Senior citizens are a vulnerable population, and as such, they need to be protected from the dangers of living alone. One way to ensure this protection is through medical alert systems for seniors. There are many different types of these devices on the market, so it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you.
What kind of medical assistance do you need?
Is it vital that help comes immediately? Are there specific times when you want to be contacted, like during certain hours or on weekends? Would a system with GPS capability give your family peace of mind knowing they can locate you if necessary? These are all things to consider before purchasing one for yourself, and most devices will allow customization based on your needs, like fall alert systems. Then again, some may not have these capabilities at all. For example, pendants that simply connect users directly with an operator are useful in case of emergencies where immediate response is needed but cannot provide additional services such as tracking location or contacting other people besides dispatchers (such as friends or family).
Be aware of the monthly fees associated with using a device
Some devices have monthly service fees that can add up if you don't use them very often or pay in advance for a year's worth of service at once. Other companies, like Life Alert, do not require any contracts and allow users to cancel their plans anytime without penalty. In addition, some systems charge extra if you want to contact someone other than family members who are assigned as primary contacts during emergencies. The best way around this is having multiple pendants for different people so there isn't confusion about who will be contacted when help is needed quickly after an accident occurs.
Benefits of a GPS-enabled medical alert system
Many devices on today's market come equipped with GPS capabilities, which allows family members to keep track of seniors' whereabouts and get help if needed. This is especially useful for those who live alone but may still be able to walk around their home without any problems (such as non-dementia or Alzheimer's patients). Seniors can feel more secure knowing that someone will always know where they are in case an emergency happens and it isn't possible to use other traditional means of communication like using a phone or pendant button since there could be significant delay times involved before help arrives due to distance from dispatch centres being so far away.
Look for an easy-to-use device
Some companies require the user to wear a pendant around their necks, but others may offer devices that can be worn like watches or bracelets. Other systems allow users to simply press buttons on-wall-mounted keypads throughout their homes in order to contact emergency dispatchers which is ideal for those who struggle with mobility problems and have trouble getting from one place to another without assistance during emergencies. These are just some of the options available today when it comes to medical alert systems so there's bound to be something out there that fits your needs perfectly!
Consider customer service when looking for a device
Be sure to check out what types of services are available from the company you want to work with and how much time it takes before someone responds in case there's an issue with your equipment or if help is needed right away after calling 911. Some companies have round-the-clock call centres which provide immediate assistance while others may only be open during business hours so keep that in mind as well! The best way around this is having multiple pendants for different people so there isn't confusion about who will be contacted when help is needed quickly after an accident occurs.
Consider the costs of other companies
While some medical alert systems can be expensive, it's always a good idea to compare prices from as many providers as possible before settling on one option at all since they may offer packages that include their service fees and equipment for free or discounted rates upfront in exchange for your commitment to using them year-round without any breaks. There are also smaller companies out there who have cheaper monthly rates but may not come with bells and whistles like GPS capabilities which could be important depending on how often you leave home alone during the day if something were to ever happen when no one is around!
If the company offers anything beyond emergency services
Some companies may offer additional benefits such as medication reminders for those who need it or even fall detection systems which can automatically contact someone immediately after a senior has fallen down so they don't have to wait until getting up on their own first before reaching for a phone or pendant button to call the emergency line. These are just some of the options available today when it comes to medical alert systems so there's bound to be something out there that fits your needs perfectly!
Other companies do not require any contracts and allow users to cancel their plans anytime without penalty. In addition, some systems charge extra if they need to be replaced if something goes wrong.
Consider how the medical alert system is powered
Some systems offer battery-powered devices which can be worn around a user's neck just like a necklace. Others may require that they're plugged into an electrical outlet at all times or even have to be charged via USB cord regularly. Some companies will provide portable power packs in case their device runs out of juice so there isn't any downtime when it comes to having access to help if something were ever to happen unexpectedly while they are away from home!
The best way around this is having multiple pendants for different people so there isn't confusion about who will be contacted when help is needed quickly after an accident occurs.
These were just some things to consider when choosing a medical alert system today, but they're by no means all-inclusive since each product may have its own set of features that make it unique.