Choosing the Right Medical Alert System for Your Senior Loved One

There are so many different medical alert system options currently available that selecting the best one for your senior loved one can be a daunting task.

Medical alert systems are designed to quickly and easily connect seniors with medical services. A system may be needed when your senior loved one has:

• A history of falls
• Unsteady walking gait
• Muscle weakness
• Debilitating chronic illnesses
• Medications that cause dizziness or disorientation
• Dementia
• Lack of nearby help

If your senior loved one has dementia, will he or she be able to operate the device? And if the senior wanders, would a GPS tracking function assist in locating your loved one?

Seniors who are susceptible to falls may benefit from a medical alert system that has a fall detection option.

If your loved one has difficulty remembering to take medications, medical alert technology now includes medication reminder functions.

Before a system is purchased, you should consult with your senior loved one to see which one will work best for them. After all, his or her buy-in is critical. No system will be effective if your loved one doesn’t understand it or refuses to use it.

Which Medical Alert System is Best for You? 

There are several varieties of medical alert systems:

In-home systems come equipped with a base station and wearable component like a necklace, bracelet, or belt clip with an emergency button. The base station has a speaker and microphone designed to reach throughout the user’s home, providing communication capability with the user. These systems work well for seniors who spend a large amount of their time in their home.

Mobile medical alert systems are for more active seniors who spend more time outside the home. They are portable and designed to work anywhere there is a cellular connection. Seniors do not need to be in the range of a base station in their home to summon help when pushing the help button.

Medical alert monitoring systems connect users to an emergency monitoring center 24/7 when they push the personal help button. If the user is able, he or she can talk with dispatchers at the center who can help them. If the dispatcher is unable to communicate with the caller, however, they may automatically send emergency services to the home or contact a caregiver or loved one. Some companies allow users to pre-select what action should be taken when the help button is pressed. (Examples: call 9-1-1, call a friend or family member)

Non-monitored systems work the same way as monitored systems except the device connects with a user’s designated contacts when the help button is pressed rather than a monitoring center. The designated contact can be 9-1-1, a family member or others.

Other Available Functions

Medical alert systems have vastly expanded their scope of options, such as:

Movement monitoring, which can track a senior’s movements in the home.

Daily check-in services that contact your loved one every day, electronically or via a live phone call.

Activity and fitness trackers, which will monitor healthy activities.

Virtual connections that enable users to make or receive ordinary phone calls.

Home security monitoring that detects danger from fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide.

Lock boxes installed at the home by the medical alert company contain a key to allow emergency personnel to enter the home when the resident is incapacitated or doesn’t respond to calls.

Medical Alert System Guide: Questions and Considerations

Durability and functionality are important aspects to think about when selecting a medical alert system. For example:

• Is the device wearable? If so, will your loved one remember to wear it?
• Is it fully waterproof?
• Does it have sufficient range?
• Is the speaker loud enough, and can the volume be changed easily?
• What is the battery life?
• How often will it need technology updates?
• Is it difficult to set up?
• Does the system service the area where the senior lives?
• Does the company operate its own response center?
• Is it certified and what is the average response time?
• Can you call the company’s customer service 24/7?
• How much does it cost, including fees?
• What is the return policy like?
• Is there a risk-free trial?
• Is the monthly rate price-locked?

You shouldn’t enter into long-term contracts. Be cautious about paying for services in advance since you may need to cancel the services before using them.

Ask about discounts, guarantees and cancellation policies. Also ask friends and family members if they have recommendations, based upon their past experience.

In general, medical alert systems range from $20 to $60 per month. There are many good options in the $20 to $40 range.

The cost of medical alert systems depends on the type of system and how many extra features you want. Home-based systems typically cost $20 to $40 per month, while mobile systems are around $10 to $30 higher per month due to mobile services like GPS tracking and cellular coverage. There are also optional features, including automatic fall detection and wall-mounted help buttons, that can add an extra $5 to $15 per month to your plan.

You should check with the senior’s private insurance company to see if they will cover any of the expenses. In general, Medicare and insurance companies do not cover medical alert systems, but this varies from state to state.

Navigate all of the technology today’s world provides seniors by checking out Bethesda’s Technology blog.