Medical Alert Options for Seniors

Medical alert systems provide seniors with the sense of security that comes from knowing help is available at the push of a button in the event of an emergency requiring immediate attention when you are unable to reach a telephone.

Service Options

• There are two medical alert service options available, according to LawServer.com. If you choose a company that provides monitoring services, when an alert is activated, the service provider assesses the situation and dispatches emergency responders in the event of illness or accident. For non-life threatening emergencies, notifying a family member or neighbor may be appropriate.

  A less expensive, non-monitored, medical alert service option provides assistance by dialing a pre-programmed sequence of telephone numbers that can include 911, family or neighbors.

USB Device

• A USB device is available to make life-saving information available to emergency service personnel and physicians in the event you are rendered unconscious or unable to communicate for some other reason. Seniors or anyone with medical issues can use this device.

  All your personal information, medical history, medications, allergies, disabilities and who to notify in case of an emergency is entered on a form and stored on a memory chip inside the device. Medical and emergency personnel can easily access this life-saving information with a computer. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 44,000 to 98,000 deaths occur each year due to medical errors. In the event of an accident, having all your medical information available in one place can save your life.

Button-Activated Alarm

• By pushing a button on a pendant, watch or other transmitting device, you are connected, with a monitored system, through your telephone line to a dispatcher who assesses your problem and immediately sends paramedics or other emergency personnel to your aid. Once you have pushed the button to activate the alarm, if the dispatcher is unable to get a voice response from you, he will assume your emergency is interfering with your ability to speak and send help immediately.

  A non-monitored medical alert transmitting device, which is also connected to your telephone line, will dial your pre-selected emergency numbers when activated by pushing the button.

Lockbox

• Some monitored medical alert systems include a lockbox in which you can place a key for emergency service personnel. The lockbox is placed outside your home and opens with a series of four numbers selected by you. In the event of an emergency, the combination is given to emergency responders to enable them to enter your home and render assistance.

Multi-Function Device

• Monitored medical alert systems are available that provide a wireless communicator, a speaker that is activated by pressing a button on a wristband transmitter or a pendant transmitter worn around the neck. This device allows two-way communication between you and a dispatcher who assesses your situation and immediately calls for emergency assistance. Your voice is picked up from a distance of up to 800 feet away from the communicator. A communicator offers the additional feature of being able to monitor room temperature and signal an alert to the system operator if your room temperature exceeds 105 degrees or falls below 38 degrees so that help can be summoned.

Additional Features and Information

• Some medical alert plans offer a cell phone that connects to a 911 operator with the push of a button. With this option, you can receive prompt emergency assistance even when you are away from home.

  With detectors installed throughout the home, monitored medical alert systems are available to alert seniors to fires or carbon monoxide poisoning and to notify the proper authorities.

  Costs for medical alert systems are based upon the type of system you choose, the features and options selected, additional equipment needed, and whether you are renting or purchasing the system. You can expect to pay as little as $10 dollars for monthly monitoring up to several thousands for monitoring and the purchase of equipment.

  When choosing the medical alert option best suited to your needs and budget, some things to discus are battery life, battery backup, monthly fees, if the system requires a separate telephone line or if it will interfere in any way with calls coming into or being dialed out from the existing line. Inquire about the company’s policy for periodic system testing to make certain equipment is in working order. Verify that the system you are considering is monitored 24 hours a day (for monitored systems only). Carefully read the service contract or have someone read it for you so that you fully understand your responsibilities and the company’s responsibilities in reference to maintenance and repair of the equipment you are purchasing or renting.