Medical Alert Systems – What are they and which one is right for me?

What are Medical Alert Systems?

A medical alert system is a combination of hardware and software, typically in the form of a pendant, that sends a signal to emergency personnel with the touch of a button. Also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), medical alert systems are commonly worn by elderly or disabled persons at risk of a fall or other life-threatening occurrences who may need to summon emergency services.

These systems are composed of a base station that corresponds to the pendant button, usually worn around the neck. When the button on the pendant is pushed, it sends a signal to the base station which in turn sends a signal to a pre-programmed number where operators are standing by 24/7. After receiving the emergency call, operators assess the situation and call out to the person via the base station’s loud speaker. The base station also has a microphone that can detect a response from within the home if the person in distress is able to speak. Depending on the situation, the operator then sends emergency personnel or calls a family member or neighbor.

Find the Right Medical Alert System for You

Medical alert systems come in all shapes and sizes: traditional pendant style, speakerphone, or cellular medical alert systems, activity tracker systems, and combination phone/medical alert systems. Finding the right system for you or a loved one can be tough; there are so many options available that it requires time, patience, and a bit of research because there really is no “one size fits all” system.

 

The top 10 questions to ask before you buy:

1. Does this medical alert system work with VOIP (voice over internet protocol) telephone services?

If you have Comcast or Verizon cable, you may also use them for your land-line phone service, meaning you are likely using a VOIP plan. Many traditional medical alert system providers recommend checking with phone providers to see whether they offer local 911 (and other) services. (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 systems provider the following components in their “systems”:  A base station and a pendent of some kind (necklace, belt clip, or wrist device). MOST of the pendants communicate (wirelessly) with a base station that is connected to your home phone line.  Coverage ranges from 400 to 1,000 feet.  After installation be sure to test the range inside (and outside) the home.

3. Does someone install this for me, or do I install it myself?

Many companies have sales/marketing representatives that will come to your home and install and test the system for you.  They may charge a set-up fee for this service so ask about that fee up front.  If you need to self-install, make sure there is ample literature 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 is YES, but there are exceptions. The medical alert system industry is evolving quickly in both the mobile and land-line based systems.  Ask yourself whether you will be using it primarily in and around your home, or will you need to use it away from home too?

5. Who staffs the call center, where are they located, and what are the average response times?

Many call centers are located overseas, what’s important is how quickly they can respond to a call for help.

6. Does the medical alert system connect with other tele-health products?

Some medical alert systems connect with additional services such as medication reminders, glucose monitoring reminders, activity monitoring, and fall detection.  It’s good to know what other services can be connected with the purchase of your medical alert system.

7. What happens if something goes wrong with my equipment?

It’s imperative to read the “terms and conditions” of the devices you want to evaluate.  Make sure you get answers to the following: What happens if your system goes down?  Does someone come out to fix it?  Will they send you another one ASAP?  Do you need to send the dysfunctional system back and who pays for postage?

8. Are you locked into a lengthy contract?

Many of the complaints we receive are related to the contracts some medical alert systems carry with their customers.  Look for companies that are month-to-month or who have easy “out” clauses when you no longer need the system.

9. Am I purchasing these devices, or leasing them, or neither?

Find out ahead of time whether the equipment is yours or not.  What happens if you no longer require the equipment?  What happens if the equipment is damaged?

10. What is my total yearly cost?

What are the up-front fees in addition to the monthly cost?

 

If you are not sure which system is right for you, The Senior List has a handy Medical Alert Systems Buyer’s Guide.