MY SOS FAMILY®
VS
PENDANT + CALL CENTRE
Choosing the right service to safeguard a family member is not an easy task to perform on your own.
We're comparing My SOS Family® to popular telecare and care line Alarm SOS Alert services for vulnerable users, which are usually but not limited to elderly users.
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The key difference between My SOS Family and a traditional Alarm service provider is that with the traditional provider you purchase a separate device, either a SIM based portable SOS button or a wireless pendant worn around the neck or on the wrist.
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Because over 90% of people aged over 65 have either a mobile phone or a landline on or near them most of the time, with My SOS Family there is no extra panic button or device to purchase, remember to carry, or charge the battery.
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We've build a service from the ground up jointly with the elderly community, and using "a common sense practical approach".
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To provide an easy-to-trigger, alerting, monitoring and response service, where users don't feel like they have to hide their "badge of vulnerability Pendant" and aren't restricted to the constraints of old fashion technology or processes that keeps them bound to their home.
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Read on to compare the Call Centre Process VS My SOS Family Process.
Understanding Fall Detection Technology for Elderly Safety
Fall detection primarily relies on accelerometers, which measure acceleration (including deceleration). However, the effectiveness hinges on the type of fall the sensor detects.
Seniors are more prone to slow, multi-directional stumbles or slips, rather than high-impact falls. These slower movements may not register a significant enough change in acceleration to trigger the alarm.
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Fall detection devices are typically worn around the neck. While convenient, this placement presents a biomechanical obstacle. The neck is not the initial point of contact during most falls, particularly slower ones. By the time the fall reaches the neck-mounted sensor, the deceleration may be significantly dampened, leading to missed detections.
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Another critical concern is the propensity for false alarms. Sudden movements unrelated to falls, such as bending over quickly or reaching for an object, can trigger the alarm, that's why the Apple Watch's first asks "are you okay?".
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Focus on environmental modifications like installing grab bars, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards like adding anti-slip mats under rugs and in the shower/bath.
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My SOS Family SOS Timer in the Alexa Skill and App can be set before having a shower/bath and if there is an accident and not canceled, will trigger alerts.
My SOS Family® Process
Press the button, the User is asked (based on country) if they would like to also call 999 / 911 / 112 / 000, whilst in the background our Automated Emergency Alert system instantly notifies all designated contacts through calls and SMS simultaneously. (see the video)
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Bypassing the delays often associated with traditional call centers. Rather than relying on a single operator making sequential calls, all contacts can respond simultaneously, leveraging the collective support of the user's trusted network.
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Our system doesn't just notify; it actively engages contacts in the response. Since emergency contacts are familiar with the user's preferences and routines, there's no need for additional information retrieval.
This familiarity enables a more informed and coordinated response, ensuring that responders are well-equipped to address the user's specific needs promptly and effectively.
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Emergency contacts can take direct action by calling the user just like a call centre operator would and call for an ambulance or the police on behalf of the user.
With the capability to merge calls on any iPhone or Android phone, all parties can be connected simultaneously, enabling emergency contacts to perform all necessary tasks typically handled by a call center operator.
This seamless integration empowers contacts to provide comprehensive assistance to the user in their time of need, ultimately even with a call center system, they are the ones that will be called to help.
Smartphone + My SOS Family Process
Call Centre Process
When the user activates a traditional pendant alarm, the process typically involves contacting a call centre (Also known as an Alarm Monitoring Centre) staffed by operators often located hundreds of miles away.
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Once the button is pressed, a notification is sent to the call centre's computer system, which holds some basic user information, provided when signing up for the service,, the first available operator is assigned the case.
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An operator then initiates a phone call to the user, introducing themselves and assessing the situation, it can be stressful for the users to talk to a stranger.
If necessary, the operator may call emergency services, and some systems initiate a three way call, (just like the merge call function on any smartphone) during which they can ask for an ambulance, or police to be dispatched or contact the user's designated emergency contacts.
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However, if the user cannot be reached, the effectiveness of the response is compromised, as the operator lacks crucial details about the situation, for example is it a false activation, a fire, does the user need the police or an ambulance.
The Operator must therefore rely solely on contacting the user's emergency contacts (sometimes capped at a maximum of 5 contacts), these are called sequentially based on a pre-defined priority order, until they eventually get through to one of the emergency contacts, who can then deal with the situation.
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Pendant + Call Centre Process
My SOS Family beyond the
Android and iPhone
Basic cell phones or landlines
While many seniors use smartphones, some prefer the comfort of Basic cell phones or landlines. My SOS Family is designed with you in mind!
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No need for extra devices:
Simply add our number to your phone's contacts and program it on a speed dial key.
One long press, and you're connected:
Get help from your loved ones instantly in an emergency, just like a pendant call center system, but on your familiar phone!
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Learn more about iPhone App Features >>
FORGET THE PENDANT OR PHONE,
JUST USE YOUR VOICE !
ALEXA ENABLED SPEAKERS & DEVICES​
25% of the USA population and 38% of the UK population has at least one Alexa Speaker at home.
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For those who do, then the MY SOS FAMILY Skill is the perfect companion, triggering alerts is easy, simply say Alexa "Open My SOS Family".
You can add a short custom message or just send alerts with the standard default "Help Me!"
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MY SOS FAMILY VS OUT OF HOME MOBILE GPS PENDANT ALARMS.
The landscape of personal emergency monitoring is undergoing a transformation;
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Going Digital:
The UK is phasing out traditional landlines (PSTN) by Dec-25, with a move towards Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. This trend is also gaining traction in other developed nations like the USA, France, Canada, and Germany.
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Mobile GPS Pendants:
To adapt to mobile users, Call Centers are providing GPS pendant devices that require a separate SIM card, monthly plan, and charging, similar to a basic cell phone. This can be inconvenient for users who may forget to charge the battery or carry two devices.
These devices, often mass-produced, might be readily available on online marketplaces for a low price point. Think: searching "Portable GPS SOS Pendant" on Alibaba (see image), eBay or Amazon and find identical models for $45.
TAKES 2 MINUTES TO SET-UP
In just a few straightforward steps, you'll have the My SOS Family system fully set up and ready to provide you with peace of mind whenever you need it. and whatever the device;
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APP USERS (Android & iPhones):
1. Download the My SOS Family app from your app store.
2. Easily add your emergency contacts within the app.
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ALEXA SKILL (Smartspeaker & Alexa devices):
1. Enable the My SOS Family skill on Alexa.
2. Quickly input your emergency contacts via Alexa.
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SPEED-DIAL (Landlines & basic cell phones):
1. Create your My SOS Family account.
2. Save the speed-dial number on your phone for easy access.
