Calling for help
a guide to community alarms, 2003
(go to list of report contents)
When and how to use an alarm
Press the alarm button whenever you need help or reassurance, and try it out from time to time - it will remind you how to use it
Never worry about being a nuisance. Community alarm centres are always open and ready to take your call. Talking through your problem can sometimes deal with it. The alarm centre will send someone to help you only if you need them. Friends and relatives are more likely to worry if they know you are reluctant to bother them.
Wear the trigger around
the house so you can call
for help from anywhere
Press the trigger and someone will come
Wearing a portable trigger
It is safest to wear the trigger all the time you are up, so you can set off the alarm from anywhere in your house or garden. Most portable triggers now come with different holders, so you can wear them whichever way suits you best. Take the trigger with you if you get up in the night and when you use the bathroom - almost all are waterproof but check with the provider. We judged the triggers to be strong and durable but have told the manufacturers that some of the holders broke in our tests.
Cancelling a call
If you set off the alarm without meaning to, it's possible - but not always easy - to stop it dialling out at the unit. Don't take the risk of rushing to do this. Better to let the call go through and tell the centre staff or your helper when they speak to you.
Choosing your helpers
Whether your alarm calls go to a call centre or direct to your friends or relatives, the person who comes to help you will need a key if you cannot let them in. It is better to double lock the door - and give keyholders both keys - than to bolt the door from the inside.
An alarm scheme with mobile wardens might ask you to make an arrangement for perhaps two neighbours to hold your keys. Alternatively the scheme might keep keys, in which case they will be locked at the centre or in the warden's van, and coded for safety.
In choosing people to come to help you, they should live or work nearby, and of course be willing to be called out at any time.
If your helpers have telephone services such as call minder or caller identification, tell the alarm centre. If they have an answering machine, it should be switched off whenever they are at home.
Report Contents
About alarms
What
is a community alarm?
How
does an alarm work?
Basic
choices
Who
will receive your calls?
Where can you get an alarm?
Alarms on test
Models tested
Antenna
Princess AP1000
Antenna
AP2000
CareSec
Homelink
Extra II
Horizon
II
IntelliLink
Lifeline
400
Lifeline
4000
LIfeline
4000+D
Lifeline
TalkBack trigger
S11
Carephone
Sayphone
In
Touch 1000
In
Touch 2000
In
Touch 2000 Package
Other information
Using
an alarm
Checklists
of things to look for
Alarms
in the future
Acknowledgements
Contact
details
