Saga SOS Personal Alarm System: A Personal Experience

Introduction to the SAGA SOS Personal Alarm

When it comes to the safety and well-being of our loved ones, especially the elderly, choosing the right personal alarm system is crucial. Our journey led us to the Saga SOS Personal Alarm system for my father-in-law, primarily due to its affordability and lack of a hefty setup fee. In this blog, I’ll share our experience, highlighting both the strengths and the challenges we encountered with this system.

Why We Chose Saga SOS Personal Alarm

The main selling point of the Saga SOS system was its cost-effectiveness. Unlike many other systems, Saga didn’t require a large setup fee, and the monthly costs were reasonable. However, it’s important to note that this unit lacks fall monitoring and relies on manual reporting of incidents. Despite the mixed success of automated fall detection in other systems, we weren’t overly concerned as we are usually nearby.

Setup Challenges

The setup process was less straightforward than expected, largely due to the inadequacy of the provided instructions. The manual, heavy on pictures and light on text, wasn’t user-friendly for me. Connecting to power was simple, but figuring out the phone and line connections took some effort. We also encountered confusion regarding the ADSL filters, as ours were built into the wall box. Additionally, our first test call led to a minor hiccup – reaching the call center without our details on record and learning that registration wouldn’t be completed for another three days due to a bank holiday.

Using the Pendant

The pendant, which can be worn either as a necklace or a wristwatch, came with two watch covers. However, the lack of clear instructions made it challenging to switch between the two formats. Fortunately, my father-in-law preferred the necklace option, but this again points to the need for better setup guidance.

Conclusion

Overall, while the Saga SOS system was the best choice for us in terms of price and setup costs, the journey wasn’t without its pitfalls. The poor quality of instructions and the initial hiccup with the registration process were significant drawbacks. However, for those seeking a budget-friendly and effective solution, Saga SOS still stands out as a viable option.

About Saga SOS Personal Alarm

For those interested, the Saga SOS service offers a range of features:

• No start-up or delivery charges, with the first month free.
• Subscription-based service with a 24-hour monitoring system.
• Easy-to-use personal pendant alarms.
• Option for VAT exemption for qualifying individuals.
• Various connected accessories, like a keysafe and smoke detector, are available at additional costs.

Contact Information

For more details or to explore their offerings, you can reach Saga at 0800 068 5059 or visit their website.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a personal alarm system is a significant decision. It’s about finding the right balance between cost, features, and ease of use. Our experience with Saga SOS highlights that while it ticks many boxes, there’s always room for improvement, especially in user guidance and setup processes.