preventative. An alarm covers the worst day; scheduled reminders cover the other three hundred and sixty-four.

## The wider picture

around 1 in 3

people aged 65 and over have at least one fall a year.

Source: [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/)

## Being straight with you

You Care Reminders is a non-medical wellness tool, not a monitoring service and not an alarm. Delivery is best effort rather than guaranteed, and it must not be used for medication reminders. If you are worried about someone's health, speak to their GP; in an emergency, call 999.

## Questions carers ask

### Are personal alarms worth it?

### Can I get one free?

### Is fall detection reliable?

### Do you sell alarms?

## Read next

-   [Telecare explained](/telecare-explained)
-   [Personal alarms vs check-in reminders](/personal-alarms-vs-check-in-reminders)
-   [Why smart alarms fail older adults](/why-smart-alarms-fail-older-adults)
-   [Safety check-in service](/safety-check-in-service)

## Set the first reminder tonight

It takes about five minutes, costs nothing to start, and the person you care for has nothing to install.

[Begin caring today for free](/signup)[See plans](/pricing)

You Care Reminders 

Thoughtful reminders that help families stay quietly connected to the people they love.

Wellness support, not medical advice.

Service

-   [How it works](/features)
-   [Pricing](/pricing)
-   [Journal](/blog)
-   [FAQ](/faq)
-   [Get started](/signup)

Care scenarios

-   [Dementia check-ins](/dementia-check-in-service)
-   [Daily prompts for MCI](/mild-cognitive-impairment-daily-prompts)
-   [Drink & meal reminders](/dehydration-reminders-elderly)
-   [Compared to dementia clocks](/vs-dementia-clocks)
-   [Why smart alarms fail](/why-smart-alarms-fail-older-adults)

More scenarios

-   [Loneliness call reminders](/loneliness-call-reminders)
-   [Safety check-ins](/safety-check-in-service)
-   [Hydration reminder app](/hydration-reminder-app)
-   [Family care app](/family-care-app)
-   [Live-in care alternative](/live-in-care-alternative)
-   [Care glossary](/care-glossary)

Guides

-   [Caring for elderly parents](/caring-for-elderly-parents)
-   [Dementia care at home](/dementia-care-at-home)
-   [Mild cognitive impairment](/mild-cognitive-impairment)
-   [Dementia clocks](/dementia-clocks)
-   [Signs of dehydration](/signs-of-dehydration-in-older-adults)
-   [Carer burnout](/carer-burnout-early-signs)
-   [Respite care](/respite-care-uk)

Trust

-   [Terms](/terms)
-   [Privacy](/privacy)
-   [Contact](/contact)

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