Choosing a medical alert system has become
more complicated as the available options on the
market have increased and the technology has
changed and improved. However, through the
myriad of options, there is a common sense
baseline of safety and security these systems
provide to a loved one and their caregiver.
Knowing that someone is available at all times
in case of emergency helps everyone sleep better
at night.
There are generally two types of systems
available: monitoring and non-monitoring. With a
monitoring service, when an alert is activated,
a live person communicates with a loved one,
assesses the situation and dispatches public
safety appropriately. Also, the service notifies
family members or neighbors.
The other option is the less-expensive,
non-monitored assistance alert. This is in case
of an emergency and may provide life-saving
information to first responders such as
medications, allergies, conditions, etc. Also, a
lockbox could provide a key for emergency
personnel to use and enter a home when the need
arises.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while on the
hunt for the perfect system to meet a loved
one’s needs:
Cost
Although cost is a key factor when choosing
a system, a caregiver should not allow a low
cost to be the only consideration. What is
the quality of service? Some suggest a
caregiver ask for a free trial period, to
see if the service is up to their standard
and covers a loved one’s needs adequately.
Range
What is the range of the device? If a loved
one falls in a bathroom, do they have access
with them? Is it in another room? Can the
person responding still hear them?
Response center
The system is only as good as the center
behind it. One important question to ask a
potential supplier is what the response
center does in an emergency. Does the call
go to the center or directly to 911? Some
people may think 911 is the better answer,
but actually a response center should be
trained to handle these emergencies and also
contact loved ones.Also, what is the center’s
average response time, specific training offered
for staff, and procedures used to test the alert
system?
Contract
Like any other service agreement, it’s important to read
the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Does
the company have a cancellation policy? What is it? What
does it cost? The last thing a caregiver wants in an
already-stressful time is to deal with unexpected costs
and issues. Know the details ahead of time to make the
best decision before you commit.
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