If you are a senior citizen who is concerned about falling or requiring assistance with a health problem while you are by yourself, a medical alert system can be a worthwhile investment. A medical alert system is a tool that allows the user to call for help at the touch of a button in the event of an emergency. They usually come in the form of a wearable button that will connect the user to a dispatcher who can call for emergency assistance or contact a family member. Many experts that anyone who is at risk of falling or having a medical emergency with nobody around can benefit from a medical alert system.
Seniors who are living on their own can use a medical alert system to give themselves and their loved ones some reassurance about their safety. Unfortunately, it can be incredible time consuming to find the right system for your situation. There are a wide range of medical alert systems available with different features, service options and fees. Naturally, this range of options can make it difficult to find out which medical alert system is the best for you.
How to Choose the Right Medical Alert System
When purchasing a medical alert system, it is vital to find the right system in order to feel comfortable and safe. Many seniors consider relying on their smartphone as a way to contact help in case of an emergency, but that may not always be the best option. For one, it is unlikely that seniors will have their smartphone on their persons at all times. It is important for a medical alert system to be available for use at all times, so a smart phone may not suffice. It can be risky to rely on a smartphone, which may not be available at all times. Here are some things to consider in order to find the best medical alert system.
Learn About Home-Based or Mobile Medical Alert Systems
The original designs for medical alert systems were all designed to work through a home’s landline telephone. This method allows the user to wear a button that allows them to speak to an emergency dispatcher using a base unit located in the house. Senior citizens and retirees who are frail and do not leave their home very often may find the home-based systems to meet their needs. However, this may not be the best option for everyone.
While the home-based option is still available, many companies are now selling medical alert systems that operate over a cellular network. Senior citizens who are more active and leave their house may prefer a mobile medical alert system. Mobile medical alert systems work over cellular networks and many of them utilize GPS technology. This can be an incredible useful tool in case seniors get lost or press the call button but cannot communicate properly. Using the GPS on the medical alert system, emergency services will be able to locate the user.
Should your medical alert system be monitored or not?
When you are shopping around for a medical alert system, it is essential to decide whether or not you want a system with a 24/7 monitoring service. Medical alert systems that are monitored are always connected to a dispatching center who will be able to connect you to the appropriate emergency service if you press the button. While this option offers more security than the unmonitored medical alert systems, they usually come with a monthly fee in addition to the purchasing price for the device. Furthermore, monitored alarm systems may sometimes come with minimum commitment contracts and activation fees.
An unmonitored system will be programmed to call a friend or family member on your emergency list when you press the call button. Usually, unmonitored medical alert systems can be programmed to contact multiple people in addition to calling emergency services if you do not get an answer from someone on the list. Unmonitored medical alarm systems are generally cheaper since they only require the initial cost of purchasing the device.
Learn About Fall Detection Features on Medical Alert Systems
Some companies sell medical alert systems with the optional fall-detection feature for an additional monthly fee. The devices equipped with fall detection are designed to sense falls as soon as they happen and immediately contact the dispatch center, even if the user is unable to press the call button. While this feature is incredibly beneficial in theory, it has not been perfected yet. Sometimes, the feature may consider something to be a fall even if it wasn’t. For example, if the user of a medical alert system loses their balance momentarily but catches themselves, the fall detection feature may still be triggered. Although this feature still has some faults, it is relatively cheap for about 15 dollars per month.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Medical Alert System
When you are searching for the right medical alert system to purchase, there are a variety of factors you should consider. For one, you want to make sure that the equipment you are purchasing will work as it should, if not better. Since the medical alert system can potentially be required in life-saving situations, it is important that you purchase one that performs at a high standard.
Next, you should check to see what customers are saying about various companies. When you purchase a medical alert system, you want to ensure that the customer service team for the product is helpful, efficient and courteous. If you are purchasing a monitored system, you should check to see how efficient the 24/7 service is.
Finally, you will want to find a medical alert system with a price and contract that works for your situation. Although more medical alert systems are relatively cheap, ranging at about 20 to 40 dollars per unit, you will also want to consider if there are any contract required. If so, you should look for a medical alert system with a short-term contract. Furthermore, you should seek out a company that offers contracts with easy cancelation terms.