Why your medical alarm should be centrally monitored
Some medical alarms let family monitor them instead of a call centre,
with just a one-off payment instead of an ongoing plan. It sounds appealing, especially with so many new options on the market promising the same peace of mind for less. But it’s worth knowing what you’re trading off before you choose.
What “centrally monitored” actually means
Every Freedom Medical Alarm is centrally monitored. Press the button, any time of day or night, and a trained professional answers. They work for the 111 ambulance service and can arrange help for you straight away if it is needed.
Why family monitoring falls short in a real emergency
Family monitoring sounds reassuring in theory.
In practice, life gets in the way:
- Phones go on silent
- People are asleep or in a meeting
- Life gets busy, and calls get missed
It’s completely understandable, but it means help may not be there the moment you need it. And in a medical emergency, minutes matter. That’s exactly where central monitoring earns its place: help is there whenever you need it, day or night.
What about smart watches or devices with 111 calling?
These devices are great, but they do have limits:
- They work best when you’re conscious and able to talk
- If you’re not able to talk this can lead to delays in getting you the help you need
With our alarms, if you can’t talk through the alarm an ambulance will still be dispatched. We also have all your relevant personal details already on file including how to access the house in an emergency.
What’s coming next
We’re working on new technology that will centrally monitor your alarm while also notifying family through an app, so you get both. It’s not quite ready yet, but it should be within the next couple of years.
The bottom line
A one-off, lower-cost device is tempting. But when it comes to your safety, it’s worth thinking beyond the price tag. With a centrally monitored alarm, help is there when you need it most, every time.
Want to talk through your options?
Call our team on 0800 380 280 or email [email protected].
We’re happy to help you explore funding too.