Things You'll Need:
- medical alert system
- senior's home for the medical alert system
- telephone connection in senior's home
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Step 1
Decide whether a medical alert system is something that is needed. The medical alert system is useful for those who wish to retain their independence, but may need help when left alone. It is also useful for a senior with some health problems, or at risk for falling and needing help. Realize that the discussion may take more than one conversation, as the senior gets used to the idea.
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Step 2
Find a company that sells medical alert systems. You can use Rescue Alert, for instance, site listed in the resources.
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Step 3
Decide on a base unit. Depending upon which company you choose, you may have your choice of base units that range in price. This is what plugs into your telephone outlet and connects the senior to the response system.
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Step 4
Decide whether to purchase or rent the unit and services. You can rent the unit, and pay a specific charge per month to use the response system team. Or, you can purchase the unit, and generally pay less per month for the service. Some companies, like the Rescue Alert company, actually allow you to pay a lifetime fee that gets you the unit and the service for a lifetime for the original senior subscriber.
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Step 5
Decide on the panic button. This is what the senior wears on their person at all times when left alone at home. Choices range from a button on a necklace, a wrist bracelet, or even one that clips on a belt.
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Step 6
Order the medical alert system, and once it comes, help the senior set it up. You will then need to check to make sure it is working properly, by testing it. Make sure you provide the company with the phone numbers of friends and family that will need to be called by the response team in the event of an emergency. You can generally give more than one phone number, in case you can't be reached at the first number.
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Step 7
Explain to the senior what happens with the medical alert system and understand the process yourself. When the panic button is pressed, a call goes to the medical response team. The unit will allow the team to talk to the senior and see what is wrong. If no response if heard, an ambulance is sent immediately. The response team can help the senior through the process while the ambulance is on the way. The response team will also contact family members with the phone numbers that are already set up in the system.
