Medical Alert System Finder

amie-clark
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Medical Alert System Matchmaker

1) Who are you shopping for?
2)

Why we ask:

Some medical alert systems work best for a particular age group. For example, a more complex device may not be appropriate for someone who is over 80, but a user in their 50’s may want a device with more bells and whistles.

3)

Why we ask:

Medical alert systems vary widely in the distance covered inside the home. Some cover up to a 600 ft radius, others up to 1,300. It’s important to know the size of the home to ensure coverage throughout the home.

4)

Why we ask:

If a user leaves the home alone, it’s important that the medical alert system provides coverage inside the home and out. Cellular medical alert systems provide coverage wherever there is a cellular signal and are not limited to the indoor base station of an in-home system.

5)

Why we ask:

Some medical alert systems offer optional automatic fall detection. Devices with fall detection can connect with a call center automatically, even if the user is unable to push the button.

When first considering a medical alert system purchase some people likely discover that there is much more involved in selecting a system than calling the first medical alert company listed in an online search or in the telephone book. There are many factors that you need to consider, whether purchasing a medical alert system for yourself, a family member, or someone else.

There are different styles of medical alert systems, a variety of features among the products and possibly from one manufacturer to another manufacturer. Some people likely do not mind purchasing a system online while others probably prefer having someone local visit the home in person and discuss that company’s available alert system products.

Whatever your preferences, or the preferences of your loved one, there are undoubtedly several options to choose from when considering a medical alert system. The medical alert system finder helps provide matches based on your answers to a few short questions.

How to Choose a Medical Alert System

Medical alert systems are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are a variety of products and features among the various systems and manufacturers. The ideal system for your family member or friend is possibly not a good choice for you and vice versa. There are several points of consideration when wondering how to choose a medical alert system.

You know some of the reasons that you need a medical alert system if you made the decision to look into making the purchase for yourself. Do you know what type of equipment is best for your needs and all costs associated with a particular medical alert system?

Make sure that you determine whether a home-based or mobile system is best before making your purchase. The in-home system is usually the ideal option for seniors that stay at home the majority of the time. These systems typically have a base station range of 400 to 1500 square feet. Although some medical alert system customers still prefer a landline-operated system, others opt for a system that works with their cellular network. Whichever system you choose, make sure the range meets your needs.

Mobile options allow the customer to call for help when away from home. The mobile options are often the best choice for seniors that are more active. Wearable pendants that users typically wear around their neck offers additional protection for many users and is an option that likely factors into considering how to choose the right medical alert system.

Cost is a primary consideration when choosing from among the many different systems and features. When considering cost you have to consider the total cost, which means that you have to make sure you understand all the information about initial costs, ongoing costs, additional fees and any hidden fees before you sign a contract for a medical alert system.

What is the initial cost? What are additional costs associated with wearable pendants or watches? What are the monitoring fees? Are there any discounts? Make sure that you understand potential fees such as whether you are responsible for shipping or return fees, and whether there are fees associated with terminating the service with the medical alert system company.

What Features Matter in a Medical Alert System?

You likely have some idea about the best features needed if you want to purchase a medical alert system for yourself. Do you know whether there are fitness tracker features, the range of operation away from the base unit, whether there is a wearable option or if a particular medical alert system offers a lockbox? These are just a few points of consideration when looking into purchasing your medical alert system.

However, what should you look for if you are considering a system for someone else? When considering purchasing a medical alert system for a loved one, look at features best suited to the needs of that person, not the features that appeal to you. Can the person using the system operate it with ease? AARP suggests other points of thought, such as whether the person has communication difficulties that would potentially make communicating with a call center difficult or if the person needs a system with fall prevention or detection features.

Perhaps you think that simply using your Smartphone or instructing a loved one in proper use of a Smartphone in an emergency is enough protection. Several experts state that relying on your phone or a digital assistant is not enough protection in event of a medical emergency and is not enough security when you or a family member has a fall risk. A person probably does not have their phone or other device with them all the time. If you do not have a wearable emergency response system on your body, you are at potential risk of a fall or other emergency where you need help and not having the means of immediately getting help.

Science Daily reports on findings of a study published in The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, where researchers concluded that even simple, ground-level falls have the potential of causing serious injury or death to seniors. Researchers considered falls such as those occurring when stepping off a curb or when an elderly individual falls in the bathroom, such as after slipping on a wet tile floor.

When purchasing a medical alert system, whether for you or for a loved one, making sure that the system has water resistant or waterproof features likely provides significant peace of mind and the feelings that help is nearby if a fall does occur.

Do not assume that all medical alert systems are monitored. This is a question that you need to ask of the representative at every company you consider for your medical alert system. A monitored system call button automatically connects you to a dispatch center that likely provides 24-hour dispatch services. If you choose a non-monitored system, the system calls a person that you designated as emergency contact when you press the call button.

Having a long battery life is an important feature of any medical alert system. When the product has a longer battery life there is probably more likelihood of the device being worn on a daily basis.

Where to Find a Medical Alert System

There are many different medical alert systems available today. Each has its own options, features, costs and other applicable details. Although you could search details of every available system and just pick one that sounds good or you think about simply choosing the least expensive option, doing so could potentially prove disastrous.

There are options for medical alert systems that fit the needs of yourself or those of your loved one that offer the best opportunity of making an ideal choice. Carefully consider the options provided by the results of the medical alert system finder. Remember, if considering a medical alert system for another person, answer the questions as they relate to that individual, not you.

Read the information provided in your medical alert system finder results to help you find the best solution for you or your loved one. Ask the representative for additional details when you call for best pricing information.

amie-clark
Written By
Amie Clark

Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here