How to Choose the Right Personal Alarm for Different Lifestyles
Whether you're a senior living independently, an outdoor enthusiast, a solo traveller, or a carer, choosing the right personal alarm is important for safety and confidence. With so many options available—from GPS-enabled smartwatches to wearable fall detectors—finding the right device for your needs can seem challenging.
In this blog:
This guide will help you identify the best personal alarm for your lifestyle, ensuring you or your loved ones stay safe in any situation.
What is a Personal Alarm and How Does it Work?
A personal alarm is a safety device that allows users to call for help with the press of a button, ensuring they receive immediate assistance in emergencies. These devices can be particularly helpful for seniors, people with disabilities, lone workers, and adventurers who may face falls, medical emergencies, or security concerns. For added protection, some models also offer fall detection, GPS tracking, and automatic emergency responses.
Studies suggest that individuals with personal alarms may feel safer, more confident at home, and able to access assistance more quickly during emergencies. Personal alarms provide users and their families with the peace of mind of knowing that the person they care for is safe and secure, especially if the person is living alone.
Common Types of Personal Alarms:
Pendant Alarms – Worn around the neck, these are ideal for individuals with mobility issues.
Wristwatch Alarms – Designed like a smartwatch, these are suitable for active individuals or for those who want something that can be worn unnoticeably.
Mobile-Based Alarms – Connected to smartphones and integrated with GPS tracking for users who are often outdoors.
Keychain Alarms – Compact and designed for quick activation, commonly used for personal safety.
Smart Home Integrated Alarms – Connected to voice assistants or home security systems.
It should be noted that most pendant and wristwatch personal alarms have built-in GPS tracking, making them a great choice for many.
Related Reading: 4 Protective Reasons to Carry a Personal Alarm for Safety
Personal Alarms For Different Lifestyles
1. Personal Alarms for Seniors
As people age, they may experience reduced mobility, an increased risk of falls, and medical conditions that require immediate assistance. Many seniors live independently and remain active both indoors and outdoors. A personal alarm can provide reassurance that assistance is available when needed. Seniors who live independently or have health concerns may benefit from 24/7 monitoring services to ensure help is always available.
Key Features to Consider:
Fall Detection – Automatically detects falls and alerts monitoring service personnel, loved ones, or carers.
GPS tracking - For active seniors who still leave the house often and do various activities.
Ease of Use – Large and easy-to-use buttons, simple activation process.
Long Battery Life – Reduces the need for frequent charging, which may be an issue for seniors who often forget to charge their personal alarms.
Water Resistance – This can be worn in the shower or pools, where falls often occur.
Two-Way Communication – Allows the senior to speak directly with emergency responders.
2. Personal Alarms for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities may benefit from alarms with accessibility features such as voice activation, larger buttons, or automatic alerts to caregivers. For individuals with disabilities, a personal alarm with accessibility features, like voice activation or larger buttons, can provide greater independence and safety.
Key Features to Consider:
GPS Tracking – Essential for individuals prone to wandering or getting lost.
Geo-Fencing Alerts – Sends notifications if the user moves outside a designated safe zone.
Wearable Panic Buttons – Lightweight and easy to access.
Two-Way Communication Alarms – Helps caregivers stay in touch remotely.
Emergency Contact Pre-Sets – Allows instant alerting of trusted family members.
3. Personal Alarms for Outdoor Adventurers and Athletes
Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and athletes may face safety challenges such as injuries, navigation difficulties, or unexpected situations. Outdoor adventurers need durable, GPS-enabled alarms that work even in remote areas without mobile coverage. Whether hiking, cycling, or camping, these devices provide lifesaving communication in emergencies.
Key Features to Consider:
GPS Tracking – Offers real-time tracking in case of emergencies.
Satellite Personal Alarms – Works in areas without mobile coverage.
SOS Distress Signal: Sends emergency alerts to multiple contacts.
Wearable Panic Buttons – Lightweight and easy to access.
Waterproof and Shockproof Design – Ensures durability in tough conditions.
Long Battery Life – Essential for long outdoor trips.
Multi-Functionality – Some include compasses, flashlights, or whistles.
4. Personal Alarms for Women and Solo Travellers
Personal safety is an important consideration for women and people who frequently travel alone. A discreet but effective alarm can serve as a deterrent in unsafe situations. For added security, choose an alarm that automatically calls emergency contacts when activated.
Key Features to Consider:
High-Decibel Alarm – Draws attention during dangerous situations.
One-Touch Activation – Enables quick help requests without the hassle of having to push multiple buttons.
Real-Time GPS Location Sharing – Sends real-time location to emergency contacts.
5. Personal Alarms for Children and Teenagers
Parents naturally want to ensure their children's safety, particularly when they're travelling independently or playing outside. Personal alarms can provide an added layer of security by allowing parents to monitor the location of their child whenever they are not with them. This also gives the peace of mind that their child can easily seek help with a simple press of a button from their personal alarm.
Key Features to Consider:
GPS Smartwatches – Allow parents to track their child’s location.
Emergency Call Buttons – Simple, uncomplicated, and one-touch alarms for young children.
Geo-Fencing Alarms – Alerts parents when a child leaves a designated area.
Tamper-Proof Design – Prevents children from removing the device.
Two-Way Calling – Allows kids to contact parents in emergencies.
School Mode Setting – Keeps tracking active while silencing alarms in class.
Waterproof Design – Ensures durability in case it gets exposed to water.
6. Personal Alarms for People Living Alone
Living alone can be empowering, but it also comes with safety concerns, particularly for the elderly and those with medical conditions. A great way to have the assurance that your loved ones are safe and can easily ask for support is by providing them with a personal alarm that they can keep with them at all times. Opt for a subscription-based emergency response service for round-the-clock protection so you know that they will get assistance if ever you or another family member is unable to respond right away.
Key Features to Consider:
Ease of Use – Large and easy-to-use buttons, simple activation process.
Long Battery Life – Reduces the need for frequent charging.
Two-Way Communication – Allows users to speak directly with emergency responders.
Smart Home Integrated Alarms – Connects to devices like Alexa for hands-free assistance.
Automatic Fall Detection Alarms – Triggers emergency alerts without user input.
24/7 Emergency Monitoring – Ensures instant assistance.
Battery Backup – Works even during power outages.
Have The Peace of Mind With Tunstall Personal Alarms
When selecting a personal alarm, Tunstall Healthcare's Connected Care solutions include two proven options—the GEM4 and GEM5 personal response systems. These devices are particularly beneficial for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and even kids by providing 24/7 emergency response, fall detection, and connectivity to support services.
The Tunstall Gem4 is a reliable personal response system designed to provide instant access to emergency assistance. It is particularly suited for individuals who require simple activation, automatic fall detection, and a connection to a monitoring service.
The Tunstall Gem5 is an advanced personal alarm watch that provides users and their loved ones with the peace of mind of having access to emergency response anytime, in the convenience of a smartwatch. It is a great choice for individuals who lead active lifestyles and prefer a personal alarm that they can easily wear during their daily activities.
Key Features:
Easy-to-use SOS button for easy emergency calls
Accurate GPS location tracking that allows fast and easy location mapping
Automatic fall detection that triggers an alarm as soon as it detects falls
Water-resistant design allows it to be brought outdoors or even while showering
Has 4G technology for fast communication of emergency alerts
It comes with a charging dock for hassle-free charging
When choosing the right personal alarm, factors like individual needs, lifestyle, and mobility should be considered. Whether you are a senior, an outdoor adventurer, a solo traveller, or someone with a disability, a suitable personal alarm can enhance security and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Keep Reading: What's the Best Personal Alarm for Your Workforce?
