Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Fall Alarms & Telecare Services

 

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Fall Alarms & Telecare Services

This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that others have found helpful.

If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via our online form.

personal-care-alarm-on-wrist

 

Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

If you live in Bridport, Beaminster, Lyme Regis or the wider West Dorset area, you can speak directly with our Social Prescribers and Care Coordinators - no referral needed.

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What are personal alarms?

Most systems used at home have a base unit that acts as the control hub and receives signals from alarm equipment such as pullcords or small wearable devices. These devices have a simple activation mechanism (e.g., push-button or pull-pin) to trigger an alarm. Unlike a mobile phone, they’re designed to be user-friendly, with simple, intuitive controls for communication and alarm activation/deactivation.

If you already use voice assistants (e.g., Alexa) or mobile apps, some personal alarms can integrate with these systems.

What are telecare services?

Telecare uses sensors, alarms and monitoring to support people to live independently and safely at home.

Further reading: Visit the Which? telecare information page

Which features will enhance safety and provide peace of mind?

  • Wearable: Choose wristband, pendant/neck, or clip. Check water resistance for bathing.
  • Emergency contacts: Two-way communication to a 24/7 response team and/or alerts to family/friends/carers.
  • Access in emergencies: Consider a secure keysafe; check if it’s included or discounted in plans.
  • Falls: Automatic fall detection may be included or an add-on; confirm before buying.
  • Range: Ensure coverage for your home/garden and daily activities (domestic devices can vary ~100–600m).
  • GPS tracking: Optional out-and-about location in the UK; helpful if you leave home regularly.
  • Charging: Some use replaceable batteries (e.g., pendant cells lasting 2–5 years), others need regular charging (often < 24 hours).
  • Set-up: Landline vs cellular; plug-and-play vs engineer install—pick what suits you.
  • Costs & warranty: Compare monthly vs annual plans, any setup fees, and warranty length (12-month to lifetime).
  • Multiple users: Some systems allow extra pendants/accessories for more than one person.

Advice and Support (Choosing & Obtaining a Personal Alarm)

Dorchester TEC Lounge (Dorset Council)

Information and demonstrations of Technology Enabled Care (TEC) in Wimborne and Dorchester to help you decide what’s right for you.

Website: Visit the Dorset Council TEC Lounges website
Email: Email the TEC Lounges team
Telephone: 01305 221016

Age UK (Personal Alarms)

Website: Visit the Age UK Personal Alarms website
Telephone: 0800 085 8032

Suppliers – Local

Medequip Connect Dorset

24-hour monitoring Technology Enabled Care; help at the press of a button for falls or other emergencies at home.

Website: Visit the Medequip Connect Dorset website
Email: Email Medequip Connect Dorset
Telephone: 0300 777 1025

Millbrook (Mi-Guardian)

Website: Visit the Mi-Guardian website
Telephone: 0800 130 0011

Careline Dorset

Opening hours: 8am–7pm (Mon–Fri), 10am–4pm (Sat).

Website: Visit the Careline Dorset website
Email: Email Careline Dorset
Telephone: 0800 101 3333

Aster (Connected Living)

Website: Visit the Aster Connected Living website
Telephone: 0333 400 8299

Appello

Website: Visit the Appello website
Telephone: 0333 321 6470

Suppliers – General

Please note: The Social Prescribing Team cannot provide specific product or organisation recommendations. The list below is for general information only and may not reflect the most up-to-date market.

Other Useful IT Support Contacts

Digital Champions (Dorset Council)

1-to-1 sessions with a Digital Champion to expand your skills. Available via local libraries.

Website: Visit the Dorset Council Digital Champions page
Telephone (Digital Hotline): 01305 221048

AbilityNet

Free tech support for disabled people, at home, over the phone or online.

Website: Visit the AbilityNet website
Telephone: 0800 048 7642

Donate IT

Charity that collects old tech and redistributes refurbished devices in the community. GP practices may have drop-off boxes.

Contact: To request equipment, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943.

TEC Lounge (Dorchester)

Get information and demos in a simulated domestic setting (Greenwood Independent Living Centre, Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, DT1 2ER).

Website: Visit the Dorset Council TEC Lounges website
Telephone (Adult Access Team): 01305 221016

 

Further Information

While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.

If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form or call the PCN Admin Team on 01308 801810 and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: May 2025.