
FAQ
What is Familyr?
Family Alert & Response – Family Monitored Personal Alarm
Familyr is a mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS) designed to reach out to friends or family during an emergency.
What is Familyr mPERS?
Familyr Mobile Personal Emergency Response System (mPERS)
A Familyr mPERS (Mobile Personal Emergency Response System, sometimes known as PERS) is a wearable, portable device that uses cellular and GPS technology to allow users to signal for help in an emergency, even outside their home. It includes features like fall detection, location tracking, and two-way communication. mPERS devices are commonly used by seniors, individuals with disabilities, lone workers or anyone at potential risk to enhance safety and security.
Familyr offers a powerful, reliable, and easy-to-use lifeline connecting you directly to your own familiar network of friends and family in any emergency.
What are the main features of Familyr?
Familyr has several main features integrated into the device;
SOS Personal Alarm Panic/Duress Button
Automatic Fall Detection
GPS Tracker
No-Motion Detection
GeoFence
Can Familyr be worn in the rain or home shower?
Yes. Familyr is water resistant, so you can wear it in the shower or the rain. It should not be immersed in water: e.g. bath, spa, pool or ocean.
Who can benefit from Familyr?
A Familyr emergency alarm can be used by anyone in New Zealand. Individuals who may benefit from using an mPERS (mobile Personal Emergency Response System) emergency alarm include:
• Older adults living alone, who may be at risk of falls or medical emergencies
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as heart conditions or diabetes, who may require immediate medical attention
• Those with mobility impairments, such as wheelchair users or individuals with Parkinson’s disease
• People who work or live in isolated areas, such as rural or wilderness environments (Horse riding, adventurers, hikers, bike riders etc
Anyone who fears for their own, or others safety, or who may be at risk of experiencing violence, unexpected accident or medical emergency, who may or may not be able to call for help themselves.
So you can use Familyr to chat like a cell phone?
Yes. Familyr has a built in microphone and speakerphone so the wearer can talk hands free through the device. In an emergency, when the emergency help call is answered by a responder, Familyr automatically goes into speakerphone mode with the user and responder able to have a 2 way voice conversation.
Additionally, there is a ‘non emergency’ button located on the side of Familyr which when pressed, initiates a normal phone call to one of your nominated emergency contacts enabling the user to stay connected to a single friend or family member.
Anyone knowing the phone number of your Familyr device can call it anytime and Familyr will answer automatically after 2 rings without the wearer needing to press any buttons. It will automatically enter the speakerphone mode allowing 2 way voice conversations just like a regular cell phone.
Is Familyr mPERS alarm same as a medical alarm?
Yes, an mPERS alarm is a type of medical alarm. mPERS stands for Mobile Personal Emergency Response System, which is a type of medical alert device that allows users to call for help when they need it, regardless of their location. Both mPERS (also known as PERS, or Personal Emergency Response Systems) and traditional medical alarms (Also known as Medical Emergency Response Systems MERS) are designed to provide assistance in emergencies.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Medical Alarms (Medical Emergency Response Systems):
These are traditional home based systems typically using a wearable pendant or wristband. When the user presses the button, it sends a signal to a monitoring center, which can then contact emergency services.
Familyr mPERS (Mobile PERS):
Familyr mPERS are designed for mobility. Familyr is a wearable emergency response device that connects to the cellular network to send an alert for help. It includes Auto Fall detection sensors, GPS tracking and two-way communication capabilities. Instead of contacting a monitoring centre, Familyr reaches out to friends and family during an emergency.
Familyr mPERS is a more mobile and versatile version of a standard home based medical alarm. Both types of systems provide a lifeline for individuals who may need assistance in an emergency, but Familyr mPERS offers the advantage of being able to be used anywhere there’s a cellular connection
What happens if Famillyr loses mobile coverage?
Familyr requires the SIM cards network signal to perform its SOS call, SOS text and location functions. The wearer must be in an area where there is sufficient mobile coverage. Without coverage, Familyr can receive or transmit.
Familyr alerts Family. Can you add friends too?
Familyr is about contacting someone familiar to you. You can enter friends, family or any familiar to you that is able to help you during an emergency.
You can choose up to 10 emergency contacts (Minimum 1). You can even include 111 as a contact if you wish. Because it does not require a monitoring centre in an emergency there are no ongoing monitoring charges or monthly fees.
How do you wear Familyr?
Familyr has a soft, rubber-like outer skin over a hard shell whihc makes it easy to hold and quite robust. It weighs only about 40 grams. Familyr is designed to be worn your way – however you feel most comfortable.
It can be worn with the included adjustable lanyard around the neck (Best for fall detection), with the supplied wristband, supplied belt clip, supplied velcro runners arm band or even on the supplied key ring. You can wear it on your own necklace or just carry it in your handbag or pocket.
Wear it your way
Yes, Familyr calls 111
You can include 111 emergency services as one of the emergency contacts.
Please be aware that 111 will not receive the help text message with the hyperlink location on Google Maps.
It is recommend you have a friend or family member as your first emergency contact. This will be the non-emergency side talk button contact which allows the wearer to call their phone any time without setting off any SOS – just like a regular call.
When 111 is included as an emergency contact the following calling sequence setup should be as follows:
Contact #1. A close friend or family member, colleague or neighbour who the most available to help. Someone familiar who knows you.
Contacts #2-#9. Any other friends, family or contact network.
Contact #10. 111 Emergency services.
You need minimum 1 emergency contact for Familyr to work and it can take up to maximum 10 contact numbers.
What is the Familyr Warranty?
Familyr comes with a 12 month Warranty.
Do I need any software or apps to manage or use Familyr?
No.
Familyr is packed full of the very latest technology and is designed for independence and simplicity. All programming and tracking/locating is done via text messages from you own phone. Emergency SMS & Voice calls alerts are done over the cellular network.
Why is Familyr designed without a screen?
Familyr is purposefully engineered to be durable, compact, and easy to use. By focusing solely on its core functions—emergency alerting and location tracking—it eliminates the need for a screen or keyboard. This streamlined design not only enhances reliability but also reduces potential points of failure or risk of damage which is especially helpful for those that are more adventurous.
Programming is handled remotely via text messages, making setup simple and efficient. Removing an LCD screen extends battery life significantly and avoids issues with readability, especially for users who may struggle with small text. The result is a more resilient, low-maintenance device designed for dependable performance when it matters most.
Can we change the emergency contacts ourselves?
Yes. You can easily change any of the emergency contact phone numbers by sending a coded text to the Familyr mobile number anytime you need to make a change. Simple instructions are included with the purchase.
Can I turn Features On and Off myself?
Yes. Features can easily be turned on or off by sending the applicable text commands. Instructions are included on how to turn on/off or adjust features within the manuals.
Can Familyr call cell phones and landlines?
Yes. Your 10 emergency contacts can include any combination of mobiles or landlines. Please be aware that if a landline number is one of the contact numbers, it won’t receive the help text message or the location information from Google maps. Its recommend if possible that some, or all contacts are mobile numbers.
International land line and mobile phone numbers can also be used, however please note that this will use more credit from your SIM card account.
How long does the battery last?
You can expect Familyr to last 2–3 days with normal use on average.
Just like a cell phone, how Familyr is used will affect battery life. In the home, Bluetooth connected to the White charging station and used only in emergencies, Familyr will last about 4-5 days.
If Familyr is used outdoors where it automatically starts tracking GPS signals, or is activated (pressing the SOS button, calling into or out from the Familyr or sending text commands to the Familyr) the battery life will be less (2 -3 Days of daily activities keeping it in motion). If Familyr is used for constant tracking (Dementia Wandering) where settings are adjusted to stay scanning for GPS (Mode 3), battery life is less than 18 hours.
To check charge, press the bottom side button—each red flash equals 20% (e.g. 5 flashes = 100%). You can also text “battery” to the Familyr phone number and it will respond back with is power level.
When the Familyr battery drops to 20%, it will voice announce, “Your battery is low. Please recharge your battery.” Simply place the Familyr in the White base station, or attach to the supplied USD magnetic charging cable, and it will voice announce “Your mobile alarm is charging.”. It only take about 3 hours to bring the battery back to full.
If Familyr is not recharged, a text alert will be sent to your contacts at 15% battery.
How much does Familyr cost to operate?
When you buy Familyr, you own it. There are no rental fees or ongoing monitoring fees.
To keep Familyr active, you’ll need to ensure there is adequate credit on the SIM card (SIM card included in purchase price with credit). Operating just like a cell phone, send and receiving SMS messages and making and receiving phone calls, the more you use it, the more its going to cost. Prepay and on account SIM cards both work, but for most clients, we find the average credit is less than $100 per year.
It is the responsibility of the purchaser/user to ensure there is credit on the SIM card and topped up to remain active.
How does automatic fall detection work?
Familyr includes a built-in fall detection feature designed to recognize serious, unbroken falls—especially those that might cause unconsciousness. It works by measuring the altitude, angle, and impact to determine if a fall has likely happened.
If a fall is detected, the Familyr will speak clearly and loudly:
“Fall has been detected, click the SOS button to stop.”
This message will repeat three times, giving the wearer time to cancel the alert if it’s a false alarm.
If the alert isn’t cancelled, the Familyr will automatically send fall alert text messages to the designated emergency contacts and begin calling them.
Please note that fall detection technology isn’t perfect. It may occasionally trigger a false alarm, but the user will always have a chance to cancel it before messages are sent. Fall detection can also be turned off or adjusted (to be more or less sensitive) by sending a simple text command to the Familyr from a mobile phone.
Keep in mind, not all falls will be detected. For example, the Familyr may not detect a fall if the person braces themselves, rolls gently to the floor, or hits an object on the way down, or if the device is worn inside clothes. That’s why, if you are conscious and able, it’s best to press the SOS button manually with a firm press until Familyr vibrates and activates.
Instructions on how to adjust fall detection sensitivity can be found in the user manual.
How loud is the speaker on the Familyr?
Familyr contains a speaker that has clear, loud and high quality sound. When an SOS call is made, or if a contact phones the Familyr, the wearer will hear the other person and be able to talk to them like on a normal mobile phone call. The volume can be adjusted by clicking the up and down volume buttons on the side of the Familyr Alarm.
How do you track or locate the Familyr Alarm?
The Familyr uses GPS (Global Positioning System) to accurately determine its location. When in built-up or indoor areas where GPS might be less reliable/unavailable, it automatically uses nearby Wi-Fi or cell tower signals to help find its position. This built-in tracking technology allows the Familyr’s location to be shown on your emergency contacts cell phones using Google Maps.
When the SOS button is pressed, the Familyr does two things:
It starts calling the emergency contacts.
It sends a text message to each contact with a Google Maps link showing the Familyr’s current location.
This means every contact will know exactly where the wearer is and can send help if needed.
Additionally, anyone who knows the Familyr’s mobile phone number can find its location by sending it a simple text command. The Familyr will automatically reply with a text message that includes a Google Maps link to its current location.
Can I use Familyr if I have a pacemaker?
It would be best to consult your doctor prior to purchase to confirm if you can wear it on the belt clip, wristband or be kept in your hip pocket.
What happens with False alarms?
The SOS button is slightly recessed and must be depressed for 3 seconds until it vibrates making it hard to press accidentally. If Familyr is activated, it will vibrate and a voice announcement “Your mobile alarm has been activated. Click the SOS to stop” will be made 3x giving the wearer the opportunity to press the SOS again to stop the emergency.
The same voice alert also occurs if the Automatic fall detection has been set off giving the wearer the opportunity to stop the fall alert if its just a false alarm.
Does Familyr need a SIM card?
Yes. Familyr works like a mobile phone by connecting you to your family emergency responders, so it needs to be connected to the mobile phone network. As part of your purchase we install an activated SIM card including credit to get you connected. Familyr is not locked to any specific network provider, so you are free to change your SIM card anytime, however we recommend we install your new SIM card so your Warranty remains valid.
How big is Familyr?
Familyr is 61mm tall, 42 mm wide and 16mm thick. It is lightweight, weighing only 40 grams.