Safety Of An Elderly Person Living Alone At Home: Which Devices To Choose?
To secure an elderly parent living alone, three solutions stand out: the alarm button, the automatic fall detector, and mobile teleassistance. The right choice depends on the level of autonomy, lifestyle habits, and the risk profile of the person. Here’s how to navigate through them.
The alarm button: simple, effective, immediate.
In France, falls are the leading cause of accidental death among people over 65, with nearly 450,000 hospitalizations each year according to Santé Publique France. In the face of this risk, alarm buttons often become the first reflex for families.
The principle is simple: the person wears a small device on their wrist or as a pendant. In case of a problem, they press the button to connect with an assistance center available 24/7. No technical skills are required.
Two types of models exist:
- Fixed models, which work only at home via a base plugged into a power outlet
- Mobile models, equipped with a 4G chip, usable everywhere including outdoors
It is the ideal solution for seniors who are still independent and wish to stay at home with peace of mind.
The automatic fall detector: a hands-free protection.
Unlike the alarm button, the fall detector requires no action from the senior: it identifies the characteristic movements of a fall and automatically triggers an alert. This is essential protection when the person may not be able to press a button, for example, after a loss of consciousness.
These devices come in the form of a connected bracelet or pendant. They are usually offered as a complement to a teleassistance service.
Senior teleassistance: a comprehensive solution to stay at home.
Senior teleassistance brings together all of these devices into a coherent service: equipment, subscription to a professional monitoring center, and personalized follow-up. Today, more than 700,000 people in France use it, according to DREES. It is one of the most comprehensive responses for enabling elderly individuals to remain at home.
Operators generally offer several plans:
- Fixed teleassistance: for seniors who mainly stay at home
- Mobile teleassistance with GPS: for active individuals who go out regularly
- Solutions without a landline: suitable for homes without traditional telephony
Among the players in the sector, Europ Assistance La Téléassistance is one of the national references, with an offer covering these different profiles of seniors.
How to choose the right device?
Some questions can quickly guide the choice:
- Does the person go out alone?
- Does she have a history of falls?
- Is she able to press a button in case of emergency?
- Does she live in a home with or without a landline?
The answers will lead to the most suitable solution: standalone emergency button, automatic detection, or complete mobile assistance.
Act before it's too late.
There is no universal device, but personalized solutions based on the profile and needs of each senior. The key is to anticipate: setting up a security system before an incident occurs provides lasting peace of mind for your loved one and yourself.
