GB2495849A - Wellness alarm apparatus detecting inactivity of a person - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus 2 is arranged to provide a warning indicating a person has become unwell at home. The apparatus 2 comprises: a movement sensor 4 operable to detect the person; a timer 6 arranged to provide a plurality of time periods in which the sensor 4 would be expected to detect the person; and an alarm generating means 8 which is operated when the sensor 4 does not detect the person in the expected time period. The alarm is sent to a designated remote station to thereby give an indication that the person may have become unwell. The sensor 4 may further be operated in an intruder detection mode. The length of the time period set by the timer 6 may be adjustable. The apparatus may further comprise a caller monitoring means which requires a caller to make an input into the apparatus in order to provide attendance by the caller at the location where the apparatus is installed. The apparatus may also include an emergency button or pendant to enable the person to call for assistance.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PROViDING A WARN1NG OP A

PERSON POSSIBLY HAVING BECOME UNWELL AT HOME

This invention relates to warning apparatus and, more especially, the invention relates to apparatus for providing a warning of a person possibly having become unwell at home.

Many persons live alone If the person is elderly or suffers from an illness or injury, the welfare of that person is often a constant worry to other people, for example family members of the person or designated carers. The person may become unwell as a result of an accident such as falling over.

Alternatively, the person may become, unwell as a result of an illness, for example a heart attack or simply becoming too weak as a result of influenza.

Known apparatus which is widely used by social services and which is for raising an alarm is such that it comprises a pendant which is worn by the person. The pendant has a button which is pressed by the person in an emergency. Many elderly people are forgetful and if the person has forgotten to put the pendant on, then the pendent is unavailable for use in the emergency. Also, if the person has had an accident which has resulted in the person becoming unconscious, then again the person is not able to press the button to activate the pendant and transmit a warning.

Alternative known apparatus comprises different types of monitoring systems, for example closed circuit television apparatus. These monitoring systems work well but are considered by the majority of elderly people as being too intrusive. The majority of elderly people require respect for their privacy if their well being is going to be monitored.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problem.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for providing a warning of a person possibly having become unwell at home, which apparatus comprises: (i) sensor means which is operable in a care mode by sensing the person at home; (ii) timer means for providing a plurality of time periods in which the sensor means would be expected to sense the person; and (iii) alarm-generating means which is operated consequent upon the sensor means not sensing the person in the expected time period, and which is for causing an alarm to be sent to a designated remote station and thereby to give an indication that the person may have become unwell to the extent of being prevented from being sensed by the sensor means.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that a regular check is able to be kept on a person living at home. Other persons responsible for the person living at home, for example relatives or designated carers, are able to have the peace of mind that the person living at home is being checked on several times a day and is not requiring assistance. The sensor means is easily able to be located in a place where the person can be expected to go within the time periods, for example to a bathroom for using the toilet, or to part of a kitchen by a kettle for making a beverage. Most elderly persons will make a cup of tea in the morning, or will turn on a light in a bedroom when wakening in winter. The pattern of life of the person being monitored can easily be established, and then the sensor means appropriately located and the timer means appropriately set. The apparatus is easily able to be used. Also, there is no need for a person to have to wear a device such as a pendant or a bracelet for raising an alarm. Many elderly male persons do not like wearing devices such as pendants and bracelets.

The apparatus of th present invention may be one in which the sensor means is operable also tc sense movement in an intruder detection mode. In this case, the apparatus is advantageously switchable between the care mode and the intruder detection mode by a telephone calL Other switch means may be employed to switch the apparatus between the care mode and the intruder detection sensor mode.

The timer means may be such that the length of the time periods is adjustable. The time periods are in real time and the time periods are able to be set to cover the time when the person living alone would be expected to be at a certain location, for example a bathroom, with a time margin either side of the estimated time in order to allow for changes of habit.

The timer means may be a digital timer means. In this case, the time periods may be programmed into the timer means.

Alternatively, the timer means may be a pin-operated or lever-operated timer means. In this case, the timer means may comprise a twenty-four hour clock in which pins or levers are moved to provide the designated time periods.

The sensor means will usually be a movement sensor means, for example a wireless passive infrared movement detector. Any suitable and appropriate movement sensor means may be employed, such for example as those used in burglar alarm systems. Sensor means other than movement sensor means may be employed if desired. Thus, for example, the sensor means could be a sound-activated sensor means responsive to the sound of a toilet flushing or a kettle boiling.

The apparatus of the present invention may be mains operated. In this case, the apparatus may include pins for plugging into a mains socket. The mains socket may be a wall socket. If the wall socket is not conveniently positioned, then the pins may plug into a traiting lead socket which is connected to the wall socket.

Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may be battery operated. It desired, the apparatus may be both mains and battery operated.

When the apparatus is battery operated, then the apparatus may include recharging means for enabling a battery or batteries to be recharged. The apparatus may also include a battery-status indicator, for example for indicating a battery which is low on power. Advantageously, the battery-status indicator may be such as to generate an alert if the battery is low on power.

The alert may be a visual alert and/or an audio alert. The alert may be to a caret or to a pre-programmed telephone number.

The apparatus ci the present invention may include mounting means for mounting the apparatus in a desired location. The mounting means may be an adhesive mounting means. The adhesive mounting means may be at least one suction cup. Alternatively, the adhesive mounting means may be a pair of pads of matrices of interlocking plastics membert one being stuck to the apparatus, and one being stuck to the desired location. The matrices of interlocking plastics members may be those known as Velcro (Registered Trade Mark).

The alarm-generating means may be a wireless auto dialler and receiver. The alarm-generating means may be able to send a text message to a plurality of numbers, for example up to three numbers. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm-generating means* may be able to send voice messages to a pluraHty of numbers, for example up to five numbers. The alarm generating means may be positioned next to a telephone, and connected directly to mains power, and plugged into the telephone live.

Alternative, a GSM version may be utilised. The GSM version may use a SIM card. The SIM card may be provided on a contract basis. The apparatus of the invention, for example the alarm-generating means pact, can be listened into, in order to see if aD is well immediately, or a telephone call can be made to a person.

The apparatus may be one in which the alarm-generating means is such that it sends a message direct to the designated remote station.

Alternatively, the alarm-generating means may be such that it transmits to locally positioned transmitter means, and in which the locally positioned transmitter means sends the message to the designated remote station. The use of the transmitter means may be advantageous when the apparatus is battery powered. Savings in battery power may be employed using the transmitter means because the alarm-generating means simply has to transmit to the transmitter means. The transmitter means receives the transmitted signal, and then forwards the received signal to the designated remote station. The transmitter means may be mains operated and located, for example, in a socket elsewhere in the house.

The alarm may be transmitted to the telephone of a family member such for example as a son, daughter, nephew, niece, grandson or granddaughter. Alternatively, the alarm may be transmitted to the telephone of a cater such for example as a socia' services carer. The telephone may be a landline or a mobile telephone.

Any suitable and appropriate alarm may be sent to the designated remote station. For example, the alarm may be a message simply saying tall Parent". The apparatus will usually be provided with a universal built-in message. If desired however the apparatus may be provided with means for providing a persona) identification, such for example as the name and/or the address of the person living alone and being monitored. Whoever is at the designated remote station, for example a designated mobile telephone, is able to take appropriate action on receipt of the alarm, and ensure that the person Uving alone is visited as soon as possible in order to check on their well being.

The apparatus of the present invention may include caller monitoring means. The caller monitoring means may require a caller to make an input into the apparatus in order to prove attendance by the caller at the location where the apparatus is installed. The caller monitoring means may require the caller to make the input into the apparatus using a ky or a card. Other input means may be required. The caller monitoring means may be useful in checking that callers such for example as care visitors caring for the person make scheduled visits. The caller monitoring means may also provide a record of the length of the visits for example by requiring the caller such for example as the carer to make an input into the apparatus on arrival at the premises where the person is, and to make another input into the apparatus on leaving the premises.

The apparatus of the present invention may include boguscalter alarm means which is operable by the person consequent upon the person receiving a visit by a caller who gives the person cause for alarm. In this case, the apparatus may be one in which the bogus-caller alarm means is operable by a button located inside a front door of the premises at which the apparatus is instaued, and in which the button is wiretessly connected to the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention may also include assistance- calling means for enabling the person to call for assistance. The assistance-calling means may be operated by a remote button, a pendant, or other suitable actuating device.

The present invention also provides a home when provided with the apparatus of the invention.

The home may be one in which the apparatus is located in any suitable and appropriate position. Thus, for example, the apparatus may be located in a kitchen or in a bathroom. More than one of the apparatus may be employed in the home so that, for example one of the apparatus may be located in the kitchen, and another one of the apparatus may be located in the bathroom.

The apparatus will normally be located at a position in which the apparatus is normally able to monitor only the person. This then helps to ensure that the apparatus is not inadvertently operated by pets such for example as cats or dogs. The field of detection of the sensor means may be adjustable, for example to avoid unwanted operation by pets.

The apparatus of the present invention is inexpensive to manufacture.

It can be sold, or rented out under contract. The apparatus of the present invention may be used by independent monitoring services, in which case the designated remote station may be an office of the independent monitoring service.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of first apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of a first part of second apparatus of the second invention; Figure 5 is a rear view of the apparatus shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a rear view of a second part of the second apparatus of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of third apparatus of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a preferred modification for the apparatus shown in Figure 8; and Figure 10 shows a further preferred modification for the apparatus shown in Figure 8.

Referring to Figures 1 -3. there is shown first apparatus 2 for providing a warning of a person possibly having become unwell at home. The apparatus 2 comprises sensor means 4for sensing the person at home.

The apparatus 2 also comprises timer means 6 for providing a plurality of time periods in which the sensor means 4 would be expected to sense the person.

The apparatus 2 further comprises alarm-generating means 8 which is operated consequent upon the sensor means 4 not sensing the person in the expected time period, and which is for causing an alarm to be sent to a designated remote station and thereby to give an indication that the person may have become unweU to the extent of being prevented from being sensed by the sensor means 4. The alarm-generating means 8 may operate if a pulse or signals for example from the sensor means 4, is not detected during a set time period. The alarm-generating means 8 may be a wireless telephone auto diafler which receives a wireless alarm signal, and then dials a pre-programmed telephone number or numbers, and provides a preset message, e.g. as a text and/or audio message.

The timer means 6 is such that the length of the lime periods is adjustable. The timer means 6 is a digital timer means which is ab'e to be programmed with the required time periods as can best be appreciated from Figure 2. The timer means may be built into the sensor means 4.

The sensor means 4 is a wireless passive infrared movement sensor means. The sensor means 4 emits a sensing beam 10. In operation of the apparatus 2, the beam 10 is required to be broken by the person during the time periods. If the sensing beam 10 is not so broken, then the alarm-generating means is activated. The sensing beam 10 can be any suitable and appropriate type of sensing beam 10 such for example as an infrared sensing beam or a radio frequency sensing beam. The sensor means 4 may be of the type used in burglar alarm systems.

The apparatus 2 comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 is a circular disc-shaped housing 12 which gives the apparatus 2 an appearance which is not unlike that of a smoke alarm. The housing 12 houses the sensor means 4, the timer means 6 and the alarm-generating means 8. The alarm-generating means 8 may be any suitable and appropriate type of device including known transmitter or transceiver devices. The alarm-generating means may include or may be associated with a trip timing circuit andfor GPS text signalling.

The apparatus 2 is mains operated, for example 240 volts mains operated. More specificafly, the apparatus 2 has pins 14 for enabling the

II

apparatus 2 to be plugged into a mains socket. The mains socket may be a wall socket if the wall socket is provided at the required position where the person being monitored would be expected to interrupt the sensing beam 10, for example in a kitchen. If the waD socket is not appropriately positioned, then the apparatus can be plugged into a trailing lead socket which can itself then be connected to the wall socket. Alternatively, the apparatus 2 may be produced for connection to a light, for example in a bathroom.

The apparatus 2 is advantageous in that it is able easily and inexpensively to be manufactured. It forms a seJf-contained unit which is easy to be installed and operated. The apparatus 2 may be produced to be similar in appearance to known smoke detectors.

A back plate 16 forms part of the housing 12 and it is secured in position by screws The back plate 16 is able to be removed in order to allow installation of the alarm generating means B during manufacture of the* apparatus 2.

Referring now to Figures 4 -7, there is shown second apparatus 20 of the present invention. The apparatus 20 is battery operated and it comprises a transmitter unit 22 shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, and a transceiver unit 24 shown in Figure 7. Similar parts as in the first apparatus 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

The transmitter unit 22 has an antenna 26 for transmitting a local signal to the transceiver unit 24. The transceiver unit 24 has a built-in receiver for receiving the signal from the antenna 26. The transceiver unit 24 also has a built-in transmitter for transmitting the signal to the designated remote station. The transmitter may have any suitable and appropriate signal generating electronics so that the signal to the designated remote station may be sent in any suitable and appropriate manner, including in a wireless manner or in a wired manner. The transmitter unit 22 may be abie to transmit to the transceiver unit 24 of a distance up to, for example, 150 metres. The transceiver unit 24 thus acts as a locally-positioned transmitter means which is positioned in Ihe vicinity of the transmitter unit 22.

The transmitter unit 22 is battery operated by one or more batteries in a battery compartment 28. Battery operation may be advantageous where it is desired to locate the transmitter unit 22 in a bathroom where there are no mains electrical sobkets. In this case, the transmitter unit 22 is able to be installed where required by the use of adhesive fixing means in the form of suction cups 28. The transmitter unit 22 is then able to transmit to the transceiver unit 24 which can be plugged into any suitable and appropriate mains outlet socket in the home via the pins 14. The transceiver unit 24 will then operate on mains frequency such for example 240 volts in the United Kingdom or other mains.voltages in other countries. The transceiver unit 24 may send any suitable messages to any suitable person or organisation, for example a message to a son or daughter saying call parent'. If desired, the transceiver 24 may be battery operated.

Referring to Figures 8, 9 and 10, there is shown in Figure 8 apparatus comprising a wall mounting bracket 32, a movement sensor lens 34, a socket 36 for power, a mains power adapter 38, a DC power plug 40, a N/A 42, and a USS configuration port 44.

The apparatus 30 can be switched from the inactivity care mode to the intruder detection mode by telephoning the apparatus 30. When the apparatus 30 receives a telephone cafl from a registered number within a memory in the apparatus 30, the apparatus 30 wifl switch from the care mode to the intruder detection mode. A SMS text message is sent confirming that the apparatus 30 is in the intruder detection mode.

The apparatus 30 is able to send information regarding room temperature by interrogating a monitor within the apparatus by way of a coded text message to a pie-registered mobile telephone number. The coded text message may be a coded SMS text message. Temperature alert level and messages may be, for example, as follows: High Temp 30 degc A/arm Text Room Temperature HIGH -Please Check LOW Temp 18 degC A/arm Text Room Temperature LOW -Please check Both high and low temperature settings can be adjusted. The alert SMS text message can be customised for both settings.

The apparatus may alert with a temperature alert delay so that the apparatus 30 monitors the temperature and only send an alert if the temperature remains b&ow the low set point for one hour. This is to prevent false triggering and thereby false alarms. Temperature alert information may be, for example, as follows: Temperature Check ON 1 Start Time 22 00 Night Time Disable End Time 08 00 Frost Protection High Temp 30 degC A/ann Text Room Temperature HIGH -Please Check Low Temp $8 degc Alarm Text Room Temperature LOW -Please check A comfortable room temperature for rooms used by elderly persons durWig the day may be set at 21 degrees C (70 degrees F).

The apparatus 30 may monitor the ambient room temperature around the apparatus 30. If the temperature rises above or tails below the adjusted set points, a customisable SMS tet message is sent.

The temperature check facility may be enabled or disabled by a simple switch.

Figure 9 shows apparatus 46 which is a preferred optional part of the apparatus 30. The apparatus 46 comprises a una 48 and two door sensors 50. The apparatus 46 is a bogus-caller alarm means which is operable by the person consequent upon the person receiving a visit by a caller who gives the person cause for alarm, The apparatus 46 utilises a simple wireless button located inside the front door of the premises in which the apparatus is installed, for example the person's home. On depression of the button, an SOS alert is able to be communicated to the main apparatus 30, whereupon the apparatus 30 transmits an appropriate message to pre-registered telephone numbers.

The bogus-caller alarm means may operate using caller button sensors as follows: Door Senor No. I ON.1 Button Alarm Delay 0 mm Ring Al oil OFF V Alarm Text Front boor Open Alert -Please Check Button Text Bogus Caller Alert -Please Check Door Senor No. 2 ON V Button Alarm Delay 0 rn/n Ring Alert OFF V A/arm Text Rear Door Open Alert -Please Check Button Text Bogus Caller Alert -Please Check The two wireless door sensors are paired to the main apparatus 30.

The main apparatus 30 is able to monitor local wireless sensors such as door sensors and pendants. The door sensors may be positioned up to thirty metres from the main apparatus 30, and they are able to trigger an alert message when a monitored external door is open. This facility is useful to warn a carer of possible wandering by the person. The door sensors may operate as follows: Door Senor No. I ON I Butlon Alarm Delay 0 mitt Ring Alert OFF V A/ann Text Rear Door Open Alert -Please Check Button Text Bogus Caller Alert. Please Check Each door sensor can be switched On/Off by sefecting/deselecting here. Door Sensor No. I OFF V Each door sensor has built-in push button which can be configures to send an alert as shown in the Button Text" field below. As the sensor is attached to a door, this button can be used to alect to warn of bogus callers or as a panic alert button.

Selection is made in the Button theckbox if it is desired to use: this feature, Button Text: Button Text Panic Button Alert-Please Check Add your chosen alert message here Alarm Delay Alarm Delay 0 rn/n A delay can be added to this alert so the door open" afert text message will not be sent until the time delay has elapsed. This feature is used when you wish to know if a door has been opened but not shut again. If the door is shut before the time period has elapsed the message is not sent.

This feature is useful for individuals who forgot to c}ose their external doors Properly.

boar Sensor Ring Door Sensor Ring OFF 1 In addition to the SMS text message alert, the door sensor can trigger a "ring" alert. This will immediately ring any recipient who has selected to receive "ring" alerts in the message recipient list.

This feature is to enable carers whose charges are prone to wandering to react very quickly before the person wandering has gone too far. A ring" atert typically alerts a recipient within ten seconds and the following aert SMS text message gives the cater more details.

Alarm Text: Alarm Text Front Door Open Alert -Please check The apparatus 30 may detect signals from wireless magnetic door switches giving notification of night wandering at set time periods. This night movement may be as follows: Night Movement: Night Mode Movement ON V Start Time 22 30 RingAled OFF V End Time 05: 30 Night Door Sensor OFF V Toilet Delay V Alarm Text Night Movement Detected. Please check Night Alarm Restore JntervaJ 15 mins Night Mode Movement ON/OFF -Enable/Disable or switch off this alert feature.

Ring Alert: See Ring Alert section in Movement Zones Night Door Sensor (A -OK I) You can also enable the wireless door sensor to be used during night time movement. This works independently of the normal door sensor alerts and can be used to monitor if the person has opened the main door at night.

The standard door sensor message is sent.

Figure 10 shows caller monitoring means 52 comprising a key fob 54 and a wireless reader 56, which may be mounted, for example by a door. The cafler monitoring means 56 may be advantageous in monitoring that professional carers are actually attencirng at their designated times and for their designated periods.

All functions of the apparatus of the present invention, for example the apparatus 30, can be programmed by time slots to function in accordance with the regular movements of the person requiring care, for example an elderly or vulnerable person. This ensures notification of unusual activity or inactivity. The apparatus can be sent SMS alerts informing of a disruption to Ihe power supply such for example as power cuts, and when the power is restored again. Such power failure alert functions may be as follows: Power Fail Alert Alert Message Configuration Send Alert to At'! ON Cascade Alerts OFF Startup Message ON Power Fail Alert ON The apparatus of the present invention, for example the apparatus 30, can also send messages to all pre-programrned recipients at I preprogrammed intervals. Appropriate control means for giving such messages indicating that all is OK may be as follows: Regular "All's OK" Message Status Message ON I Time to send Message 18: 00 How often i Daily Weekly Monthly The apparatus of the present invention, for example the apparatus 30, may be such that it is able to make a call at a pre.determined time interval enabling the use of pay-as-yowgo S1M cards. This prevents the SIM card de-registering, i.e. a call every 180 days The apparatus of the preseni invention, for example the apparatus 30, may also include a night movement facility. This facility may be useful in alerting a carer that the person for whom they are caring has got up during the night and may be at risk. The night time movement may result in a message being sent by SMS or any other means.

Various parts of the apparatus of the present invention, for example the apparatus 30, may be such that they are able to be remotely disabled and enabled by a registered user. The registered user may thus send to the apparatus a SMS text message such for example as Pass code A-OK: ON or -Pass Code A-OK: OFF. Many functions of the apparatus of the present invention may be remotely controlled. Examples, of such remote control or configuring are adding or removing message recipients, changing time and date settings, changing status and other messages, enabling and disabling the apparatus in its entirely, turning the night movement facility on or off, and requesting temperature readings.

When the apparatus of the present invention, for example the apparatus 30, is switched into the security intruder detection mode, then this will usually be done when the premises, for example the person's home, is left unoccupied. The intruder detectton mode is able to be switched on by, for example, any of the message recipients just cafling the apparatus from authorised telephones, i.e. telephones that are able to receive alert SMS messages. The telephone number of the apparatus of the present invention may be a dedicated mobUe number or alternatively the person's landlne telephone number. The apparatus may then operate such that it rejects the intruder detection mode enabUng call after a few rings, and simply sets the apparatus to the intruder detectbn security mode. The dedicated number may be that of or given by a mobife telephone network or security network.

A confirmation message of the activation of the intruder detection security mode may be as follows: A-OK Security Mode

Alert SMS Message Description Action

Mrs Jones 8L6 566: A-OK Security Security mode has been No action required.

Mode is now active -Ring to disable activated by calling System disarmed. Tamper: 3,4 Security mode cannot be Check door is dosed set due to A-OK door and sensor is fixed to sensor position of fault door frame.

A-OK Security Mode,-Alarm A-OK Security has detected Check S seek Triggered: Mrs Jones SL6.3EU movement in the secure zone assistance Mrs Jones 51.6 568: A-OK Security Security mode has been de-No action required -Mode Deactivated -Now in Care activated by calling. A-OK is now in Care Mode. mode During the period when the apparatus of the present invention is in the intruder detection mode, then if the apparatus detects any movement, a warning signal such for example as an SMS alert, is ab$e to be sent to aD message recipients.

When it is desired to disable the intruder detection mode, then it is simply necessary to call the previously caVed number for a second time. The apparatus of the present invention will automatically reject the call after a predetermined number of rings, for example one ring. The intruder detection mode will then be turns off and the apparatus of the present invention will return to its care monitoring mode. A confirmation message saying that this has been effected will be sent.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, instead of the timer means 6 being a programmable timer means 6 as shown in Figure 2, the timer means 6 may alternatively be a pin-operated or a lever-operated timer means. The suction cups 28 may be replaced by other adhesive mounting means. Mounting means other than adhesive mounting means may be employed so that, for example, the mounting means may be screws or naits The transmitter 22 and the transceiver unit 24 may be combined together in a single housing. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1-Apparatus for providing a warning of a person possibly having become unwell at home, which apparatus comprises: (I) sensor means which is operable in a care mode by sensing the person at home; (ii) timer means for providing a plurality of time periods in which the sensor means would be expected to sense the person; and (iii) alarm-generating means which is operated consequent upon the sensor means not sensing the person n the expected time period, and which is for causing an alarm to be sent to a designated remote station and thereby to give an indication that the person may have become unwell to the extent of being prevented from being sensed by the sensor means.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus according to claim I in which the sensor means is operable a'so to sense movement in an intruder detection mode.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the sensor is switchabte from the care mode to the intruder detection mode by a telephone call.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the timer means is such that the length of the time periods is adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the timer means is a digital timer means.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 -4 in which the timer means is a pin-operated or lever-operated timer means.</claim-text> <claim-text>7, Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claim in which the sensor means is a movement sensor means.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and which is mains operated.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Apparatus according to claim 8 and including pins for plugging into a mains socket.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and which is battery operated.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in including recharging means for enabling a battery or batteries to be recharged.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including mounting means for mounting the apparatus in a desired location.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the mounting means is an adhesive mounting means.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the adhesive mounting means has at least one suction cup.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the adhesive mounting means is a pair of pads of matrices of interlocking plastics members, one being stuck to the apparatus and one being stuck to the desired location.</claim-text> <claim-text>16, Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the alarm-generating means is such that it sends a message direct to the designated remote station.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 -15 in which the alarrn generating means is such that it transmits to locally positioned transmitter means, and in which the locally positioned transmitter means sends the message to the designated remote station.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including caller monitoring means.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. Apparatus according to claim 18 in which the caDet monitoring means requires a cafler to make an input into the apparatus in order to prove attendance by the cafler at the location where the apparatus is installed.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including bogus-caller alarm mean& 21. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims which is operable by the person consequent upon the person receiving a visit by a caller who gives the person cause for alarm.22. Apparatus according to claim 21 in which bogus-caller alarm means is operable by a button located inside.a front door of premises at which the apparatus is installed, and in which the button is wirelessly connected to the apparatus.23. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including assistance-calling means for enabling the person to call for assistance.24. Apparatus according to claim 23 in which the assistance-calling means is operated by a remote emergency button or pendant.25. Apparatus for providing a warning of a person possibly becoming unwell at home, substantially as herein described with the accompanying drawings.26. A home when provided with apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.27, A home according to claim 26 in which the apparatus is located in a kitchen or in a bathroom.28. Apparatus according to claim 26 or claim 27 in which the apparatus is located at a position in which the apparatus is normally able to monitor only the person.</claim-text>