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United Kingdom · Monitored alarm

Care alarm in the United Kingdom

A monitored alarm connects your SOS button to a response centre that answers day or night. This national guide explains who the category suits, what to compare, and which SureSafe products are relevant. With a monitored personal alarm, pressing the button starts a call to a response centre rather than only to a relative. The centre can speak to you, follow your care instructions, and contact family or emergency services.

Compare personal alarmsSee comparisons

For urgent medical advice in the UK, use NHS 111. For an emergency, call 999.

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Who 24/7 monitored alarms are for

  • People who live alone and want a response even when family cannot answer
  • Households where relatives live far away or work unpredictable hours
  • Anyone who wants a documented response process rather than an ad hoc call list
  • People whose health means a delayed response could matter

A later-life view of 24/7 monitored alarms

For older adults and the people supporting them, 24/7 monitored alarms should reduce uncertainty rather than add another task. Check whether the device fits the person's morning and evening routine, and whether the response plan is clear to everyone involved.

Ask how the alarm behaves during a power cut, after a missed charge, or when the person cannot speak. Those answers reveal more about the service than a comparison table of features.

  • Match the device to the person's mobility and memory needs.
  • Confirm who responds and how quickly they can act.
  • Keep the plan simple enough to explain in one conversation.

What to check before buying

  • Ask what happens when the alarm is pressed and nobody speaks
  • Check the response centre's hours and whether it operates 24/7
  • Confirm how key holders and emergency services are contacted
  • Ask about inclusive response minutes and any call-out charges
  • Check whether the plan is monthly, annual, or prepaid
  • Read the cancellation and refund terms before committing

National versus local

Personal alarms are sold nationally, but the practical details are local: mobile coverage at your address, council telecare availability, and how quickly a key holder can reach you. Use the location pages to check the area you live in, then compare plans using the checklist above.

24/7 Monitored Alarms options

These are the SureSafe products relevant to this page. Confirm the current price, contract, and coverage with SureSafe before ordering.

Local 24/7 monitored alarms guides

Use a city page for the same checklist with local support and coverage notes.

LondonBirminghamGlasgowManchesterSheffieldLeedsEdinburghLiverpoolBristolCardiffLeicesterBradfordBelfastCoventryBirkenheadNottinghamIslingtonReadingKingston upon HullPrestonSwanseaNewcastle upon TyneSouthend-on-SeaBrighton

Related alarm types

  • Personal Alarms — A personal alarm is a wearable SOS device that calls for help at the press of a button.
  • Fall Alarms — A fall alarm can raise an alert automatically when it detects a fall, without waiting for a button press.
  • Talking Pendants — A talking pendant lets you speak and listen through the alarm instead of waiting for a call back.
  • No-Landline Alarms — A no-landline alarm uses a mobile signal or home internet instead of a traditional phone line.

Related guides

24/7 Monitored Alarms questions

What happens if I press the alarm by mistake?

Most response centres will speak to you through the device and stand the call down when you confirm you are safe. Ask the provider how accidental activations are handled.

Can monitoring work if the power goes out?

That depends on the base unit. Some systems have a battery backup and a cellular connection; others rely on mains power and home internet. Check the backup specification.

Is a monitored alarm better than a family alarm?

Neither is automatically better. Monitoring adds a professional response layer; family monitoring can be simpler and cheaper but depends on someone being available to answer.