Personal alarms
Personal alarms provide peace of mind to help you live independently in your own home. Our alarm service is available at the touch of a button, connecting you to our 24/7 specialist contact centre for support in the event of an emergency.
Extra support in your home
In addition to personal alarms, we have a fully-trained, professional team who can provide daytime visits that offer advice, companionship, and reassurance.
Our friendly team’s wealth of expertise and knowledge can also act as a vital link to your local community. Home visits can help with:
- Accessing financial advice and benefits
- Finding health and care services
- Finding the right aids and adaptations
- Local interests and hobbies
- Signposting to relevant agencies
How it works
The easy-to-use alarm is a small, waterproof button that’s worn around the neck or wrist. If you fall, feel unwell, or are worried about your safety, just press the button and your call will be answered immediately – 24/7. A friendly, trained operator will talk to you and, if needed, they can contact family, friends or the emergency services on your behalf. They will stay on the line with you, providing advice and reassurance until someone gets to you.
You don’t need to be next to the base unit to use your alarm. As well as a powerful microphone (so our operators can hear you), the equipment works up to 50 metres away from the base unit, so you can spend time worry-free around the home or in your garden.
We’ll know who you are and where you’re calling from, so there’s no need to remember any contact details should you raise an alarm.
What our customers say
“My personal alarm is a real comfort to me and my family. I feel happier at night and when my son is away on business, as it’s reassuring to know there is someone to turn to if I need help.”
“I was in the garden when I started with horrendous pains in my chest and began to feel dizzy. Thankfully I was wearing my personal alarm and called for help. The operator called for an ambulance which came quickly and also alerted my family who soon joined me at the hospital. I know using my personal alarm saved my life!”
Want to find out more?
Give us a call on 0303 123 1890, Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm or email lifeline@guinness.org.uk today to find out more.
We’re also on Twitter at @yourguinness and on Facebook www.facebook.com/guinnesspartnership
FAQs
Who are personal alarms for?
Personal alarms provide reassurance to a range of people if they get into difficulties at home. They can benefit:
- Older or vulnerable people
- Those who are frail and live alone
- Anyone, regardless of age, who has a disability or illness
- People living alone with limited social connections
- Those who are at risk of falls or seizures
- Those who have been discharged from hospital and require short-term or ongoing support at home
Do I need to be a Guinness tenant to use the service?
No, our personal alarm service is available to anyone, regardless of whether you rent or own your own home.
How is the system installed?
Installation is simple and should take no more than an hour. The alarm comes in two parts:
- A small waterproof button worn around your neck, or on your wrist
- A base unit, connected to your landline telephone and a nearby electrical socket, so you can talk to our alarm response team
What do I need in order for the service to work?
- A working landline telephone line and an electrical point nearby
- Your personal details: name, address and emergency information, including any medical conditions we need to know about
- A key safe or someone nearby who holds a key, like a close neighbour or family member
Do I need to test the system?
Yes, we recommend doing a test call once a month. Press your button and tell the operator that you’re okay and that you are just testing the equipment.
What happens if I unplug the system?
You must keep the system plugged in and switched on. If there’s a power cut, there’s a built-in battery to keep it working for up to 50 hours.
What if my telephone line isn't working?
The service does need a working telephone line to operate. If your phone line stops working, then your personal alarm will stop working too.
What if my contact details change?
That’s fine – just let us know your new details as soon as possible. It’s important to tell us if you change your details so we can update our records. We’ll always keep your details confidential.
What if I go away on holiday?
Just let our contact centre know if you’re going away. Make a test call when you leave, and then let them know when you’re back home again with another test call.
What if I no longer need my personal alarm?
That’s fine – we understand that you may only need the service for a short time, if you’re recovering from a hospital stay or a short illness.
If you don’t need the alarm anymore, you can easily stop the service. Just give us one month’s notice.
How much does it cost?
There is a charge for the service. The cost is kept to a minimum and as a business with a social purpose, any profit we make is reinvested into our homes and into improving services for residents.
As our service packages are bespoke and tailored to you and your needs, the price you pay depends on the level of service you choose. Contact our team on 0303 123 1890 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm) or email lifeline@guinness.org.uk to find out more.