The cost-of-living crisis in the United Kingdom has been challenging for everyone, and its impact on older adults is profound. Age UK’s 2025 research found that one in three pensioners, which equates to around 4.1 million people, feel less financially secure heading into 2025 compared with the previous year. Rising energy and food prices are forcing many older people to make uncomfortable choices; nearly half of disabled older adults have cut back on heating because of costs. These statistics underline the harsh reality that today’s seniors are balancing essential expenses against personal well-being.

At the same time, most older people want to remain in their own homes and live independently for as long as possible. The UK Government found 63% of people aged 55+ expect to ‘stay put’, and 90% want to live independently for as long as possible. However, the rising costs of professional support, with private home care costing around £25 per hour and residential care averaging £949 per week many families are looking for more affordable ways to keep loved ones safe without sacrificing independence.

This article looks to understand why traditional home care is becoming unaffordable and highlights cost-effective alternatives such as personal alarms, smart home monitoring and other technology-enabled services. We provide guidance to help families make informed decisions while avoiding products from direct competitors.

Why home care is becoming unaffordable

Professional home care provides invaluable help with tasks such as cooking, bathing and cleaning. Yet its cost is rising much faster than pensions and other fixed incomes. Age UK estimates that privately arranged home care costs about £25 per hour, while residential care costs around £949 per week for a standard care home and £1,267 per week for a nursing home. These figures are averages but can quickly outstrip a modest pension.

The cost-of-living crisis magnifies these challenges. Energy bills, food prices and other essential expenses have increased sharply. Nearly half of older people with disabilities have reduced heating or electricity usage due to affordability issues, and three in five who have cut back on heating would rather turn it off entirely than incur debt. For pensioners on fixed incomes, allocating hundreds of pounds per week to paid carers often isn’t feasible. These pressures mean some people delay getting help, increasing the risk of falls, malnutrition or isolation.

Affordable Alternatives to Home Care

Personal alarms for independent living

Personal alarm devices enable older adults to call for help with the press of a button, 24 hours a day. Modern systems connect to a professional response centre or nominated family members. A basic monitored alarm typically costs a small monthly subscription rather than a daily fee, making it far cheaper than daily home care visits.

Personal alarms have evolved beyond simple pendants, and there are different types of devices with varying features:

Basic alarms – These emit a loud noise to alert people nearby. They are typically worn on the wrist or around the neck and have a single button for assistance. Because they do not contact anyone directly, they are best suited for people who live with or close to family or friends

Protect Alert personal SOS alarm – The Protect Alert pendant provides fast help in an emergency. If the alarm is pressed or a fall is detected, the wearer is connected to a 24/7 UK response team who can speak to them through the pendant and arrange assistance immediately. At the same time, their chosen contacts receive both a phone call and a text alert, so the family are kept informed.

The alarm works anywhere in the UK with 99% coverage, offers clear two-way communication, and is waterproof (IPX7) for use in the bathroom or shower with a battery life of up to seven days.

Family members can also check the wearer’s real-time location for peace of mind. The device arrives pre-configured and ready to use straight out of the box, with no Wi-Fi, setup or installation required.

VAT relief makes alarms more affordable

Many people do not realise that VAT can be zero-rated on emergency alarm call systems when they are supplied to disabled people. HMRC’s VAT Notice 701/7 explains that you can zero-rate the supply of a personal alarm if it is designed to be operated by a disabled person and allows them to call for help in an emergency. The system must connect either to a specified person or to a professional control centre, and the supply must be made to an eligible disabled person or to a charity that will make it available to disabled users. Services provided by the monitoring centre in receiving and responding to calls are also eligible for zero rating. To benefit from the zero rate, buyers usually complete a declaration that the product is for their own personal or domestic use and that they have a chronic illness or disability. Avoiding VAT can reduce the cost by about 20 %, making monitored alarms more affordable than regular home care.

Other low-cost options to supplement care

In addition to personal alarms, several other technologies can complement or reduce the need for professional carers:

Smart speakers and virtual assistants – Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home can make voice calls, remind users to take medication and provide companionship. Surveys of smart speaker users suggest that these devices reduce feelings of loneliness and improve daily living.

Medication dispensers and reminder apps – Automated pill dispensers and smartphone apps help ensure medication is taken on time, reducing reliance on carers.

Remote patient monitoring devices – Wearable technology can track heart rate, blood pressure and sleep. Some devices share data with clinicians or carers, providing early warning of health changes.

Community and volunteer services – Charities such as Age UK operate befriending calls, meal delivery and transport schemes. Readers can find services in their area through Age UK’s local services directory.

Choosing the right option

Every situation is different, so it’s important to balance safety, independence and cost when deciding on the right support. Think about how the person lives day to day and what level of help they may need.

Lifestyle and mobility – If the person regularly goes outside, visits friends or enjoys walks, a personal alarm with GPS and fall detection is usually the safest choice. The Protect Alert personal SOS alarm allows family members to see the wearer’s live location. For someone who spends most of their time at home, the same device still provides reliable protection, but with the reassurance of 24/7 monitored support and a simple button press when needed.

Health conditions – For people with balance problems, heart issues, epilepsy, or conditions that may cause sudden collapse or confusion, automatic fall detection can be crucial. The Protect Alert alarm can raise an alert even if the wearer cannot press the button, ensuring help is still sent quickly.

Support network – If family members live nearby and are available to respond, they can be added as emergency contacts so they receive alerts straight away.

Budget and eligibility – Personal alarms are a cost-effective alternative to daily home care visits. It is also worth checking whether the wearer may qualify for VAT relief, which can reduce the cost by around 20%. 

Final thoughts

The cost of living crisis means many older people are trying to stay independent at home while managing tighter budgets. At the same time, most want the freedom to live their lives without feeling watched or dependent on others. Technology such as monitored personal alarms can bridge the gap by offering safety, reassurance and support without the high cost of daily care.

The Protect Alert personal SOS alarm provides round-the-clock emergency support, automatic fall detection, nationwide coverage and real-time location sharing — all in a simple device that is ready to use straight out of the box.

If you’d like to learn more or see how it could help someone you care about, you can find full details and pricing here:

www.protectalert.co.uk