Seniors Get Free Safety Bands to Call for Help with One Button

Thousands of seniors across Poland can receive a free safety band that allows them to quickly call for help in an emergency using a single button.

Free Safety Bands for Seniors

Thousands of seniors across Poland can receive a free safety band. A small device worn on the wrist can allow them to quickly call for help in the event of a fall, sudden health deterioration, or other hazard. Check who can benefit from the program and where recruitment is ongoing.

Thousands of seniors across Poland can receive a free safety band that allows them to call for help with one button in an emergency. The program is aimed at people over 60 who have difficulties functioning independently and need additional support. Participant recruitment is already underway or continuing in many municipalities.

Who can get a free senior safety band? Check the conditions of the 2026 program.

Funding via the Senior Support Corps Program

Safety bands are funded under the government program “Senior Support Corps”. The aim of the program is to enable older people to stay safely in their own homes for as long as possible, without the need for 24-hour care in a facility. Support is intended for people who:

The municipality participating in the program decides who will receive the free SOS band. It conducts recruitment and qualifies residents for support. In 2026, the program is already being implemented by Bytom, Ożarów Mazowiecki, Kruklanki, Gliwice, and Świebodzice, among others. Local governments received funding for the purchase or lease of safety bands and to provide seniors with round-the-clock remote care.

Features and Operation of the SOS Band

Free SOS band for seniors. How does it work and what functions can it have?

Modern bands resemble a regular watch, but their capabilities are much greater. Depending on the model, they can be equipped with:

Not every band must have all the listed functions. The municipality decides on their scope when selecting devices.

How the Safety Band Works

How does the senior safety band work? One press can summon help.

The most important element of the program is 24-hour telecare. The band operates via the GSM network and enables quick calls for help in an emergency. If a senior feels worse, falls, or finds themselves in a dangerous situation, it is enough to press the SOS alarm button. The report is answered by a qualified dispatcher (paramedic, nurse, or medical caregiver) who assesses the situation and decides on further actions. Depending on needs, they can contact family or a caregiver or call an emergency ambulance.

The effectiveness of this solution is confirmed by the experiences of local governments that implemented the program in previous years. As representatives of Bytom reported, approximately 400 reports from safety bands were recorded last year. In 15 cases, intervention by emergency services was necessary, and they reached the seniors on time.

Beyond the Device: Comprehensive Support

“Senior Support Corps” Program 2026. The senior gets more than just a band.

The senior does not have to buy the band at their own expense. The program finances both the purchase or lease of the devices and their operation. Funds can be allocated, among other things, for:

Thanks to this, the senior receives not only the device but also access to a professional help center operating 24 hours a day.

Checking Municipal Availability

Is your municipality distributing free bands? This is how you can quickly check.

The program is implemented exclusively by municipalities that have joined the government edition for 2026. Therefore, the first step should be to contact:

This is where you can find out if recruitment is ongoing, what criteria apply, and what documents must be submitted. In practice, the number of bands is limited in many municipalities, so delaying contact with the office or social assistance center is not advisable.