How to Use Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

There are many ways to use medical alert systems for seniors. The most common way is that if you fall and can’t get up, help will be just a push button away. These systems offer optional services such as a daily check in service, automatic refill for your prescriptions, storage of your medical history, and in case of a house break-in or fire you have quick access to emergency help. Medical alert systems allow seniors to live independently longer, and provide peace of mind for their family members 24/7 every day of the year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose Your Device
   The first step is to choose the type of medical alert system that you would feel most comfortable wearing. There are pendants to wear around your neck, wrist watches, bracelets, or stand alone devices that sit on a night stand or table. A pendant that you wear around your neck is your best choice, the reason is in case of a stroke you may not be able to use one side of your body making a watch or wrist band unusable.

2. Purchase Extra Pendants
   Plan ahead and purchase extra pendants. Keep one on your nightstand and an extra one in your bathroom. If there are two people living in your home be sure to get a pendant for each person. Always keep a few spare batteries on hand.

3. Choose Your Emergency Contacts
   When you push your medical alert device you will be connected to an operator who will call the emergency contacts that you selected. Your contacts can be a family member, neighbor or 911. Place a hide a key or lock box on your door to allow emergency personnel to have access to your home if needed. Give the lock box code to the people that you chose to be your emergency contacts.

4. Set Up a Daily Check In Service
   A great feature of medical alarm devices is the option to have a daily check in. On a daily basis you check in (push a button) to relay a message to your service provider that you are alive and well. This is a great option to choose because if you fall or become too ill to call for help your service provider will take action when you do not check in. You can rest assured that on a daily basis someone would know whether or not you are up and about.

5. Keep Track of Your Medicine
   If taking your medicine on a daily basis is difficult for you to manage sign up for the medication reminder system. Some medicines are taken daily while others are taken once or twice a week. The medicine reminder option helps you manage your routine for taking medication. Some services will remind you when it is time to get your prescriptions refilled.

6. 
   Speaker Phone

   Use the Speaker Phone Conversation Option
   Don’t rush to answer those phone calls. Simply push your alert button and the speaker phone feature will activate on your phone. This feature allows you to communicate with the person who is calling from anywhere in your home. Speaker phones are especially useful for someone who has a hard time walking.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up a medical alert system for seniors to stay safe and secure in their home.
• Check out all the options that a medical alert device offers before making your purchase.

Resources

• More Info on Medical Alert Emergency Devices
• Medical Alert Systems for Seniors
• More Senior Living Articles by Sharon Meier