In 2016, approximately 15 per cent of the Australian population (3.7 million) was aged 65 or older and this is expected to grow to 22 per cent (8.7 million) over the next four decades.[1] It is also estimated that more than a quarter of Australians aged over 85 are living alone [2], revealing that older Australians are fiercely independent with 76 per cent owning their own home and two in three not using aged care services.[3]
This reflects a growing trend for older Australians to stay in their own homes for longer, putting off the move to an assisted living environment or nursing home. The question facing many families is how to support the elderly in feeling safe and secure in their own home, without compromising access to 24/7 care.
ADT Security’s Home Assure Personal Alarm is a new solution to help older Australians continue to live a free and independent lifestyle. This easy to use, slim line device can be worn as a wristwatch or attached to a neck chain, ensuring 24-hour help is available in the event of an emergency. It can also be mounted to a wall as a permanent personal help button, especially in areas with a high slip-risk, such as toilets and showers. It is waterproof, so safe to use in wet areas or when completing outdoor tasks, such as watering the garden. The device also has long range capability to send an alarm from anywhere in and around the house, at any time.
When the button is activated, the Home Assure device immediately sends an alarm signal to the ADT Security Monitored Response Centre where an ADT Emergency Response Specialist has two-way voice communication with the resident. This specialist will then notify the user’s nominated contacts, such as friends, family, or neighbours, or call an ambulance if necessary. In cases of an accidental call for help, the action may be cancelled within 10 seconds of pressing the button.
For more information about how loved ones can enjoy the support of our Home Assure offering visit now or call 13 12 38 to discuss our monthly rental plans.
[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australia-at-a-glance/contents/demographics-of-older-australians/australia-s-changing-age-and-gender-profile
[2] https://aifs.gov.au/publications/demographics-living-alone
[3] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-statistics/population-groups/older-people/overview
