Personal alarms without a landline for pendant users

Pendant fit, wear, and response

A pendant alarm is a familiar format, but fit and routine decide whether it is worn. Check the cord or clip, the weight, the charging method, and whether the wearer can use it without help.

A pendant with a base unit may still need mains power or broadband. Ask what happens during a power cut and whether the pendant has a backup connection.

Test the pendant in the rooms and outdoor spaces the wearer uses. Confirm the response plan with the monitoring centre or nominated contacts, and review the choice if the wearer's mobility or memory changes.

• Try the pendant with the clothes the wearer normally uses.
• Check the cord, clip, or breakaway fitting for comfort and safety.
• Confirm the charging routine and low-battery warning.
• Ask whether the pendant is waterproof.
• Test the button and the response from outside the home.

Why landlines are no longer the default

Many households no longer have a traditional landline, and some phone networks are moving to digital services. That has made mobile and broadband alarms more common. A no-landline alarm can be easier to install because there is no phone socket to connect, but it still needs a reliable connection.

The right choice depends on the address. A mobile alarm may work well where signal is strong, while a broadband-connected base unit may be better inside a building with poor mobile coverage. Check the specific technology rather than assuming that 'wireless' means the same thing for every product.

Pendant position matters for comfort and for the button. Check where the device sits against the chest, whether the cord length can be adjusted, and whether the wearer can reach the alert without pulling at the cord.

Mobile alarms: coverage is the main variable

A mobile alarm uses a SIM and a mobile network. Signal strength can differ between networks and between rooms. Thick walls, basements, and rural locations can weaken coverage. Ask the provider which network the device uses and whether it can roam between networks.

Test the device in the rooms where the person spends time, including the bathroom and bedroom, and in the garden if it will be worn outside. A device that works in the kitchen may not work in a basement. If signal is marginal, ask about an external antenna or a different model.

If a lanyard feels awkward, compare a wrist alarm or a belt clip before giving up on the idea. The best format is the one the person will keep on, even if it is not the one the family expected to choose.

• Check the network used by the device, not just 'mobile'.
• Test the actual device at the address before relying on it.
• Ask what happens when the signal drops during an alarm call.
• Confirm whether the device has a backup battery.

Broadband alarms: power and router dependence

A broadband alarm connects through the home internet service. It may use a base unit with a backup battery, or it may rely on the router and mains power. If the power or internet goes down, the alarm may lose its connection unless the provider has a backup path.

Ask how the system behaves during a power cut, a router reboot, or a broadband outage. Check whether the base unit has a battery and how long it lasts. If the household has a history of unreliable internet, a mobile alarm may be more appropriate.

Button access should be tested with the person who will use it. Ask them to press it while standing, sitting, and lying down. If the button is hard to find or requires two hands, the device is not a good fit.

Installation and daily use

A no-landline alarm still needs to be set up correctly. The base unit may need a power socket, a router connection, or a specific location for signal. The pendant or watch needs charging. The person using it needs to understand what the lights and spoken prompts mean.

Keep the instructions in a visible place and write down the provider's support number. If the person has memory concerns, a simpler device with fewer buttons may be easier to use. Ask the provider whether the alarm speaks its status aloud and whether it can be tested remotely.

A pendant routine works best when it is tied to something that already happens every day. Charging while reading, watching television, or getting ready in the morning is easier to remember than an arbitrary reminder.

Questions to ask before ordering

Ask for the total first-year cost, including the device, activation, monitoring, and any connection fee. Confirm the contract length, the cancellation terms, and whether the price can change. Ask what happens if the device cannot connect and who is responsible for fixing it.

Check the returns policy and the warranty. If the alarm is being bought for someone else, make sure the person who will use it is involved in the choice and understands the monthly commitment.

• Does the alarm use mobile, broadband, or both?
• What is the backup battery life during a power cut?
• Can the provider test the connection remotely?
• What happens if the alarm cannot connect at the address?
• Is there a cooling-off period and a clear returns process?

Questions people ask

Sources and further reading

These sources were used to check the general guidance in this guide. They do not imply endorsement of any product.

• FCC — Emergency communications