Accidents frequently occur at home. A large percentage, about 33 per cent, occur to the elderly within their own homes. They involve different types of accidents but falls are very common for those over age 65. For some worried caregivers, the answer is simple – a response alarm. For seniors, this can prove to be a real life line.
A response alarm for seniors goes by many different names. It has been marketed as:
1. Personal Emergency Response System
2. Medical Alert
3. Medical Emergency Response Systems
4. Panic Alarm
5. Personal Alarm System
6. Senior Alert Alarm
All provide the senior or elderly individual with a form of active protection. Yet, how do you select the right system for your elderly friend or family member?
Emergency Alert System for Your Elderly Relative: What to Consider
There are, as noted above, many different types of a response alarm for seniors on the market from which to choose. Before you decide on a purchase, it is important that you sit down with the senior and talk about the emergency alert system. For your elderly, this is important. You may be choosing it for your own peace of mind, but they live with it and need to be part of the decision making process.
It is important to look at the following factors. They will help you and your elderly friend or family member decide on what specific model will suit the desired needs.
Cost: Price is always a factor in purchasing items. For personal alarm systems, you have to consider who is going to pay for it – sometimes the government will or will subsidize it. You also have to see whether the device has a monthly monitoring fee. Be sure to factor in a potential annual increase. Are there any hidden costs such as paying for installation or the actual monitor or transmitter? These should be integrated into the overall annual fee. Service charges should also be covered and not hidden to only appear elsewhere.
Contracts: Is it easy to read? Are there any dubious clauses? Does the company have a contract? How long do they want you to commit? Is it a wise move to make a long-term commitment?
Ease of Use: Can you try out the system for a trial period? This is the best way to discover how easy it is to use. Check to see the size and accessibility of any buttons. Are the instructions simple to read and understand? Are there any complicated procedures that will make operating difficult for your senior in particular?
Before You Sign
Before you sign, make sure the company is experienced. It helps to have someone who specialises in these devices such as SureSafe Personal Alarms. By taking the time to talk to everyone concerned, you will increase the chances of finding the right company and personal alarm system.
