Step 4 - Security

Levels of Security-Care for Patients at Home

1. Emergency Pendant / Lifeline

  • A small wearable device (necklace or wristband).

  • Patient presses a button if they fall, feel unwell, or are in danger.

  • The call is routed via a base unit (connected to landline or mobile network) to a 24/7 monitoring centre.

  • Trained staff speak through the device, assess the situation, and:

    • Call nominated contacts (family, carer, neighbour), or

    • Call emergency services if needed.

  • Some pendants now have fall detection sensors that trigger automatically if a fall is detected.

2. 24/7 Telecare & Smart Home Sensors

  • Door sensors: alert if patient leaves home at unusual times (useful for dementia).

  • Room motion sensors: detect inactivity (e.g., if patient hasn’t moved for hours).

  • Bed/chair sensors: alert if patient hasn’t returned to bed/chair within a set time.

  • Smoke, gas, flood detectors: linked to monitoring centres for quick response.

These systems can be monitored by a telecare provider, giving 24/7 reassurance.

3. Mobile One-Button Call Devices

  • Pocket-sized mobile with a single SOS button.

  • Works indoors and outdoors using GPS tracking.

  • If pressed, connects to monitoring centre or pre-set numbers.

  • Useful for patients who are still mobile and go outside alone.

4. Telephone Protection & Call Management

  • Call divert / two-way call screening systems:

    • Blocks scam or sales calls.

    • Only allows recognised numbers through (family, GP, carers).

    • Some systems require the caller to announce themselves before the call is connected.

  • Reduces risk of fraud and stress from nuisance calls.

5. Linked Response Network

  • Monitoring centres usually keep a list of responders (family, carers, neighbours).

  • When an alert is triggered, they first try responders before calling emergency services.

  • Some families use a rota (shared calendar) to ensure someone is always available.

6. Integration with Care Team

  • Emergency alerts can be set to notify the care agency, district nurse, or social worker as well as family.

  • Many local councils provide telecare packages at reduced cost after a financial assessment.

  • Voluntary organisations (Age UK, British Red Cross) sometimes supply equipment or emergency response services.