subject: Personal Emergency Response Systems are a senior's lifeline to first responders [print this page] Personal Emergency Response Systems are a senior's lifeline to first responders
Personal emergency response systems are the lifeline seniors need to send that first alert medical help call to the paramedics or first responders. Not only will it give a first alert to your loved ones via the list of responders, but you will also get the medical attention you may need. The medical alert device is meant to be used only in the home, but can be used up to 300-400 feet outside the home. Most commonly, medical alert systems are used by seniors who live alone. However, many seniors who do not live alone also wear medical pendants. Sometimes the choice to wear a medical alert pendant or a medical alert bracelet is easy. But how do you know when it's time to cancel your medical alert service?
The core reason behind all seniors for getting a medical alarm service is the simple fear that they will not be capable of helping themselves in an emergency situation. There are usually a few different reasons people decide to cancel.
The most disconcerting reason is when the elderly move in with younger relatives and feel they no longer need to wear a medical pendant now that they do not live alone. This is potentially a very grave mistake. Just because a senior stops living alone does not mean they do not need a life alert system. A senior's newfound familial roommates are not going to be home at all times. That is the reality of the situation. It won't be long before you can find yourself home alone yet again, and unable to help yourself in emergency situations. Moving in with others is never a good reason to cancel your medical alert service.
Or better put, it depends on just who will be there when you move in. A very popular reason to cancel is when a senior moves into an assisted living or nursing home. Only when it is certain that the elderly person will be under the constant care and supervision of trained professionals, should you cancel their medical alert service.
Some people think they need to cancel their service simply because they move to a different state. Most medical alert companies provide nationwide service. Check with your medical alarm provider before making any switches.
Lastly, an elderly person's account typically gets canceled by a loved one when they pass. That may sound a little morbid, but it is not intended to be. The most common reason previously mentioned for getting a medical alarm to begin with is the fear that they will not be able to either reach the phone or help themselves in an emergency situation. The only real reason to stop your service is if you ever feel that you are once again capable of helping yourself if an emergency strikes. Usually with the elderly, the fear only gets worse and not better. So many seniors keep wearing their medical pendants until they pass. It's nice to know that they were protected up until the very end.
So think carefully before you cancel your medical alert service. The decision very well just may be the difference between life or death.
