Personal Alarm Service for the elderly | Age UK

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Personal Alarms

Help on hand 24-hours a day with a personal alarm

Order online now or call Taking Care on
0800 011 3846

Lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
The Age Co Personal Alarm Service is provided by (PPP Taking Care Limited) and was previously known as ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ Personal Alarms.

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AgeCo Limited is 100% owned by ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ and sells products and services designed to help people make the most of later life, retain their independence and live securely.

A personal alarm gives you the freedom to live independently in your own home. With the touch of a button you can call the 24-hour Emergency Resolution Centre for help should you have an accident or a fall when alone.

Independence when you want it, help when you need it

At the touch of a button, loved ones can be alerted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering peace of mind and reassurance.

  • The first Which? Trusted Trader Approved personal alarm service in the UK.
  • Simply press the button on your lightweight pendant to connect to the UK-based Emergency Resolution Centre – no phone numbers to remember.
  • Your call will be answered in seconds – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Emergency Resolution Centre will automatically know who and where you are, and whether to call your chosen contacts or the emergency services.
  • The Emergency Resolution Centre can help with any emergency day or night, including falls, cold callers, fires or if you feel unwell or are distressed.

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Very good quality device and takes the worry away from your loved ones being on their own. Highly recommend the product and service.

David | Trustpilot review 2024

Choose a personal alarm to suit your lifestyle

  • The Digital Personal Alarm and Digital Fall Alarm work in the home and garden, up to 300 metres (984ft) from the alarm base unit.
  • The Digital Fall Alarm will also automatically alert the Emergency Resolution Centre if a hard fall is detected.^
  • The Taking Care Anywhere package works at home and when you're out and about. It includes a location-aware GPS alarm pendant with fall detection and a built-in speaker and microphone.†

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Digital Personal Alarm package

Digital Fall Alarm package

Taking Care Anywhere package

UK based 24 hour monitoring

Yes

Yes Yes
Wearable options Yes, neck and wrist options Yes, neck and wrist options Yes, neck or on belt/keyring

Button-press alarm pendant

Yes

Yes

Yes

Detects hard falls^

No

Yes

Yes

GPS tracking

No

No

Yes

How you talk with the Emergency Resolution Centre

Through the base unit

Through the base unit Through the alarm pendant or base unit

Includes spare button-press alarm pendant?

No

No Yes

Alarm range

Home and garden, up to 300 metres / 984ft from base unit

Home and garden, up to 300 metres / 984ft from the base unit Anywhere In the UK†

Order online or by telephone

The Digital Personal Alarm, Digital Fall Alarm and Taking Care Anywhere use a multi-network SIM like a mobile phone. You do not need a telephone landline and the base unit only needs to be plugged into a power socket. There are no phone bills or extra data charges as everything is included in the subscription cost.

Easy to set up and use. This has given all the family peace of mind knowing that our Mum can get help so easily if she needs it.

Tom and Helen | Trustpilot review 2024

Personal Alarm and Fall Alarm prices

94% of Age Co Personal Alarm Service customers do not need to pay VAT on their orders††. Personal alarms are VAT exempt if you, or the person you are ordering for, have a condition that requires regular medication, are chronically sick or are registered disabled. Find out more about .

 

 

Digital Personal Alarm package

Digital Fall Alarm package

Taking Care Anywhere package

Set-up

£69.99
or £83.99 with VAT

£69.99
or £83.99 with VAT

£70.00
or £84.00 with VAT

Monthly subscription
includes 24 hour monitoring

£19.99
or £23.99 with VAT

£25.99
or £31.19 with VAT

£28.99
or £34.79 with VAT

Self-install

Free

Free

Free

Life-time warranty and repairs

Free

Free

Free

Next working day delivery**

Free

Free

Free

Total to pay today

£89.98
or £107.98 with VAT

£95.98
or £115.18 with VAT

£98.99
or £118.79 with VAT

or call Taking Care on 0800 011 3846. Lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm.

For extra peace of mind

Choose from these options for extra peace of mind and security:

  • Add a key safe: By securely storing a set of keys to your home, there is always a way to get help to you in an emergency. Please note, key safes do not qualify as VAT-exempt products.
  • Add a second user, if ordering the Digital Personal Alarm or Digital Fall Alarm package, to receive an additional pendant.
 

Additional cost

Key safe

£65.99 one-off cost including VAT

Second user

Digital Personal Alarm
£4 per month
or £4.80 with VAT

Digital Fall Alarm
£5 per month
or £6 with VAT

 

See what customers are saying

These reviews are provided by customers of the Personal Alarms Service provided by Taking Care, some of whom are Age UK customers.

Request a callback

Request a callback from a Taking Care advisor. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about the personal alarm service.

FAQs

Below are answers to some typical questions about Age Co Personal Alarm Service.

If there is a problem with your personal alarm system, for whatever reason, Taking Care will work to sort it out within 48 hours.

Your safety, peace of mind and independence are paramount. Please call Taking Care customer services if you have any queries on 01364 651 555. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Age Co Personal Alarm Service FAQs

Can I wear my alarm pendant in the bath and shower?

Yes, customers are encouraged to wear their alarm pendant in the bathroom and shower where slips are common. The Digital Personal Alarm pendant is water resistant up to 1.5 metre / 4.9ft for 30 minutes (IP68 standard).

The Digital Fall Alarm and Taking Care Anywhere alarm pendants are water resistant up to 1 metre / 3.2ft for 30 minutes (IP67 standard).

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What happens if I press the pendant by accident?

When the call is answered just inform the staff at the Emergency Resolution Centre that you pressed it by accident. In fact, customers are asked to press the alarm button quarterly to ensure the system is working properly and that they understand how it works.

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What happens if the fall alarm is triggered by accident?

You can cancel any false alerts by shaking the fall alarm pendant. The Emergency Resolution Centre will always contact you to make sure you are OK if they receive an alert.

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Will any of the other equipment in my house affect the pendant working properly?

Other household equipment should not interfere with the functionality of the personal alarm systems. If you are in any doubt please call the Taking Care Customer Services team on 01364 651 555. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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What happens if there is a power cut?

For the Digital Personal Alarm and Digital Fall Alarm, don't worry if there is a power cut because there is a battery in the base unit that will keep the alarm equipment working. Once the power is up and running again, please ensure to test your alarm pendant by pressing the button and making sure an adviser answers your call through the speaker on the base unit.

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Is the Age Co Personal Alarm Service suitable for use if I am deaf or hard of hearing?

Yes, it is. You will need to set up with ‘Type talk’ or ‘Next Generation Text’ to allow the Emergency Resolution Centre to contact you. Alternatively, the Emergency Resolution Centre can call your nominated emergency contacts.

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Do you keep any medical details to help emergency services?

Yes, Taking Care keep some medical information on file, as well as details of your doctor, to assist the emergency services.

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I have moved house, who do I need to inform of my change of details?

You need to tell Taking Care your new address, telephone numbers and any change to keyholders. Please call Taking Care’s Customer Services team on 01364 651 555. When you move, reconnect your base unit and press the alarm pendant button to test that the alarm is working.

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I want to change the details of my keyholders – how do I do this?

Contact Taking Care's customer services team on 01364 651 555 to advise the details you wish to change. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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How secure is a key safe?

The Supra C500 Pro KeySafe™ is the first and only key safe in the UK to have police approval. To provide added reassurance, it also has a security rating denoting it as strong as a domestic front door.

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What should I do with the base unit and alarm pendant(s) if I cancel the personal alarm service?

Please call 01364 651 555 and tell Taking Care Customer Services that you no longer require the service. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. A freepost Royal Mail collection bag will be sent to you to return the alarm equipment in. If you cancel within 30 days, you will receive a full refund, including the installation cost if you ordered the We-Connect installation service.

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What is a service agreement and how does it work?

The Taking Care service agreement includes the provision of the base unit and alarm pendant(s) so you can access the 24-hour personal alarm service. You pay the initial upfront one off cost and then the ongoing monitoring & maintenance service, which you can choose to pay monthly or annually.

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Will my personal alarm system be affected by other people’s alarm pendants that may be nearby?

No, your personal alarm system cannot be triggered by a different alarm pendant.

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What if I lose my emergency pendant?

You can still call for help from the alarm button on the base unit. The Taking Care Anywhere package includes a free backup button-press alarm pendant that works in the home and garden.

If you lose your alarm pendant, a replacement can be supplied at an additional cost; if you need a replacement alarm pendant, please call 01364 651 555. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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Digital Personal Alarm and Digital Fall Alarm package FAQs

How do I know when the battery in my alarm pendant is running low?

The Digital Personal Alarm pendant has a five-year battery life. The Digital Fall Alarm pendant has a two-year battery life. The Emergency Resolution Centre will automatically know when your battery is running low and will arrange for a free replacement alarm pendant to be sent. If you are concerned about the battery, you can always call Taking Care Customer Services on 01364 651 555. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

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Can I have more than one personal alarm or fall alarm pendant per base unit?

With the Digital Fall Alarm and Digital Fall Alarm packages, you can have 2 alarm pendants on one base unit, enabling 2 people at the same address to be covered. A small additional charge is made for this service; you can add an additional fall alarm pendant when you order online or tell the Taking Care advisor if ordering by telephone.

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Will my personal alarm or fall alarm pendant interfere with a pacemaker?

The alarm pendants do not interfere with a pacemaker because it operates on a separate frequency.

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I do a lot of gardening – will the personal alarm or fall alarm pendant still work outside my home?

The Digital Personal Alarm and Digital Fall Alarm pendants work up to 300m/984ft from the base unit. The range may vary according to the environment.

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How do I set up the Digital Personal Alarm or Digital Fall Alarm packages?

An easy-to-follow user guide is included with your order. Please note that you may need to bend down to reach the power socket for the base unit.

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Taking Care Anywhere package FAQs

Does the Taking Care Anywhere package include a base unit?

The Taking Care Anywhere package includes a base unit and backup button-press alarm pendant. Also included is a location-aware GPS pendant with wireless charger, cable and plug. The location-aware GPS pendant comes with a hypo-allergenic stainless steel chain and a split ring, so you can choose to wear it around your neck or on a key ring or belt.

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What is the backup button-press alarm pendant for?

The Taking Care Anywhere package includes a button-press alarm pendant that works in the home and garden, up to 300 metres (984 ft) from the base unit. For extra peace of mind, you can wear it when your location-aware GPS pendant is charging. In an emergency, you can speak with the Emergency Resolution Centre through the base unit’s in-built speaker and microphone.

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How do I know when the battery in my location-aware GPS pendant is running low?

The location-aware GPS pendant has a 1 to 2-month battery life. Low battery notifications will remind you to charge the location-aware GPS pendant. The backup button-press alarm pendant has a 5-year battery life.

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Can I wear the Taking Care Anywhere location-aware GPS pendant if I have a pacemaker?

If you have a pacemaker you cannot wear Taking Care Anywhere as a pendant and fall detection will need to be turned off. Select the pacemaker option when ordering online or let Taking Care know that you have a pacemaker if ordering by telephone.  The Taking Care Anywhere location-aware GPS pendant can be worn using the supplied split ring, which can be attached to a belt clip or keys.

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I enjoy going for walks – will the Taking Care Anywhere location-aware GPS pendant work when I'm out and about?

The black Taking Care Anywhere location-aware GPS pendant will work anywhere in the UK where there is a 3G or 4G cellular network to communicate. The pre-fitted multi-network SIM provides the best possible coverage.

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Are there any additional costs with the Taking Care Anywhere package?

No, there is not; all technology-based fees and line charges are all included within your personal alarm subscription.

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How do I to set up the Taking Care Anywhere package?

The Taking Care Anywhere has an easy-to-follow voice setup and a user guide is provided, although you may need to bend down to reach the power socket for the alarm base unit.

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Further information

VAT exemption and personal alarms

You may not need to pay VAT on your personal alarm order. Personal alarms are VAT exempt if you, or the person you are ordering for, have a condition that requires regular medication, are chronically sick or are registered disabled††.

You can find out more about VAT exemption and whether you may qualify . Key safes do not qualify as VAT-exempt products so customers will always pay VAT on key safes, even if ordered with a personal alarm.

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What you need to know after your alarm has arrived

Once the personal alarm system is set up, you can get on with living your life independently.

Hopefully you never have to use the alarm in an emergency but rest assured, if you need assistance, simply press alarm pendant and the Taking Care Emergency Resolution Centre will assess the situation and get you the help you need quickly.

Quarterly checks

In order to ensure the service runs smoothly for you, please test the alarm quarterly on the day of the month that matches your birthday. Customers say they find that easy to remember. For example, if you were born on 11th March 1930, you may wish to test your alarm on the 11th March, 11th June, 11th September and the 11th December.

All you need to do is:

  • Press the button on your alarm pendant or button on the base unit just once and wait to be connected.
  • A Taking Care operator will answer and speak to you. Then simply let them know you'd like to run a test.
  • Taking Care will test your alarm system, make sure the signal is strong and check all is working as it should.

Keyholders

  • It is a good idea to have a chat with your keyholders about anything they may need to know about you or your home, e.g. if you have a pet or a particular medical condition.
  • If you want to add addtional keyholders please contact Taking Care.

Let Taking Care know of any changes

  • Keep in touch with Taking Care and let them know of any changes to your health.
  • You can update your details by calling the Taking Care Customer Services team on 01364 651 555. Lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Recommend a friend

  • Receive a £20 M&S gift card when you recommend a friend.
  • Ask your friend to give Taking Care a call on 0800 028 3311 or from the Age Co Personal Alarms website. Lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm.
  • Full terms and conditions can be found on the .

Tips

  • Wear the alarm pendant 24 hours a day.
  • When you lock your doors, do not leave your key in the lock on the inside of the door. Otherwise, your keyholders won't be able to unlock the door and reach you quickly if you need help.
  • Be sure to test your alarm equipment after a power cut or if your electricity has been turned off for any reason.
  • Let Taking Care know if there are any access issues or instructions to let others know the location of your home.
  • Contact Taking Care if you are going away and leave the alarm system plugged in and switched on while you're not at home.
  • Don't worry if you set your personal alarm off by mistake. The operator will be glad to know that you're ok and that your alarm unit is working correctly.

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Set up requirements

To get you help quickly in an emergency, it is recommended that you have two designated contacts (known as "keyholders") with access to your home or a key safe:

  • Keyholders: These can be local friends, neighbours or family who have a key to your home, live within 30 minutes of you and can be called by Taking Care in an emergency.
  • Key safe: This is a simple, secure way to keep a door key handy. You can purchase a key safe independently or from Taking Care. Find out more about .
  • If you are ordering the Classic Personal Alarm, you will need a phone socket and a mains electricity socket near your phone. The Digital Fall Alarm and Taking Care Anywhere packages do not need a phone socket. You will just need a mains electricity socket to plug the base unit into.

For more information, please call Taking Care on 0800 011 3846Lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm.

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How does the Personal Alarm work?

A personal alarm is a device, available as a wristband or pendant, that allows you to call for emergency help at the push of a button. The device is on your person constantly, so while you’re at home you can always feel safe knowing help is at hand.

Should you need emergency help, follow these 3 steps:

Step 1
Press the button on your alarm pendant at any time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Step 2
Pressing your pendant alarm will automatically alert the 24-hour Emergency Resolution Centre. A quick response means help will be on its way as soon as possible.

If you are using the Age Co Personal Alarm or Fall Alarm, you will be able to speak with an operator through the base unit’s in-built speaker and microphone. If you are using the Taking Care Anywhere location-aware GPS alarm pendant, you will be able to speak with an operator directly through the alarm pendant.

Step 3
The help you need is on its way. Be it one of your emergency contacts or the emergency services, as soon as you make the call, the assistance you need will come to you.

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Key safe

To get help to you quickly in an emergency, Taking Care recommend you have a key safe, especially if you do not have any keyholders.

If you do not have a key safe you can purchase one for £65.99 including VAT when you order your personal alarm.

Key Safes

A key safe is a simple, secure way to keep a door key handy. It can be fitted to an external wall on a house or a wall on an outhouse or a garage. The wall must be made of brick or dense concrete. It can only be opened by entering a unique code on the keypad.

Taking Care supply the Supra C500 Pro KeySafe™, which is the only mechanical key safe in the UK to have police approval for being tested on outside walls. To provide added reassurance, it also has a security rating denoting it as strong as a domestic front door. You can find out more about Supra C500 Pro KeySafe™ on Taking Care’s .

 

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How to get in contact

There are various ways to find out more, get in touch or buy an alarm today:

  • Order a online.
  • .
  • .
  • Call the Taking Care team on 0800 011 3846. Lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm.
  • Send the Taking Care team an email at enquiries@ppptakingcare.co.uk.

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The Age UK Personal Alarm Service has changed to Age Co Personal Alarms

The Age UK Personal Alarm Service is now Age Co Personal Alarms

Age Co Personal Alarms

Age Co is the new name for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ products and services that help older people enjoy financial security and continue to live independently.

Everything sold under the Age Co name helps to raise income for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ's charitable work and are all designed to give older people the freedom and confidence to live as they wish. When you buy an , you can be confident that you will get the best possible service and contribute to ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ's work.

Taking Care Personal Alarms Monitoring Team

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Live independently in your own home

Or call Taking Care on
0800 011 3846 0800 011 3846
Lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm


Call to speak to a Taking Care advisor or

Lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
0800 011 3846 0800 011 3846


^ The fall alarm sensor uses an algorithm to recognise the difference between ‘hard’ falls and other movements. Like many similar devices on the market, it cannot guarantee to detect all falls because it is dependent on where it is worn and the amount of shock or impact from the fall. If you fall and can press the emergency button then you should do so.

† Taking Care Anywhere works from any location in the UK, excluding the Channel Islands, where there is a 3G or 4G cellular network to communicate, subject to atmospheric conditions, buildings, or other forms of interference that can block the pendant's connection to GPS satellites. A GPS satellite network must be available for the GPS pendant to determine its location. Fall detection in the Taking Care Anywhere alarm works with the GPS pendant in pendant mode only.

†† Many of customers do not have to pay VAT for health reasons. If you need to pay VAT simply see the figures shown. You will be exempt from VAT if you declare that you are chronically sick or disabled. Find out more about VAT exemption.

** Free next working day delivery available in England and Wales for self-install orders received before 1pm, Monday – Fridays. For other areas, 48 hour delivery available.

*** One £20 M&S Gift Card will be issued to the existing customer making the referral and one £20 M&S Gift Card to the new referred customer who registers for an Age Co Personal Alarm. Existing or previous customers of Age Co or PPP Taking Care are not eligible to be referred. Please see PPP Taking Care's full .

Age Co Personal Alarms are provided by PPP Taking Care Limited. AgeCo Limited is a trading subsidiary of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ (registered charity no. 1128267). AgeCo Limited registered office: 7th Floor, One America Square, 17 Crosswall, London, EC3N 2LB (registered in England and Wales, no. 03156159).

 

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