In-home systems that work through regular telephone lines were the first type of medical alert systems available. They remain a popular choice for seniors who live alone and want to retain their independence and have a landline phone.
Mobile systems that work on cellular networks are becoming more popular largely due to the greater flexibility they offer medical alert plan subscribers. In-vehicle systems are the latest innovation in medical alert technology and are currently available through one provider. As with mobile systems, in-vehicle medical alert devices work on cellular networks.
As with the systems themselves, the components of medical alert systems are constantly evolving and improving. The base unit, also called a console, is a key component of an in-home medical alert system. It contains a digital communicator that receives a signal when a senior presses a button indicating they need help. Take our assessment to see what is right for you. With Fall Detection technology, your Medical Alert pendant automatically senses a fall and contacts you through the two-way voice system so you can speak with an operator.
Using modern GPS technology, our operators can locate you wherever you are — coast to coast. Request More Information. By submitting your contact information you agree to our Terms of Use and our Security and Privacy Policy. You also expressly consent to having us, our Family of Companies, contact you about your inquiry by text message or phone including automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice to the residential or cellular telephone number you have provided, even if that telephone number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call Registry.
Sure, fall detection can and does! It can also deliver peace of mind just knowing that you or your loved one has the feature ready to go. But it's far from perfect.
In fact, sometimes the fall detection will send a signal when any type of fast movement is detected. Other times, when a real fall occurs, it might not sense it as a true fall, and therefore won't alert the monitoring center. So if you want to feel more confident in your home, or when you're out and about, then fall detection might make sense for you.
Or if you feel that your loved one or the senior you're caring for is at risk of falling, you should seriously consider this affordable upgrade.
But if you or your loved one is relatively active and not prone to sudden falls, you can probably pass on this upgrade. When searching for a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one, you will want to consider response times and overall reliability. After all, an alert system is only as effective as the monitoring personnel behind it. To give you a better sense of response times, this is the time it takes for an agent to contact you or your loved one after the help button is pressed.
This normally happens in a matter of seconds typically seconds , and these seconds can save a life. Also, today's monitoring centers are highly reliable. It's their one job, to process an emergency alert as fast and accurate as humanly possible. They will then follow the protocol to decide the best course of action. This might mean contacting a caretaker or family member, or it could mean dispatching police, fire, or EMS for more serious emergencies.
When considering the costs of medical alert systems , you have to consider your monthly budget. But you should also ask yourself what your safety or the safety of your loved one is worth to you.
This price includes the equipment and the required monthly monitoring. Buyer's Tip: Worried about the cost of a medical alert system? Visit our guide to the best medical alert systems without a monthly fee. It is important to note that mobile alert systems are generally more expensive than in-home systems.
But the benefits of mobile alerts certainly outweigh the costs. There are certain alert systems that require a long-term contract of 12 months or more. While signing a contract can make the monthly monitoring fee cheaper, we always recommend going with a no-contract medical alert system.
In order to choose the medical alert system that's right for you or your loved one, you should ask the following questions before pulling out your pocketbook or purse:.
However, there are some Medicare Advantage plans that may cover them, so it's always worth asking. In some states, Medicaid might cover the cost. Since coverage is on a state-by-state basis, check the rules where you live. You may also want to check with your private insurance provider about medical alert coverage , if applicable. If you are paying out of pocket, ask about discounts for Veterans or other groups that you may belong to.
Also ask to see if the cost is tax deductible. Sometimes purchasing the medical alert system itself is not the most significant hurdle. Rather, your loved one may not want one in their home due to fears about the implication of such a system, misconceptions surrounding the service, or other objections.
To address these feelings about a medical alert system, we put together the following video on the Senior Living YouTube channel to teach you how to approach the topic of getting a medical alert device with your loved one. Using our guidance, you can show empathy for their situation while simultaneously demonstrating the value of medical alert systems for their safety.
Check it out below before choosing your preferred medical alert device setup. As we age, safety becomes all the more important for ourselves and our loved ones. Since medical emergencies like slips or falls can happen without warning, it's important to wear a medical alert device that delivers fast and reliable coverage. The good news is that there are loads of affordable options on the market.
It's now possible for every senior to live with peace of mind and confidence in their alert system. So if you're a caretaker or a senior who's looking for all-around peace of mind, look no further than a quality medical alert system. Then, for added protection, consider upgrading to get automatic fall detection. Overall, your lifestyle is the most important thing to consider when purchasing an alert system. When you sit down and ask yourself what makes sense for you or your loved one, you'll find that the right alert system is well within reach.
0コメント