Medical Alert Systems | 8 Things To Consider

You never know when you, or someone you care about, will be in a situation where medical help is required, but no one is there to help. There are many dangers, particularly for the elderly, such as a fall, heart attack, stroke, or household emergency, that without the assistance of someone else could leave the individual in a desperate situation. Even if someone does not live alone, they may find themselves alone in a room upstairs or the other person is out of the house on an errand. When it comes to safety, it is not enough to assume someone will always be there to help. That is why a quality medical alert system is critical for elderly people. This article can help you choose the right one for you or a family member.

These systems are critical for maintaining an individual’s independence and ability to stay in their home for as long as possible. Because they offer seniors, their caregivers, and family the peace of mind in a situation where help is required, they have access to that help on their person at all times.

There are many systems on the market and the technological advances in recent years allow for a range of options. Consider these questions before talking to a provider:

1. What is the living situation of the individual, ie. are they at home, live alone, etc.?
2. How active is their lifestyle, ie. do they drive, get out in the community, etc?
3. Are there specific health or physical risks that need to be addressed with a system?
4. What kind of support systems, such as hospitals and family members, are nearby?
5. What is the individual’s attitude about having this kind of support?

When talking with one of the many companies offering this technology, approach it like you would any other important buying decisions. Some companies have a reputation for high pressure sales, so being prepared and doing research prior to making a decision will ensure you get the right system.

Here are some critical elements of a medical alert system to keep in mind when talking to providers:
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1. Talk to several different providers to compare the service, price, and conditions
2. Read the contract carefully to make sure there are no additional fees
3. A good provider will offer 24/7 response, technical and customer service assistance
4. The range of the system is key to the individual’s lifestyle and how much time they spend alone out of the house
5. Make sure they test their system effectively
6. Most private insurance and Medicare does not cover these types of supports
7. Costs typically range from $50 – $200 to set up with a monthly charge around $50
8. Find out if they offer a free trial or money back guarantee in case you are not satisfied

The peace of mind associated with a having a quality medical alert system in place for the people we love cannot be understated. Every day thousands of seniors experience falls and medical emergencies that require immediate attention. The medical alert systems on the market today are very effective in offering the individual, care giver, and family members a safety net to be able to maintain their independence and quality of life.