Device Confidence Through Continuous Self-Diagnostics
Companion Watches doesn't simply provide a personal alarm solution — they help the support network understand whether the device and service is continuing to work as expected.
Personal alarms for the elderly provide valuable reassurance, helping older people maintain their independence while knowing that support is available in an emergency. However, an alarm is only truly reassuring if it is working properly when it is needed most.
Across the UK, personal alarms range from traditional home-based systems connected to a landline or base station to wearable devices using mobile networks. While these technologies offer different benefits, one essential feature deserves greater attention: continual product self-diagnostics.
A reliable personal alarm should do more than wait for an emergency call. It should regularly check its own critical components to identify potential problems before they affect the wearer's safety. This includes monitoring the battery, internal sensors, antenna and signal strength, as well as confirming that communications with the mobile network or home base station are functioning correctly.
Daily diagnostic checks can help identify faults, connectivity issues or hardware problems early, allowing the wearer & their support network to take action before an emergency occurs. Ideally, the system should also provide clear notifications when a problem is detected, rather than leaving the wearer unaware that their device may not be functioning as expected.
Peace of mind comes from knowing your alarm is ready when you need it.
Does your current personal alarm device carry out a transparent, comprehensive, regular self-diagnostics, to provide an important additional layer of confidence for wearers, families and carers alike?
Companion Watch's diagnostic advantages
Daily self-diagnostics: The Companion service checks in with the watch at least daily. If a scheduled check-in fails, specific support contacts receive an alert.
Optional hourly network checks: The Companion Essentials Watch can alert the support network when it encounters problems with local mobile network services, with hourly checks available as an option.
Transparent performance monitoring: The Companion app gives the support network detailed visibility into battery activity and network performance, helping identify potential hardware faults or connectivity issues.
Why this matters
A personal alarm should do more than respond to an emergency button press or detect a fall. It should help ensure that the technology itself remains ready to provide assistance.
Companion's combination of regular self-diagnostics, proactive fault alerts and accessible performance information offers an additional layer of reassurance for wearers, families and carers.