subject: Medical Alert Systems - Making The Right Choice [print this page] People now have a much longer life expectancy than they did a few decades ago, and in most developed countries the average person commonly lives beyond 70 years of age. Whilst this is clearly a good situation, it does require people to be cared for in their later years; something that those who have been used to living an independent life can have trouble adapting to.
The majority of people do not feel comfortable being under the constant care of others. A compromise can be reached though. By using a medical alert system, elderly people can live as they wish, but can still be supported in the event of an emergency arising.
What a medical alert system does is allows the user of it to instantly contact and speak with a care specialist in the event of an emergency. The user just needs to a press a button on their system.
Unlike just dialing 911, which the care specialist will do for the user if necessary anyway, a medical alert system gives more flexibility, for example, maybe an ambulance is not necessary, and just a talk and some advice is required.
Many companies are offering medical alert systems, but what specifically they are offering is not the same, with some being much better for the purpose than others. Therefore, before making a decision on which one to opt for, answers to the following questions should be sought...
- Is it simple and easy to operate?
- Can the medical alert button, or pendant, be easily carried around?
- Does it have inbuilt two way communication?
- How wide is the area of coverage?
- Is the service available 24 hours a day, for every single day of the year?
- Is the response team made up of certified Emergency Medical Technicians?
- Does the service allow relatives or neighbors to be contacted through it?
- Will the service still be in operation in the event of a power failure or disaster?
- Are the call center operatives native English speakers?
All of these considerations are important, so do not be tempted to simply opt for the cheapest medical alert system. Spending a few dollars a month extra can really be a life saving decision.
Another cost related point to be aware of is that different providers set-up their packages differently, so be sure to get, and read through thoroughly, a copy of the contract before making any commitments. Look for a medical alert system that does not require a long term contract, and which does not have any set-up or activation fees attached to it. Monthly subscription contracts are advisable, whereby the user can return the equipment at anytime without incurring any penalty costs.
