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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide To Monitored, Telephone Based Emergency Call Systems
ILC Reference NO 61:62:600
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Emergency call systems are used to contact help in an emergency if the user can't get to the telephone. Monitored, telephone based emergency call systems consist of a portable transmitter, a receiver unit attached to the telephone, and a monitoring service which is staffed 24 hours a day. When the emergency signal is received, the monitoring service staff contact the people previously specified by the user, who then go to the user's home to assist. Some systems can be rented instead of purchased.
Price Guide
If purchasing the system, there is a purchase/installation cost plus an ongoing monitoring cost. If renting, there is usually just one fixed, regular rental charge. There may be set minimal rental periods.
Refer to product information sheets available from the Independent Living Centre for price details.
Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card Holders should contact the Department of Veterans' Affairs to check eligibility for provision of an emergency call system.
More Details
Method of Use
The user wears a small radio transmitter. In an emergency the only action needed is to push a button on the transmitter. This triggers an alarm message which is transmitted to the receiver unit/alarm dialler attached to the telephone. The dialler automatically phones the monitoring service and transmits an automated emergency message. If the phone is being used at the time the signal is sent, the alarm signal will override the phone call. The staff at the monitoring service then ring the people the user wishes to be contacted in an emergency.
The transmitter should be worn all the time, except when in bed, when it should be taken off and placed within reach. When activated, a buzzer sounds on the receiver unit to reassure the user that the message has been received by the monitoring service.
This is usually small and may be attached to a pendant to be worn around the neck, strapped around the wrist like a watch, or carried in the pocket. It is battery operated. Its range is designed for the average home and garden, though some suppliers offer a long range pendant. It is recommended that the range of the transmitter is tested on site as materials such as concrete and metal can interfere with the signal.
Other options are a water resistant transmitter than can be worn in the shower, and a transmitter which is illuminated at night or after operating. If the user is unable to press the small button to operate the alarm, some suppliers offer options such as a larger button, a mercury tilt switch which sets of the alarm if the user falls, pull or sip activation or pneumatic switch activation.
Receiver unit/alarm dialler
The receiver picks up the signal from the transmitter and activates contact with the monitoring service. It can be attached to the existing telephone, or an item which incorporates a telephone and the receiver unit/alarm dialler.
Monitoring Service
Once activated the receiver unit sends the emergency call down the telephone line to a monitoring station which is manned 24 hours per day. The staff will look up the details of the person making the emergency call and will ring the nominated contact people. When setting up the system, 3 - 5 contact people (family, neighbours, friends) need to be nominated who will be contacted in an emergency and who are able to respond. If there is no response from the nominated support people, some services may have a prearranged option to contact police or ambulance, or may have security guards who can go to a person's assistance.
Extra features
Some suppliers offer extra features such as waterproof transmitters, adaptations for people with limited hand control, hearing or vision, auditory and visual signals, remote phone answering, remote door opening for when help arrives, medication reminder, daily call and chat facilities, the ability to link to other security facilities such as smoke detectors and intruder alarms, blood pressure and respiration monitoring.
How to choose a system
Consider the following factors:
. The willingness of the person at risk to activate the alarm - some people don't want to cause trouble and may not press the button even in an emergency.
. The ability of the person at risk to activate the alarm. e.g which system has the most suitable style of transmitter, would the user understand how to use the system.
. The availability and proximity of support people
. Special concerns such as the risk of falls, medical emergencies, wandering.
. The environment in which the system is to operate, such as private residence, large property (does the transmitter have the range to cover the distance from the furthest point in the garden to the receiver unit), retirement village or group house (some products cater for more than one user in the same location).
. Ability to pay the ongoing costs (installation/establishment fees, weekly / monthly monitoring fees, battery replacement, telephone charges for system checks).
. Maintenance service offered for battery replacement, testing procedures, back-up in case of power failure
. Whether the company operating the monitoring service is staffed 24 hours per day and is reputable.
Installation
Mode 3 socket
Installation of a Mode 3 or Mode 5 function to a specific telephone wall socket ensures that the receiver/dialler unit plugged into that socket will override any other activity on the telephone line. This means that if the alarm is activated, the alarm signal will be sent down the telephone line even if the phone has been left off the hook or if someone is phoning in at the time.
ADSL filter
Where there is an ADSL broadband service, it is recommended that a filter be fitted to prevent interference with the alarm function.
Dimensions
Typical transmitter dimensions:
Overall length approx 50mm
Length of button approx 15mm
Range of transmitter 50 - 100 metres.
Additional Comment
This category of emergency call system is not portable and thus cannot be taken with you when you go on holidays. Please ask us for information on systems that have the capacity to provide an emergency call system whilst you are out in the community, on holidays etc.
Standards
Australian Standard AS4607 - Personal Response Systems
Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of the alarm system being considered for purchase to see whether it complies with this standard. A compliance certificate means the product has been tested and assessed as compliant with the standard. This standard covers the performance of the whole system including the trigger device e.g. its range, the receiver unit e.g. protection from lightning damage, the communications link between the receiver unit and the central monitoring facility, and the performance of the central monitoring facility itself.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide. If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
If you require further information on these products or if you experience considerable difficulty in performing other activities of daily living, consult an occupational therapist at a community health centre or aged care assessment team, or make an appointment with the Independent Living Centre.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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