Monitored vs Self-Monitored Personal Alarms
Article overview:
When thinking about personal alarms, users sometimes encounter a dilemma whether they will opt for a monitored or self-monitored system. If you are one of those who can’t seem to decide, the best way to go about it is to weigh the pros and cons of both.
Monitored vs Self-Monitered Alarms - what’s the difference?
In a nutshell, monitored personal alarms are professionally monitored by a central monitoring station, while self-monitored alarms are not.
With a monitored personal alarm, when the alarm is triggered, it sends a signal to a monitoring center where trained operators are available 24/7 to respond to the call for assistance. The operator can then communicate with the wearer through the alarm's speaker to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action, such as dispatching emergency services or contacting a designated caregiver.
On the other hand, self-monitored alarms rely on designated caregivers or nominated emergency contacts to respond to the alarm signal. When the alarm is triggered, it calls the wearer’s pre-programmed list of nominated emergency contacts, may they be friends, family, or caregivers - who then can answer and take appropriate action.
Suggested reading: 5 Best Personal Emergency Alarms to Keep With You at All Times
Benefits of a Self-Monitored Personal Alarm
A self-monitored personal alarm is a device that allows individuals to call for help in case of a medical emergency without involving a monitoring centre. Instead, the device sends alerts directly to the client's family members, caregivers, or other emergency contacts. Here are some of the benefits of using a self-monitored alarm:
Independence
A self-monitored alarm can allow older adults and individuals living with disability to live independently in their own homes, while still having access to emergency assistance if needed.
Affordability
Self-monitored personal alarms can be more affordable than monitored alarms, as they do not require the ongoing fees associated with a 24/7 monitoring centre.
Flexibility
Self-monitored alarms can be programmed to contact multiple phone numbers or devices, giving users the flexibility to choose who they want to notify in the event of an emergency.
Peace of mind
Self-monitored alarms can provide peace of mind for both users and their loved ones, knowing that help is just a button press away if needed.
Customisation
Self-monitored alarms can be customised to meet the wearer’s needs, with features such as fall detection watches, emergency contacts, and GPS tracking.
Ease of use
Self-monitored alarms are typically easy to install and use, with simple buttons and clear instructions.
Comfort
When a personal alarm is monitored by a loved one, it means that they are being looked after by someone they know and trust. This familiarity can provide a sense of comfort and security that might not be possible with an operator monitoring the alarm.
While self-monitored alarms may not offer the same level of support as monitored alarms, they can be a good option for individuals who are looking for an affordable and customisable way to stay safe and independent.
Suggested reading: 6 Personal Alarm Myths
Benefits of Using a Monitored Personal Alarm
A monitored personal alarm is a device typically worn as a pendant or bracelet, that allows individuals to call for help in case of an emergency by automatically connecting to a Customer Care Centre. Here are some of the benefits of using a monitored personal alarm:
Fast response time
In an emergency, time is of the essence. With a monitored personal alarm, you can quickly and easily call for help, and a trained operator will respond immediately to assess the situation and send the appropriate emergency responders.
Increased independence
A monitored alarm allows individuals to live independently while providing peace of mind to family members and caregivers. It can help prevent falls, and other medical emergencies and can provide a sense of security for those who may be at risk.
Enhanced safety
Personal alarm watch can provide an added layer of safety for individuals with chronic medical conditions or disabilities. In case of an emergency, the monitoring centre can quickly contact emergency services and provide critical medical information to responders.
Additionally, we hold individual client records that enable us to provide a unique and personal service to that individual, knowing their living arrangements, preferred responders, medical and allergy information for emergency services, access details makes for a fast response. And of course everything is confidential, with family and friends kept informed as required.
24/7 monitoring
Customer Care Centres operate 24/7, which means that individuals can receive help at any time, day or night. This can be especially important for individuals who live alone or are at risk of medical emergencies. This is also useful for seniors who don’t have family and friends living nearby who are able to respond in case of an emergency.
Our Customer Care Centres are staffed by professionally trained people, holding first aid level certifications, police checks and NDIS certification.
Easy to use
Personal alarms are easy to use and require no special training. Most systems include a wearable pendant or bracelet that can be activated with a simple press of a button.
The Best Choice: Monitored or Self-Monitored Personal Alarms?
The best choice between self-monitored and monitored personal alarms will depend on your individual circumstances and needs.
Self-monitored personal alarms typically require the individual to take action and call for help in case of an emergency. These alarms may be a good option for individuals who are independent and able to take care of themselves, but who want an added level of security in case of an emergency. Self-monitored alarms may also be a good option for individuals who have family or caregivers who can respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Monitored personal alarms, on the other hand, provide a higher level of security and support. With a monitored alarm, the individual wears a pendant or other device that can automatically trigger a call for help if a fall or other emergency is detected. The call is typically routed to a monitoring centre staffed by trained professionals who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency services if needed. Monitored alarms may be a better option for individuals who are at higher risk of falls or other medical emergencies and who may not be able to call for help themselves.
Ultimately, the best choice between self-monitored and monitored personal alarms depends on individual circumstances and needs. It may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional or a provider of personal alarm systems to determine the best option for a specific individual.
Suggested reading: Best 3 Connected Care Devices: How to Make Them Work For You?
How Can Tunstall Help?
Tunstall offers a range of personal emergency response systems (PERS) that allow clients to call for help in case of a medical emergency. These systems include wearable pendants and base units with two-way communication capabilities. Some Tunstall devices also include fall detection technology and GPS tracking.
The Tunstall Gem4 is a mobile personal alarm designed to help individuals call for help in case of an emergency. The pendant has a large SOS/panic button that can be pressed to call for help. The Tunstall Gem4 is available on a 24/7 monitoring package as well as a Loved Ones Monitoring Package.
The Tunstall Smartlink Guardian 4G, on the other hand, is a base unit that connects to the Smartfall Blue Pendant and activates a two-way communication system that allows the individual to speak with the Tunstall Customer Care Centre.
No matter what personal alarm from Tunstall you choose, they are designed to provide peace of mind and safety for individuals who are at risk of medical emergencies. Contact us to know more about our products and services.
Keep reading: Can You Get a Fully Funded Personal Alarm?
Easy to use
Personal alarms are easy to use and require no special training. Most systems include a wearable pendant or bracelet that can be activated with a simple press of a button.
The Best Choice: Monitored or Self-Monitored Personal Alarms?
The best choice between self-monitored and monitored personal alarms will depend on your individual circumstances and needs.
Self-monitored personal alarms typically require the individual to take action and call for help in case of an emergency. These alarms may be a good option for individuals who are independent and able to take care of themselves, but who want an added level of security in case of an emergency. Self-monitored alarms may also be a good option for individuals who have family or caregivers who can respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Monitored personal alarms, on the other hand, provide a higher level of security and support. With a monitored alarm, the individual wears a pendant or other device that can automatically trigger a call for help if a fall or other emergency is detected. The call is typically routed to a monitoring centre staffed by trained professionals who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency services if needed. Monitored alarms may be a better option for individuals who are at higher risk of falls or other medical emergencies and who may not be able to call for help themselves.
Ultimately, the best choice between self-monitored and monitored personal alarms depends on individual circumstances and needs. It may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional or a provider of personal alarm systems to determine the best option for a specific individual.
Suggested reading: Best 3 Connected Care Devices: How to Make Them Work For You?
How Can Tunstall Help?
Tunstall offers a range of personal emergency response systems (PERS) that allow clients to call for help in case of a medical emergency. These systems include wearable pendants and base units with two-way communication capabilities. Some Tunstall devices also include fall detection technology and GPS tracking or can use a GPS watch alone.
The Tunstall Gem4 is a mobile personal alarm designed to help individuals call for help in case of an emergency. The pendant has a large SOS button that can be pressed to call for help. The Tunstall Gem4 is available on a 24/7 monitoring package as well as a Loved Ones Monitoring Package.
The Tunstall Smartlink Guardian 4G, on the other hand, is a base unit that connects to the Smartfall Blue Pendant and activates a two-way communication system that allows the individual to speak with the Tunstall Customer Care Centre.
No matter what personal alarm from Tunstall you choose, they are designed to provide peace of mind and safety for individuals who are at risk of medical emergencies. Contact us to know more about our products and services.
Keep reading: Can You Get a Fully Funded Personal Alarm?
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