If your loved one is aging but still living at home, you’ve probably encountered times when you worry about them. Your biggest concerns for their safety probably revolve around a heart attack, stroke, a fall, or some other medical emergency. As a matter of fact, every year, where Americans aged 65 and over are concerned, one in three experience a fall. Many of today’s retirement age individuals want to age at home. Unfortunately, “at home” is where 60% of the falls just mentioned occur.
To help your loved ones maintain their independence, it might be time to discuss an emergency alert system. Because you can’t always be there to see to the safety of your loved one, this can help give you peace of mind and help give them the assistance they need in an emergency. If something should happen, they could immediately summon help. But how do you choose between systems?
Emergency Alert Systems
There are numerous names used where emergency alert systems are concerned. Some of those are as follows:
- Medical emergency response system
- Senior call button
- Medical alert device
- Personal emergency response system and more
When comparing these types of systems, here are some things to consider.
Contract Terms and Pricing
Fees are assessed differently between companies. For monitoring services, some offer annual, semiannual, or monthly payment plans. Equipment charges can vary as well for wearable transmitters, base units, etc.
In order to purchase services, a minimum contract may be required which can be 36-month, 90-day, 30-day, or something else. Be sure to ask about cancellation fees and activation fees, as well. When inquiring about prices, get an itemized written quote. Watch out for surprise fees.
Reputation and Experience
Find independent reviews and references for the company you’re considering. How long have they been in business? Check out any complaints.
Features
You’re going to pay more for a system that has lots of bells and whistles. Get what you need, but don’t spend money on features that are unnecessary.
Portability and Range
Find out the system’s range before you buy one. For adequate coverage in your loved one’s home, might more than one base unit be required? What will that do to the cost of the system? If your loved one is working in their yard, will they be able to use the system? What happens if they leave home?
Ease-Of-Use
The alert system’s actual equipment should be researched and checked out ahead of time. Make sure the button your loved one will press is large enough to see and easy to manipulate. Is the device comfortable to wear? Will batteries need to be changed? Head off usage problems before they arise.
Waterproofing
Many emergencies happen in the bathtub or shower. Make sure the alert device is waterproof.
Hours of Operation and Trained Operators
For both customer service and emergency monitoring, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, the monitoring center should be available.
To handle incoming calls, make sure the company has a call center with people that are “in-house” – and in the country. Find out what kind of staff member training is received by their team members.
Testing and Contracts
To make sure the system is functioning properly, on a regular basis, it should be tested by the company you got it from.
Depending on the nature of the emergency alert situation, various contacts may be used/connected. See if there are options in the system contract.
Reduce the Chance for Emergencies with the Caring Team at The Park Oak Grove
The Park Oak Grove has a caring team of professionals who will watch over your loved one to lessen the chance of mishaps and emergencies. You can rest easy knowing that all health emergencies will be attended to immediately and proficiently. We are here to make sure your aging parent or loved one gets the assistance they need. There will also be ample opportunity for socialization, games, movie nights, and much more. Whatever kind of help your aging loved one needs, we are here to see to it they get it. That’s what assisted living is all about.
For sales and leasing inquiries, please contact us at 540-348-2669. Any other questions can be asked of a representative by calling 540-989-9501. You can also use our convenient online form to open the lines of communication.
Best of all, you can set up a tour and bring your loved one with you so that, together, you can see all we have to offer.
