A concern of seniors with getting a safety alert is the fear of losing their independence. This is the easiest myth to debunk.
Alerts aren’t only for seniors but for people of all ages with certain health conditions, for people at greater risks for falling or for anyone living alone for extra safety.
Alert systems can provide a reliable safeguard to help the elderly to continue to live on their own or with minimal assistance for many more years than if they didn’t have one.
A medical alert system may sound complicated but it’s actually extremely user-friendly, even for seniors.
At the push of a button, get instantly connected to medical personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
One button, 0 phone numbers to remember, literally safety at your fingertips.
Don’t Let Price Discourage You
There are many different types of options ranging in different prices.
Some insurance companies will cover some of the costs or additional assistance can be offered from government programs.
The Federal LifeLine Assistance program provides discounted wireline or wireless service for eligible low-income subscribers.
Safety Alerts for Seniors are Popular
As we age, we’re more prone to getting sick, experiencing mobility issues and are at greater risk than the general population for falling.
Medical alerts give them and their family a piece of mind that help is there when needed.
Before purchasing a medical alert, there are many things to consider
Never jump into any safety alert system until it’s been decided which features are the most beneficial to you.
Common Questions When Choosing a Medical Alert:
Is help available every day, even on holidays and 24 hours a day?
This is a common perk of most monitoring systems. It’s still good to double check the one you ’re selecting includes 24/7 monitoring because emergencies don’t keep office hours.
What if I fall & am worried I can’t push the alert button?
Choose an alert with fall detection. This feature is frequently selected because many older people can’t get up after falling according to research conducted by the Chicago Tribune.
These types of devices will call medical personnel automatically when a fall has been detected without pushing the button.
Some devices can be commanded by voice but this is a new & limited but growing technology.
Will I be able to take the medical alert with me in the shower or to the pool?
Waterproof safety alerts will provide this ability. Make sure the device can be submerged underwater for long periods of time and is not just splash resistant.
What if I fall while outside of my home?
Active seniors should look into alerts with GPS enabled technology built into the device. This allows medical personnel to locate you no matter where you’re at without the need to communicate your location.
Can the system check in with me daily?
There are alerts which offer a daily check-in call or electronic check-in to verify help is not needed and everything is ok at least once per day without being prompted.
Can someone install the system for me if I’m not tech savvy?
These systems are meant to be user-friendly and come with basic installations steps many people with limited to no tech skills find easy to set up.
If this is still a concern, ask a family member to help or choose a company that will send an installer out to your home.
There are also companies offering free installation if setup fees are concerning.
Will it be stylish?
There’s no reason to think you won’t be able to look your best. There are a ton of options that look like a normal piece of jewelry or accent piece. You can even choose a smartwatch-style which can track fitness activities.
Is emergency personnel the only number the alert will call?
Some emergencies aren’t serious enough to require personnel but still require additional assistance. Choose a service offering multiple contact choices which put you in contact with family, friends or a caregiver.
How will emergency personnel get into my home?
Look for devices which come with lock boxes which only medical personnel can access to enter your home. You won’t have to worry about them trying to break down a door to give you the help you need.
Can someone else push the button to alert medical personnel?
Yes, anyone can push it to alert medical personnel. It’s not uncommon for seniors taking care of young grandchildren to train them to push it if an emergency happens.
Also, a loved one or caregiver lost in panic from the emergency situation doesn’t have to worry about where their phone is to get help within seconds.
Are there any non-wearable options?
Buttons can be installed in an or every room of your home but keep in mind they aren’t as easily accessible and can’t offer fall detection.
What if I want to cancel?
Reputable companies offer no contracts and also provide a risk-free trial period which is usually between 15-30 days. Always pick an option which doesn’t require a contract nor steep cancellations fees in case you no longer need the service or want to switch to a different provider.
Is English the only language offered?
Companies offering an international language line do exist! If there’s a language you’re most fluent in, make sure the service provider support for it.
What if I lose power?
Choose one with a battery backup which operates a landline to maintain access to emergency personnel until power is restored.
How do I know if I ’m picking a reputable company and quality product?
After deciding which features are required to adequately service your needs, the next step is finding a reputable company.
It can be hard to choose between the hundreds of service providers out there without conducting research.
Be sure to read reviews online, research the company through the better business bureau and confirm the monitoring center is certified.
How can I purchase a medical alert?
The best place to purchase safety alerts for seniors is online. Shopping on the web gives access to the most options which can be easily filtered down to exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s also easier to research each system thoroughly without being bombarded by a pushy salesperson.
Medical Alerts Are An Extension to Good Safety Habits
Some emergencies can be prevented by preparing your home or getting into an exercise habit to strengthen bones but many are unpreventable and unforeseeable.
Bottom line, safety alerts for seniors are life changing and a great investment that should be considered as part of a wellness plan.