A medical alert system (personal emergency response system) enables seniors to summon help during a medical emergency with the press of a button. These devices connect to a 24/7 monitoring center that dispatches emergency services, contacts family members, or provides assistance.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Assess the senior's lifestyle — Determine if they primarily stay home (home-based system) or are active and mobile (GPS-enabled system). Consider their medical conditions, fall risk, cognitive stat...
- Choose the system type — Home-based systems use a base unit connected to a phone line or cellular network with a wearable pendant (range 400-1,400 feet). Mobile systems use GPS and cellular technol...
- Decide on key features — Must-have: 24/7 professional monitoring, waterproof pendant (for shower falls), long battery life. Nice-to-have: automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, medication reminder...
- Evaluate fall detection capability — Automatic fall detection sensors detect sudden impacts and contact the monitoring center without the user pressing a button. This is critical for seniors at hig...
- Compare providers — Research at least 3 providers. Key comparison points: monthly cost, equipment fees, activation fees, contract length, cancellation policy, response time, monitoring center locat...
- Check connectivity requirements — Home-based systems need either a landline or cellular connection. Cellular is preferred as landlines are being phased out. Ensure cellular coverage is strong at th...
- Order and set up the system — Most systems are designed for easy self-installation. Test the system in every room, the yard, garage, and basement to verify range. Test the fall detection feature if...
- Train the user — Practice pressing the button and communicating with the monitoring center. Ensure the senior is comfortable wearing the device and understands when and how to use it. Make a test c...
- Establish an emergency plan — Provide the monitoring center with the senior's medical information, medication list, emergency contacts, home access instructions (lockbox code), and any special cons...
- Monitor and maintain — Test the system monthly, replace batteries as needed, update medical and contact information, and ensure the senior is wearing the device consistently.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing based on cost alone
- Not testing the system regularly
- Ignoring the wearing factor
- Overlooking contract terms
- Not considering fall detection limitations
Pro Tips
- Ask about free trial periods
- Check for insurance coverage
- Consider a lockbox
- Look for U.S.-based monitoring
- Choose waterproof devices