While we may think that our elderly loved ones need all the care we can give them, they also need independence and freedom, allowing them to live their lives peacefully in their own homes. For loved ones who care for them, they may find having their elderly living alone worrying. But, through advancements in health technology, such as in-home monitoring like SOS Watch, Fall Detection Watch, we can finally rest assured that our parents or grandparents will have the support they need when they need it.

Here are the 5 things to look for when buying in-home monitoring devices for elderly care:

#1 - Battery

First and foremost, make sure it lasts long. Regardless of your age, remembering to change or charge the batteries in the myriad of devices in our lives can be easily forgotten. Fortunately, there are many alarms nowadays, such as the Smart Hub by Tunstall Healthcare that has backup battery features. This backup battery lasts up to 40+ hours, and the device also sends a report of its battery status to the Tunstall monitoring centre. The team will then make sure that the battery will be changed and back to full performance.

#2 - Connectivity

How far can the wearer go before the device loses connectivity? Some alarms offer up to 300 meters range. It's convenient for those with large properties or who like to stay in their gardens and nearby areas in their home. There are also those like the Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G by Tunstall Healthcare that incorporate GSM technology and works on a 4G mobile network, meaning it can operate independently of the NBN and traditional phone lines.

#3 - Transmitter

In-home monitoring devices have two parts: a base unit and a transmitter. Transmitters are battery-operated devices that can be worn as a watch or pendant. It's best to ask the alarm user what item they are most comfortable wearing or using with a design they like, and that also fits with their needs and lifestyle. This means that an in-home monitoring device must also have a wide range of transmitter options they are compatible with.

If we take a look at the SmartLink Guardian 4G, it's compatible with more than just its standard pendant - there's the Smartfall Blue Pendant, SmartLink Vibrating Pendant, Easy Press Adapter, Jelly Bean Button, and a Wall Mount Pendant that can be installed in bathrooms, toilets, or pools.

#4 - Waterproofing

One of the reasons we look for in-home monitoring devices is to monitor falls in which the user is more at risk. And slips are usually more likely to occur in bathrooms. That's why you also have to make sure that your in-home devices, especially the transmitters, are at least IP67 water resistant like the Smartlink Guardian 4G pendants. In particular, its pendants are all IP67 water resistant and can be worn in the shower. Moreover, it can stay in the water up to one meter for 30 minutes and still function.

#5 - Automated Features

How do you make sure that the in-home monitoring device has continuous connectivity? Sometimes, there will be problems with connectivity. So, you have to make sure that you're choosing an in-home device with automatic warning alert features. These are alarms that will alert the user about the line connection failure and other troubleshooting issues. All Tunstall alarms are capable of recognising these issues and alerting the user and/or the
Tunstall monitoring centre.

Bonus: #6 - Affordability

An in-home alarm can be life saving. But the price tag shouldn’t be “alarming”!

At Tunstall we have combined the cost of the device itself with our market-leading 24/7 monitoring service to ensure our clients and end users always have support available when they need it most, for a fixed monthly fee. View details on our SmartLink Guardian product page.

You may also be eligible for government funding if you qualify as part of the NDIS, CHSP, HCP, PAASA or other similar initiatives helping making personal alarms more accessible for Australians. Check out our full guide to government funded personal alarms via the link below:

How to get a Government Funded Personal Alarm (CHSP, NDIS, HCP, DVA)

So, are you ready for an in-home monitoring device in your loved ones’ home? Remember, while this will make sure they are safe alone at home, it's also important to ask their opinions and gauge how comfortable they are with the idea. Care begins with listening to their thoughts, discussing options and ensuring they are comfortable with this new addition to their home.

That’s why we’ve created this handy guide to starting the conversation with your loved one, and making sure we can find the best solution for them. And remember, you can always Contact our team for more information and advice on the finding right in-home monitoring device for your loved one.

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