You are here:

Common Myths About Personal Alarms

Common Myths About Personal Alarms – Debunked

There may come a time in your life when you or a loved one would benefit from wearing a personal alarm. They are an established method of keeping older or disabled people safe in their own homes. For some, they may be the only thing that is allowing them to keep their independence.

If you have never used a personal alarm yourself before or if you don’t know anyone else that has used one then you may be worried about how they actually work. For this reason, Acticheck has put together a list of common myths and preconceptions people have of these alarms. Continue reading today to find out the truth about personal alarm systems.

Personal alarms are unsightly to wear

This was true in the past but isn’t necessarily anymore. Personal alarms tend to look very clinical or institutional but some companies have put a lot of attention into design and some alarms look like a piece of jewelry. The Acticheck Life-Saving Wristband wristband is designed to look more like a fitness tracker such as a fitbit so it can be comfortably for a year without removal. Being worn 24 hours a day is vital as no-one plans when they are going to need it.

Personal alarms only work indoors

For some personal alarms, this may be true, however, any good personal alarm will have a big enough range for the wearer to use it in the garden, as well as around the house. The range in range will differ slightly but on average it is approximately 100m – 200m. Some alarms, such as the Assure, can work when you are out and about by linking to a mobile phone whilst some other systems are better outdoors than inside. It is always worth being clear about where you want the best coverage. Though it sounds odd, the home and garden holds the greatest risk of being left in need of help as you can be isolated in your home so no one knows assistance is needed whereas outside you are likely to be found quickly by someone who can call the emergency services.

Personal alarms can’t be worn in the shower

We can assure you that this is incorrect, especially if you get a high-quality personal alarm. Far too many falls and accidents happen in the shower/bathroom so this is such an important feature. The waterproof feature alongside the comfortable designs means that there is no reason to ever take your alarm off.

Personal alarms are difficult to set-up

Again, this isn’t true. The majority of companies will provide you with comprehensive instructions and also an additional way to be assisted through the installation process. Some use installation forums and others use videos but all trustworthy companies will make sure you supported with the set-up of your alarm.

Personal alarms won’t work during a power cut

This is probably one of the biggest worries for users. Power cuts can be very regular and the thought of the alarm not working during this time can really panic the wearer. Personal alarms can have a back-up battery that kicks in during a power cut. With the Assure cellular system the back-up battery will last for 20 hours. Once power is restored, the battery will then re-charge so that it is fully charged and ready to work if a power cut occurs again.

Personal alarms can go off accidentally

Some alarms can go off accidentally and this can lead to difficult and embarrassing situations. For instance traditional pendant alarms have a single big button that can accidentally be pressed when the wearer is asleep, unless they intervene this can lead to panicked neighbours or emergency services having to visit. Some designs, such as the Assure, negate this possibility by needing the band to be squeezed from both sides to activate and alert if you require help or if it was an accident. Most of the time, all the wearer needs to remember is two operations, squeeze both buttons on the band if you need help and if the band buzzes press a single button to confirm you are ok, it’s that simple.

Personal alarms are the same as mobile phones

Mobile phones are a great way of staying in touch with family members but they can’t offer everything that an alarm can. A mobile phone is really effective when you have it with you and are able to use it, but often in an emergency situation even if you are conscious could involve pain, confusion and panic which makes it more difficult to use, especially if you cannot get through to your first contact.

A mobile phone is no use at all if you can’t use it such as after a fall, if you have a stroke oir simply can’t get to it (possibly when it is charging). Overall, a personal alarm can provide you with the peace of mind that a mobile phone can’t but is much worse if you want to ‘pass the time of day’.

Purchasing a personal alarm

Now that you know that there really aren’t any downsides to a personal alarm system and that any myths you may have heard are untrue you can start to look at finding the best personal alarm system to meet your needs.

Acticheck supply an effective wristband alarm that can provide you with everything you need in a personal alarm. Not only is it an alarm that can be activated by the wearer but can activate if the wearer is unresponsive and monitor for falls. When you are wearing an Acticheck alarm you will feel safe in the knowledge that if anything was to you then your hand-picked family/friends will be notified straight away.

Get the peace of mind you and your family deserve