Knowing how to choose a medical alert system for seniors will give you peace of mind, and help ensure that your loved one is kept safe.Various types of medical alert devices are available.It's important to match the type of device to the needs of your senior.Before you sign a contract with a company that provides medical alert monitoring services, there are a lot of important questions to ask.
Step 1: Decide who you want to hear from.
Depending on where you live and how independent your senior is, you may or may not opt for a system that includes monitoring services.Emergency response teams can be dispatched directly to the senior's home if the system is connected to call centers.Monthly fees are charged by these products.If you don't think your senior needs this level of monitoring, or if there are many close friends and family members nearby who can check on him, you may consider a Wearable product that automatically calls a list of pre-programmed phone numbers.
Step 2: Automatic detection features should be considered.
Many systems allow seniors to call for help with a push of a button.There are newer products on the market that offer a higher level of protection.If your senior is unconscious or unable to press the emergency button, she will get help even if she is not conscious.If the units detect fire or carbon monoxide, they can call for help.
Step 3: Determine if you need to keep an eye on your health.
If you want to keep an eye on your senior's health even if there isn't an emergency, you should consider a monitoring device.You will be able to see how long your senior has been sitting or lying down with the help of these products.The senior's doctor can receive health monitoring information directly from the products on the market.If you're worried about your senior forgetting to take her medication, look for a system that will alert you if the pillbox isn't opened.If you want to keep an eye on your senior from afar, video monitoring is an option.
Step 4: Think about moving.
You will need to make a decision on where to keep an eye on your senior.If your senior does not leave the house alone often, you can choose a home-based unit, which is connected to either a landline or a cellular connection, and only connects the senior to monitoring services within a specific range.If your senior is more active, you may want to consider aGPS-enabled device, which will allow her to signal for help from anywhere, and will notify emergency responders of her exact location.If you're considering a home-based unit, make sure you know if it's possible to transfer the base unit to a different house.If your senior moves one day, spends the winters in a warmer climate, or just visits out-of-town family, this will be important.It is important to check the range on home-based units.While the senior is in the yard, some may allow for a connection while others may not.If your senior spends time in the yard, you will want to make sure the area is covered.If your senior is prone to getting lost, it could be helpful if you could see his location via a mobile app.
Step 5: Ask about your personal preferences.
Whether or not your senior will actually wear the device is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a medical alert system.Pendants, bracelets, belt clips, and more are available.Some are more stylish than others.If the senior does not wear the device, the best system will not work, so make sure she is comfortable with it and agrees to wear it every day.The option for stationary buttons to be placed around the house is included in some systems.If you are worried that your senior will fall if she doesn't wear a pendant or other device, place emergency buttons in the areas of the home where she is most likely to fall.Automatic sensors for the home are included in a wide variety of products.If your senior leaves the water running or doesn't close the refrigerator, you can get an alert from the system, which can be great for you to call and make sure everything is okay.Some seniors may forget to use the medical alert device in the event of an emergency.Automatic detection options are available if you think this will happen to your senior.
Step 6: It's important to plan for the future.
It is important to think about how the medical alert system will function for your senior as she gets older.The senior can push a button to summon help or reset the system today, but may not be able to do that in a year.The system has other options.The plan will continue to meet your needs down the road if your contract is flexible.
Step 7: Make sure your senior knows the system.
Pick a system that your senior won't be able to operate.Choose a more user-friendly device if she isn't tech savvy.Make sure she knows how to use the system in case of an emergency by going over the operation with her.Requesting a trial of a system is a great idea if you don't know if your senior will like it.
Step 8: Ask about price.
You can buy or lease the equipment depending on the system.The upfront and monthly costs for the systems that meet your senior's needs can be found here.Ask about false alarm charges.Do you have to pay a penalty if the senior accidentally pushes the alert button?Medicare does not cover the cost of medical alert plans.Most private insurers won't cover the plans.Medicaid will cover some costs.
Step 9: Do you know if there is a long-term commitment?
If there are cancellation fees and if you have to pay a minimum number of months, be sure to ask.Pick the one that makes the most sense for you, because some systems give you many contract options.If you only need temporary monitoring for your senior while she is recovering from surgery, you should make sure you don't pay any extra fees.
Step 10: You can get the facts on the monitoring services.
If you want to get the best quality service for your loved one, ask the companies lots of detailed questions.Ask about the response time.In the event of an emergency, it is important to know when your loved one will get help.Understand what systems are needed for the device to function.If your senior has poor cell reception at home, this may be a bad choice.You can find out if the company takes care of the monitoring in-house or not.Ask about how they train their employees.Do some research on the company if they are outsourcing monitoring services.If you can afford around-the-clock monitoring and service, you should look for a plan that provides 24 hour coverage.
Step 11: Specific questions about the technology can be asked.
There are still a lot of important technical questions that you will need to ask the providers of the medical alert systems.Determine if the company offers technical support and if there is a guarantee on parts.Do you know if the battery is replaceable or not.Ask how often it needs to be charged.You can inquire about the availability of waterproof monitoring devices.If the system tests itself, you should ask.It is important that the system is monitored regularly.Find the speaker's location.Seniors can use a speaker on a Wearable device to communicate with the response team.If you want to monitor seniors in the same house, you need to find out if the system can handle your needs.
Step 12: Check the reviews.
To find out what other people think about the company, research it online.How long have they been in business and how much do their prices cost?You can reach out to people who use the system.