How to Choose a Home Medical Alert System
The statistics are alarming, as reports show that one in three Americans age 65 and older falls at least once a year, with one third of Americans who suffer heart attacks dying because help does not get to them quickly enough. While Medical Alert Systems can help older individuals maintain independence and remain living in their own homes longer, you should do some thorough homework before choosing a service.
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Instructions
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Keep in mind that cost is not the only consideration. Even though you will want to have a system installed that is affordable, you want a good service. That is not to say that many lower cost systems do not offer quality service. Just because you may pay more money does not mean that you necessarily will receive better service.
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Ask what kind of training is required for the call center’s operators. Operators should be prepared to handle all different kinds of situations. Experience really does matter when every second counts. Make certain, too, that all calls are recorded.
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Inquire whether the emergency monitoring system is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed. This means that it has passed electrical safety testing standards and the products are safe to use. You should not consider a service if the equipment is not UL listed.
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Find out if the system automatically tests itself each week. Some services recommend manual testing at least once every 30 days. The purpose of regular testing is to make certain that the system is working and reliable.
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Insist on a 30-day money back trial. This will give you an opportunity to try out the system to determine if it is the ‘right’ service for your particular needs. Get the details about any warranty offered as well.
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Research several different companies before making a final choice. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. One of the most important questions to ask is whether the service provider uses its own monitoring center or outsources the service. Third parties sometimes make it more difficult to guarantee quality service.
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Tips & Warnings
Many medical alert systems now offer multiple services including smoke detection, medication dispensers, reminder services, two-way voice communication, and motion sensors. Costs vary according to the services for which you contract.
