Fall alarms
for the elderly
- Works at home and outside, anywhere in the UK
- 24/7 emergency support from the UK’s top rated personal alarm
- Automatic fall detection for true peace of mind
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The YourStride fall alarm watch offers true security and peace of mind for you and your family. It works anywhere in the UK, 24/7. That means you’re protected whether you’re at home, in your garden or simply out and about.
To request emergency support, simply press the SOS button on the watch or have the watch automatically detect a fall. You can then speak directly through the watch with our dedicated 24/7 monitoring team. They will then send the help you need to your location.
At YourStride we believe in age without limits and freedom without compromise. Unlike other alarms that only work within a limited range, the YourStride fall alarm watch works UK wide. This means that you can go out and enjoy life, safe in the knowledge that emergency help is always available.
Emergency help is available at the push of a button or by having a fall detected. Both of these options are available to you wherever you may be in the UK.
YourStride has thousands of customers and features the highest review rating of any fall alarm in the UK. We partner with an expert and experienced emergency service team to handle calls, so you can rest assured that you will get the help you need when an SOS is raised. Quite simply, you can trust us.
With YourStride, you don’t need to worry about installation fees. Your fall alarm arrives fully set-up and works straight out of the box. Better yet, it’s a standalone device and doesn’t require pairing with a smartphone, Wifi, or any base unit. It simply and automatically connects to the strongest mobile network in your area. All you need to do is wear the watch.
As you may be aware, landlines throughout the UK are currently being replaced as part of the digital switchover. In fact, BT have announced that by December 2025, they will no longer support the analogue phone network at all. YourStride is a digital device, and unlike many fall alarms will not be impacted by this switch. This means that your fall alarm will continue to work as you expect through December 2025 and long beyond.
Whereas some personal alarms allow users to request help via either a manual method (i.e an SOS button) or through automatic fall detection, YourStride offers both options in tandem. Clearly, not all emergencies occur due to a fall, so having both options offers the greatest security and peace of mind for both wearers and their loved ones alike.
Whether you’re a tech wizard or a person who goes out of their way to avoid tech altogether, you’ll have no issues using your YourStride fall alarm watch. There’s only one button, and to request emergency help all you need to do is hold it down. If you do have any issues, we have an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly in-house customer service team that will always be there to support you. Just give us a call or send us an email and we’ll solve any issues you may have.
As well as an SOS button and automatic fall detection, the YourStride watch offers blood pressure and heart rate monitors. It also has a very handy step-counter that allows you to track your activity and compare the number of steps you have made over a period of your choice. Lastly, it of course also features a reliable digital time and date display.
When researching what customers wanted in a personal alarm, we quickly realised that people generally disliked the ‘red button’ alarms typically found on the market. We were told that these alarms scream vulnerability and the design itself was seen as a bit of a necessary evil - purchased due to a lack of alternatives.
YourStride is that alternative and we want people to be proud to wear their personal alarm! That’s why the YourStride fall alarm looks just like a regular watch, it’s discreet, comfortable and doesn’t stand out.
Whilst some alarms will connect you to an emergency contact (typically a family member), it is always recommended that you have experts dealing with an emergency. Our monitoring team has years of experience and can quickly establish the severity of the emergency as well as the appropriate steps to take. They will also keep your family up-to-date with the situation.
Whilst fall detectors have come a long way over recent years, they are not perfect. And as it’s better to be safe than sorry, the sensitivity of the detector may lead to the occasional false fall being detected.
We’ve set the sensitivity of our fall alarm sensor so it should work for you. However, it could still set off by accident and it that happens, with the YourStride fall alarm you can simply cancel the emergency call before it is connected. Beyond that, you can even disable the fall detection feature altogether at any point you like.
YourStride’s founders were awarded the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 award, and have been designing award winning products for a decade now. Quite simply, when it comes to designing products that the elderly love, there are no bigger experts in the field.
In fact, even Queen Elizabeth used their products!
A fall alarm is a device that alerts emergency services when a fall has occurred. These can either be manually controlled or feature automatic fall detection. A manual fall alarm requests help once the wearer of the alarm has raised the SOS (typically by pressing a button), whereas an automatic fall alarm will request help automatically once the technology has detected a fall.
We’ve all heard the horrid stories of elderly people waiting for an extremely lengthy period of time for help. A fall alarm can prevent this by ensuring that the person who has fallen is able to communicate their situation as soon as possible. This is extremely important as the seriousness of an injury tends to increase if help does not arrive in a timely fashion.
Depending on the severity of the injury, an automatic fall alarm may well be the best option. With that said, the vast majority of falls do not prevent the wearer from activating the alarm manually, so a device that offers manual and automatic alarms in tandem (such as the YourStride fall alarm watch) is usually the best option.
OOne of the more common life events leading to the use of a personal alarm is a fall. Luckily, there is a simple test designed for those aged 65 and up that can calculate your risk of falling before it occurs. It is regularly used by the NHS and can be a real life-saver, so take your time and go through each step carefully. You can find the test below.
Let’s begin with some easy questions:
If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of the questions above, then you should discuss the result with your GP. It may mean that you are at a higher risk of a fall, so early, preventative action may be recommended.
Once you’ve completed the short questionnaire above, you should try the test below. It’s known as the "timed up and go" test, and all you need to get started is a chair with 3 metres (10ft) of clear floor space ahead of it, and a way of timing yourself. Sit down on the chair, and follow the sequence below. Remember to time yourself.
Stop your timer, and note the duration taken to complete the test. If it has taken you more than 12 seconds, then you should add another yes to your total from the questionnaire. If this figure is equal to, or greater than, two, you should discuss your fall risk with your GP. They may be able to recommend exercises, specialist falls services or aids to reduce your risk. For our guide to reducing the risk of a fall, scroll to the bottom of the page where we have some handy tips that you may find useful.
If you are at risk of falling you should also think about getting a personal alarm - one that automatically detects falls, ideally. A personal alarm offers you quick access to emergency support should you require it. To find out more about staying safe in a fall with a personal alarm, you can continue reading below:
If you scored two or more in our fall risk assessment test (above), then you may want to consider a fall alarm. If you haven’t yet completed the fall risk assessment test, it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes and it’s recommended that you finish the test before proceeding.
Those with a history of falling, with particular attention paid to falls which have occurred recently, should also consider a fall alarm. It’s important to consider the long-term effects of a bad fall which can be greatly reduced if emergency assistance is available promptly. An alarm with an automatic fall detector is the best option if you are at an increased risk of a fall.
Generally speaking, the elderly are at most risk of falling. In fact, falling is the most common reason for hospital admissions in seniors. If you’re over 65, your chance of suffering a fall in the next twelve months is about 1 in 3. This chance rapidly increases to about 1 in 2 for those aged 80 and above.
Those with long term conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, should also consider a fall alarm. You should also look into a fall alarm if your job is particularly high-risk for a bad fall.
Some personal alarms, such as the YourStride fall alarm, include automatic fall detection. These devices are able to detect when a wearer has fallen by monitoring any rapid changes in acceleration or movement. Some alarms are also able to monitor for any heavy impacts experienced. Once this alert has been triggered, the personal alarm will request help from its emergency monitoring team, and/or contacts that the wearer has chosen.
Balancing trigger sensitivity is one of the issues commonly faced by automatic fall detection devices. It’s not uncommon for an alert to be triggered despite no fall having taken place. Whilst it is better to be safe than sorry, a false alarm may cause undue concern for all involved (particularly if the family is notified). YourStride’s fall alarm has undergone extensive tests to reduce the risk of a false alarm as much as possible, but eradicating this completely is simply impossible given the technology out there at the moment.
Thankfully, some fall detectors allow you to cancel the alarm before an SOS call is made. The YourStride fall alarm is one such device, and despite the most extensive testing of various trigger sensitivities, also allows users to disable automatic fall detection altogether. We understand that it isn’t for everyone.
This sensitivity issue can also have the reverse effect, with a fall not being detected at all. For this reason, many decide to forgo fall detection technology altogether and instead rely on a simpler alternative (such as manually controlled personal fall alarm). An alarm that offers both automatic and manual options (particularly if you can disable the automatic fall sensor if it doesn’t work for you), such as YourStride’s fall alarm watch, typically offers the best of both worlds.
Yes and no. Most fall detectors are also personal alarms, but not all personal alarms are fall detectors. Whilst personal alarms give you access to emergency help, not all feature an automatic fall detection sensor. They can of course be used to assist following a fall, but this will need to be activated manually by the wearer.
Fall detection technology is now sufficiently reliable enough that many personal alarm providers feel comfortable enough to include it on their device. That is not to say that the technology is perfect - but it has come a long way. And whilst there may be the occasional false fall detected, some devices (such as the YourStride fall alarm) allows users the option to cancel the emergency call before it is connected.
Whilst most fall alarms use similar technology, there are some other things you should consider before ordering.
What is the range of the fall alarm? Some fall alarms will require the wearer to be within a certain distance of its accompanying box to work. Other fall alarms will work anywhere in the UK, usually by connecting to a mobile network. These standalone alarms are typically preferable to those that require a link to a mobile phone, wifi, box, or other connection.
The benefit of a short range personal fall alarm is that the battery typically lasts longer, and may be the right option for those who are housebound or who rarely leave home for whatever reason.
The YourStride fall alarm works anywhere in the UK, 24/7. You can request emergency help at the press of a button, or have the watch automatically detect a fall. Both of these options are unlimited by range in the UK. Quite simply, with YourStride you can get emergency help wherever you are in the UK.
Some fall alarms have a more traditional appearance, drawing comparisons to the big, red buttons commonly found on personal alarms in the early 1980s. Other alarms have a more discreet appearance. The design also affects how and where the alarm is worn, with some alarms having a bracelet design and others being made to be worn around the neck like a necklace.
YourStride’s fall alarm watch is stylish and discreet, and doesn’t stand out. It looks just like a normal watch and we often hear from customers that, with YourStride, they have finally found a personal alarm that they are proud to wear!
As we’ve discussed, the sensitivity of fall alarms can vary, and an overly sensitive alarm trigger can quickly become a nuisance. It’s important that your order includes a trial period and/or money back guarantee (YourStride offers a 30 day money back guarentee). This will allow you to test the device’s sensitivity, the compatibility of its design and build, and whether or not it’s the right fall alarm for you.
YourStride also offers the option to disable the automatic fall detection feature. This means that if after the first 30 days you are otherwise happy, you can avoid the hassle and stress of switching alarm providers altogether by simply disabling the fall detection feature.
Some fall alarms will connect you to a 24/7, emergency monitoring team. Other fall alarms will connect you to a selected group of contacts, typically family, friends, and even neighbours. We would recommend that you opt for an alarm with a dedicated monitoring team. This will ensure that help is always available. It’s also important to note that a monitoring team is likely to have a lot more experience and expertise in dealing with emergency situations than your family and friends, despite their best intentions.
Standalone fall alarms will typically work straight out of the box. Other alarms, especially those linked to a box, will require some kind of installation and you may be charged a fee for this. It’s important to consider this cost when comparing the prices of fall alarms.
When it comes to price, you should also consider the initial fee along with the service cost. Some providers charge a higher upfront cost but a smaller monthly fee for monitoring. The reverse is also true. It’s best to sit down and calculate all the costs before deciding upon the right fall alarm for you.
As much as we wish we could answer this question, there are simply too many variables involved. Whilst some will prefer automatic fall detection, others prefer a manual alternative as they wish to avoid false SOS calls. Some will prefer a bracelet design, and others a pendant.
The YourStride fall alarm watch is the UK’s highest rated. It features both a manual fall alarm, an automatic fall detector, and a dedicated monitoring team. It works anywhere in the UK, with a long battery life and a discreet appearance. We offer a 30 day money back guarantee and you can cancel the service at any time and at no cost. If this sounds like something that could help you, order online today, or give us a call on 020 3868 5575.
You need two things: Calcium, and vitamin D to help your body absorb the calcium.
Good sources of calcium include dairy, green leafy vegetables, nuts, soya, tofu, bread and the edible bones of fish such as sardines and pilchards.
Top Tip: avoid spinach as it has a chemical that reduces the absorption of calcium.
The government recommends everyone takes a supplement of 10mg of vitamin D every day. Getting out in the sun is always more fun than a tablet but make sure you never burn!
If you are taking 4 or more medications, or your medications have not been reviewed for over a year, it can be worth checking with your GP or pharmacist. They can tell you if a review can cut your fall risk.
Take advantage of your free yearly eye test to make sure your eyesight is not getting worse. Trips and falls happen when you cannot see.
Try being active for around 30 minutes, 5 days a week. That could be gardening, going for a walk or even just popping to the shops. If you worry about not being safe when you go out, a YourStride Alarm Watch works everywhere in the UK rather than just at home.
You can also try the following home exercises. They improve strength and balance, which will help you channel your inner Jane Fonda and keep you from falling! All you need is a sturdy chair.
Stand tall, holding the back of a sturdy chair or the kitchen sink.
Lift your heels off the floor, taking your weight onto your big toes.
Hold for three seconds, then lower with control. Repeat 10 times.
Stand tall holding the chair, then raise your toes – taking your weight on your heels.
Don’t stick your bottom out. Hold for three seconds, then lower with control.
Repeat 10 times.
Sit tall near the front of a chair.
Lean forwards slightly and stand up (with hands on the chair if needed).
Step back until your legs touch the chair then slowly lower yourself back into the chair.
Repeat 10 times.
Stand tall with one hand on the chair.
Put one foot directly in front of the other and look ahead.
Take your hand off the chair and balance for 10 seconds.
Swap your feet and do the same for the other front foot.
Stand tall with one hand on your kitchen worktop.
Walk 10 paces placing one foot directly in front of the other so the feet form a straight line try to be as steady as you can.
Turn around and repeat.
Stand close to the chair holding it with one hand.
Balance on one leg, keeping the support knee soft and making sure you are standing upright and hold for 10 seconds.
Repeat for the other leg.
If this all seems too much, walking is also great for you. You can use a wearable device like the YourStride Alarm Watch to track your steps and heart rate, to help you stay motivated day to day.
Remember, even small changes to your lifestyle can make big differences over the long term so do give at least one of these a try.
Here’s how to make your home safer…
I know with this one you’re going to think we’re teaching you how to suck eggs, but it’s amazing how we all get so used to the setup of our homes without thinking about it.
Firstly, you can request a home hazard assessment for yourself or for someone you are worried about falling through your GP or local council. A professional can help identify simple changes to make your home safer.
Alternatively, there are a few things you can think about yourself;
Many people use a personal alarm to make sure they can get help while they are at home. If you are interested, you can read our guide to choosing the best personal alarm.
If you have a personal alarm, you can press the button to raise the alarm and speak to someone who can help .If you have your mobile phone with you, you can call for help.
If you can’t get to a phone, you should try banging on the floor, radiators or wall so that a neighbour might hear you
Make sure you are warm and comfortable as you wait for help to arrive.
If you need more advice then our team is very happy to help, you can also get more information from the NHS. Do give us a call on 020 3868 5575 with any questions.
Please be aware, this is just general advice not given in a health professional capacity.
Don’t forget to consult with your doctor before embarking on any type of new exercise regime just as a safety precaution.