SureSafe personal alarms can now be arranged through our Emprise showrooms. Joel Groth, co-founder of SureSafe, explains how the company started and how SureSafe devices offer a simple, reassuring alternative to the expense and complexity of other systems.
The SureSafe Journey
Tell us about your journey with SureSafe – how did you first get involved with the brand, and what drove you to focus on personal alarm systems?
I was working as a currency trader at American Express when I had my first child. The job meant I was travelling a lot, which wasn’t ideal. I started looking for a role that would let me spend more time with my family.
One of my friends worked in the aged care industry. I asked him, “What do you guys need? How can I help?” He said they were having a lot of trouble with their current personal alarm provider. I said, “Give me some time.”
I was joined by my business partner, who was an assistant vice president of an insurance company. We did a lot of research. At that time, there were hardly any non-monitored services. Most of the products on the market were fully monitored services where alarms are sent to a monitoring station.
Monitoring services can cost up to $50 a month, which is a significant expense for people, particularly those on fixed incomes. We realised that there was a market that wasn’t well looked after, so we set about designing a home alarm that hooked up to existing home phones. This was back in 2013, before mobile devices were standard.
Around that time, WA introduced a personal alarm rebate scheme, which cut the cost of getting a personal alarm. We could provide people with access to a service that they previously couldn’t afford.
What Makes SureSafe Different
What makes SureSafe personal alarms stand out from other options available in the Australian market?
These days, the device is a pendant or a watch that you can wear. It differs from others because it’s fully mobile. So not only does it work around the home, but also when you’re walking down to the shops, at the park, on holidays – wherever you go. This really helps with social inclusion because people are more confident. They’re more likely to go out and stay involved in their community.
How It Works
Can you describe how it works?
If you press the button or if there’s a fall is detected, the device will alert five of your emergency contact numbers. These might be your family members, friends or neighbours. The device will trigger a call through to their mobile number. Both the pendant and the watch allow for two-way communication. They can ask, “Hey, are you okay?” You can speak directly back to them. People say it’s very “Dick Tracy”.
After the calls go out, a text message is also generated that shows your location on a Google Map. It doesn’t matter where you are – people can find you and organise any assistance you need.
Customer Service and Setup
What can customers expect from SureSafe’s customer service experience, and how quickly can they get their device set up?
When the order comes through from Emprise, they provide all the information, such as address, but also the phone numbers that they want saved in the device. So we actually pre-save everything in the device before it’s dispatched. The device is then sent via Express Post.
You get the device, open up the box, plug it into the wall, and it automatically turns on, and the device is ready to use immediately. There’s no training, there’s no downloading apps or all these things that can make life complex.
Battery Life
How long does the charge last?
The pendant needs charging every four days. The watch needs charging each day because it has a smaller battery.
Real-World Impact
Do you have a particular story about how SureSafe has made a difference in someone’s life?
We get a lot of stories relating to bathroom falls where people have been able to get help straight away. It’s great to get that sort of feedback because it’s so much better than hearing that someone is alone and has had no one to help when they’re in trouble.
Pricing and Service Options
How much do SureSafe units cost?
They cost just $479 and that’s it, apart from the $40 fee/year for the SIM. For most people, that’s all they need. We offer an additional monitored service for individuals without a network to rely on, which comes with a monthly fee. We can also offer that in a short-term flexible plan. Sometimes you might engage us for a short time because people in your support network are away travelling. Our monitored service can cover those times, which gives you and your family extra peace of mind.
The service can change as people’s needs change. You might get a device when you’re 80 but still mobile. Then you have an accident, a hip issue, something like that, and you might feel the need for extra care. If that’s the case, then you can get it fully monitored, and then after you feel a little bit better, you can go back to being non-monitored and just calling your network when you need them.
Additional Features
What other features does the device provide?
The device is a complete standalone device. Each watch or pendant has its own SIM card. People can call you on the device. This means family members, friends, even carers can call you via the alarm. This is handy if your phone is flat or misplaced. So you can receive a call on the watch completely independent of everything else.
You can have that integrated care directly through to the device that you’re wearing, which does make a huge difference to people. It means that you don’t have to get up to take a call or carry your mobile phone around with you all the time.
There’s also a location-finding aspect to the device. If your people send a text to the device, it will ping back the location.
Available Through Emprise
How do you feel about SureSafe now being available through Emprise showrooms in Western Australia?
We’re thrilled because so many customers want to see and feel the devices before they purchase them. It also means that our customers are dealing with a caring professional team. For example, if people are at risk of falls, they can get advice about other equipment that can help create a safer home environment.
Who Benefits from SureSafe?
Who do you see as the ideal SureSafe customer, and what peace of mind does the product provide them?
People usually find us when they’re thinking about a personal alarm. We often meet people who have had a few falls or trips. They’re starting to feel a little unsafe and are no longer as active as they used to be. We want to help people stay active and engaged in the community while still feeling that sense of safety.
A SureSafe alarm can restore confidence because, in the event of an emergency, people can access help very quickly. This means the recovery time is reduced, which is also important.
Are you noticing a wider age range of people investing in personal alarms?
Yes, we’re seeing a lot of young people on NDIS moving out of home. They feel so much more confident when they can call on support when it’s needed. People of all ages use them when they’re recovering from hospitalisation or living with a health condition. It gives people the perfect blend of independence with their back-up team at the push of a button.
The Bottom Line
SureSafe personal alarms offer an affordable, mobile solution that helps people maintain their independence while ensuring help is always just a button press away. At just $479 (plus $40 fee/year for the SIM) for most users, it’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional monitored systems, available now through Emprise showrooms across Western Australia.
