Frequency Precision

Reducing Risk with Sensor Technology

Frequency Precision is a company dedicated to applying technical and engineering skills to helping people who may be dependent on others. They have developed a range of sensitive but durable sensors which can help alert carers if someone puts themselves into a potentially dangerous situation.

The story of Frequency Precision started is a personal one: Doug Dwyer’s mother was living in a nursing home and he wanted her to be able call for assistance. However, as an engineer and inventor, he took matters into his own hands and, working in a shed in Devon, he created a pager system for her use.

Subsequently, his mother developed dementia and wasn't aware of the risks of getting up out of bed without assistance. Again, Doug came up with a solution: an air pressure sensor that would go under the mattress. The design was so discreet that his mother didn't notice it but would give her carers early warning if she attempted to get out of bed.

The success of his inventions led to the formation of the company: Frequency Precision.

Introduction to Sensors and Alerts

What is the alert system?

In simple terms this technology depends on 3 functional elements:

1. A triggering (activating) element, which may be a sensor or a push button alert. This is with the person being monitored
2. A transmission system (to send a signal between the triggering device and the alert device): Frequency Precision uses WIRELESS technology (or, alternatively, the sensor can be connected directly into an existing call system).
3. An alert component, which might be a simple bleeper, a pager or a more sophisticated monitoring system. This will be used by the person who is doing the monitoring.

Sometimes more than one function is combined in a single device.

Users: Activators (the monitored person)

Two groups of people may benefit from activating an alert system:

1. People who are physically weak or frail but whose mental abilities are likely to be normal (cognitively intact). People in this group might benefit from a Call-Button alert or a Fall Alert device.
2. People may be confused (cognitively impaired) due to conditions such as dementia and require sensors to alert their carers if they might be putting themselves in danger, for instance by leaving their room. People in this group may be quite physically active.

Users: Supervisors (the monitoring person) 

There are, most commonly, two types of monitoring person in two corresponding situations:

1. Domestic - Sensor-Alert systems can be used at the person's home in a domestic environment to help partners or other family and friends keep the user safe. A simpler set-up will often be enough in this situation.
2. Professional - Sensor-Alert systems may also be helpful in residential and nursing homes as well as hospitals. In these cases, multiple people may need to be monitored and a more complicated set-up may be required.

 A set-up needs to be designed according to the needs of the person being monitored and those of the person(s) who are doing the monitoring.

Learn more about the different types of sensors that are available:

     Sensor Types     

Learn more about the types of Alerting Devices that can be used:

    Alerting Devices   

Learn about Airlert Technology, a unique air-sensitive monitoring system:

  Airlert Technology 

Which System to Choose

The different products listed above can be combined in different configurations to suit particular needs. A few scenarios have been listed below, but we would advise contacting us to discuss your needs whether ‘At Home - For Domestic Carers’ or for a complex multi-user system for a nursing home or hospital.

"My carer lives in the same house as me":
~ A call button or sensor linked to a pager will alert a carer within the range of an average home and garden.
~ A pager is carried by the carer.
~ Quickest response time - the carer is alerted immediately.
~ Low cost - just a one-off payment to buy the equipment. No subscription needed.

"I need to be able to alert my family who lives nearby":
~ A call button or sensor linked to our base station uses your WiFi signal to send a message to a mobile phone.
~ The carer doesn't need to be in the same house.
~ Medium cost - just a one-off payment to buy the equipment. Unlimited messages are included within the cost price.
~ Medium response time - the carer is alerted by receiving a message on their mobile phone.
~ You can add a base station to any of our wireless call buttons or sensors.

"I need somebody else to contact my carer or call an ambulance when I need help":
~ A 24/7 call centre monitor or dialler will notify call centre staff who will alert emergency services.
~ We supply sensors compatible with all monitors/diallers.
~ The monitor/dialler would need to be purchased and installed separately.

Testimonials

"The nursing staff decide which equipment the residents require. If the resident is prone to falling out of their chair they’ll be given a chair mat. If they just want to know if when the get up in the night, or if they are a risk of falling out of bed, they will be given a bed sensor. We also use the floor mats in a lot of different ways. If you put it in front of the bathroom door it will alert you to them using the bathroom, positioned next to the bedroom door it will alert the staff to someone leaving their room."
Andy Dunn, Maintenance Technician - Augustinian Care

FAQ