Personal emergency alarms and monitors

There are a range of alarms available:

Pendant alarms – these are worn around the neck or wrist. When activated they send a signal to either a unit in another part of the house, the phone of a nominated emergency contact or a call centre. 

Monitors and intercoms – you can use these to alert another person in your house if you need them. Some monitors are triggered when you pass them – for example if you get out of bed in the middle of the night. 

Wireless doorbells – available from any hardware shop, they can create a low-cost portable call system for your house and garden. This may be useful if your voice isn't strong enough to call for help from someone nearby. 

Apps – some specialist apps for smartphones can act as an alarm trigger.

Community alarm systems – these connect to a call centre. They use two-way speakers in the house so that a call handler can ask if the person who triggered the alarm is OK. If there is no answer or the person reports that they need help, the call handler can arrange assistance from either an appointed contact, or from the emergency services. You can usually get help towards the cost of a community alarm system.

You may be able to get a personal alarm or monitor from your local council or from a charity, such as Age UK. If you think you would benefit from an alarm or monitor, speak to your GP or Parkinson’s nurse.