You’ve probably seen the ads on TV and in magazines: How do you get help in a medical emergency when you’re alone at home? The makers of medical alert systems promise that their products will come to the rescue, whether you’ve fallen and you can’t get up or you’re experienc­ing symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or seizure. The ads are reaching a receptive audience: Sales of med-alert services are growing as the baby boom generation ages.Medical alert systems were introduced in the 1970s as simple push-button devices worn around the neck. They summoned help by signaling a base station connected to a home phone line that would alert a call-center operator. Today’s systems are still wearable, but you can also mount help buttons throughout the home that allow for two-way voice communication with call centers. Some offer motion-­sensitive pendants that can detect a fall and place a call for help.

Who needs one? Most buyers purchase a system for an aging parent who lives alone so that they can get help quickly if needed. That person might be at a heightened risk for falls because of poor eyesight or memory changes, says Barbara Resnick, Ph.D., professor of nursing at the University of Maryland and past president of the American Ger­iatrics Society. The systems can also be useful in nonemergency situations where the user doesn’t need an ambulance but does need someone to come to their aid. The call center will alert a preselected relative or friend who can come over and assist.

Benefits of Medical Alert System in Parryville Pennsylvania

The experts we consulted recommend looking for a medical alert system that meets all or most of these criteria.

It works for a user’s specific disability. For example, a stroke survivor may need a device he or she can activate with one hand.
It offers a choice of a wristband and/or neck pendant. Cords worn around the neck can pose a strangulation risk; wristbands may irritate those with skin ailments.
It includes help buttons that can be wall-mounted near the floor in multiple rooms in case the user falls and isn’t wearing the pendant.
It offers multiple choices for whom to contact if you need help, from emergency services to a friend or relative who lives nearby.
It has a battery backup in case of a power failure.
The base station can be contacted from anywhere on your property�”even in your yard or at your mailbox.
The company has its own monitoring center, in the U.S., and employs its own trained emergency operators (rather than contracting that function out).
The monitoring center has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a nonprofit safety and consulting company.

Questions about the Personal Emergency Response System

1. Does this medical alert system work with VOIP (voice over internet protocol) telephone services? If you have Comcast or Verizon cable at home, chances are that you might also be using them for your (home) phone service. If that’s the case, you are likely are using a VOIP plan (just as we do with Vonage, another major VOIP provider). Many of the traditional medical alert system providers recommend checking with your home (VOIP) phone provider to see whether they offer local 911 (and other) services. So keep this in mind, and ask*. (*Note: The alert system providers will know about their compatibility with the major phone service providers.)

2. What is the range of my alert system? MOST of the major medical alert system providers have the following components included in their “systems”. A base station and a pendent of some kind (necklace – worn around the neck, belt clip, or wrist watch like device. The myHalo system even has a chest strap). MOST of the pendants need to communicate (wirelessly) with a base station that is connected to your home phone line. So, you need to know the range of that pendant to the base station. Usually this range covers most normal sized homes, and is in the neighborhood of 400-600 feet. After installation be sure to test out the range inside (and outside) the home.

3. Does someone install this for me, or do I do it myself? Many manufacturers have sales/marketing representatives that will come to your home and install/test the system for you. They usually charge a one time set-up fee for this service so ask about that fee is ahead of time! If all they do is send the alert system to you, make sure there is ample literature (on and off line) for assistance with set-up AND testing. Always TEST your medical alert system before using it.

4. Do I need a land line to use this medical alert system? In most cases the answer will be YES, but there are a few exceptions. For example, The MobileHelp Medical Alert System has a small hand-held device that connects to AT&T Wireless for use outside the home (anywhere covered by AT&T). To use their pendant (small necklace) device around the home, you still need a land line however. Also, The Wellcore Personal Emergency Response System boasts the ability to interface with some cell phones to extend the range of their device outside the home.

5. Who staffs your call center, where are they located, and what are the average response times? OK, this is a bit of a loaded question, because “outsourcing” call centers has been a trend that many, many companies take advantage of. Frankly, I’ve found great service from call centers all over the world, and the only thing you need to be wary of here is PERFORMANCE.

Nearest Medical System to You In Carbon County 18244

How to pick the right one in PA

As the population ages, the range of services for seniors increases. The medical alarm is one of those pieces of technology that has grown in popularity. Where there were once only a few businesses offering medical alert systems, there are now dozens. So, how does one choose the best medical alarm out of the many options available?

One of the most important features of a medical alarm is the monitoring service. If an individual has made the decision that they need an alert system, then they have made the decision that they may need outside help in case of an emergency. If the monitoring system fails or is unsatisfactory, then the alert system is inadequate. A monitoring system should be a monitoring centre, not be a direct call to 911. Many people who utilize medical alert systems simply require outside support such as a friend or family member, not emergency services. A monitoring service can provide this support. Secondly, the provider of the medical alarm should own the monitoring service. This way, the professionals who answer the alarm are qualified by the standards of the medical alarm company.

Medical alert systems should be easy to install. Most should take a matter of minutes to set up. If a system’s set-up seems too onerous or complicated, then the company has not fully considered the needs of their clientele. The installation should be easy or provided free-of-charge. They should also provide long-term, 24/7 technical support.

Another element to consider is the company’s history and reputation. There are companies who have been in the business of medical alert systems for decades. These companies know their business and are more likely to have proven equipment. The company that only started offering medical alarms in the past couple of years is less likely to thoroughly understand the needs of their clients. The new company is also less likely to have amassed positive testimonials – do a simple Google search to find out what others say about the company and the services offered.

How a Medical Alert System helps you?

Do your aging parents need a home medical alert system?

Part of the aging process includes increased frailty, and increased chance of accidents. All it takes is one fall for an elderly person to end up with months of hospitalizations, medical bills, rehabilitation, and more. In addition, the elderly are more likely to have medical issues that may require immediate attention. And there are, of course, a host of other problems that can come up as well, from a furnace going out in the middle of winter, to a tree falling due to a thunderstorm. They may need help, and not be able to reach a phone. Whatever the reason, it is easy to see why your aging parents need to be able to contact help quickly if needed; the kind of help that home medical alert systems can provide.

Choose a home medical alert system that is right for your senior

Trying to sort through the hundreds of home medical alert systems can be overwhelming and confusing. Careful research of all of the features of the systems being considered is an important first step in choosing the best one for your aging parents. The best way to start is by learning how these systems are designed to work.

You will find that most home medical alert systems fall into two different categories: those that come with 24/7 monitoring services, and those that provide equipment only, but no service.

Home medical alert systems with monitoring service

Home medical alert systems that provide a monitoring service will usually include a service agreement between the customer and the monitoring company. These types of systems work like this: if the alert device is activated, the monitoring system is notified, and they in turn, contact the designated people and/or emergency personnel.

An important consideration when choosing a system with monitoring is that they are typically more expensive than products without. There will be a monthly fee charged for this service, which can be in the range of $30-40 per month, in addition to an installation or activation fee.