Did you know that statistically a third of all seniors age 65 and older will suffer from an accident from a fall or other injury sustained in the home? It is true that as a natural part of aging we become less sure in our movements and what used to be easy tasks take on a new level of difficulty that could disable us from acting quickly enough to get ourselves out of harm’s way. For this reason many concerned family members encourage the senior citizens in their lives to live in a retirement home or assisted living center so that they can be under the constant watch of someone who is there looking out for their well-being.

Of course no one wants to be confined to a retirement center and you can bet that the senior in your life probably is not going to leap at the opportunity to leave behind their home, neighbors, routines, and independence for a retirement home. Fortunately there is a compromise. Medical alarms allow families to have the peace of mind that they are looking for in order to allow their senior family members to remain at home. Seniors love medical alarms because they play a large role in helping them to stay independent.

In a survey of customers of  medical alarm service providers, it was found that 87% of those who had a medical alarm system said that the protection that medical alarms provide were a main or an important factor in determining that they would live at home rather than be put in a retirement facility. You too can be part of the percentage of American seniors who have found or re-gained their independence because of a medical alarm system.

Medical alarm systems basically function as follows:

1. The senior is given a pendant that can be worn around the neck or wrist. Each subscriber is also given a separate receiver system that can be used to communicate with a medical alarm operator.
2. In an emergency the wearer of the pendant simply presses the button on the pendant.
3. The pendant sends a signal through the transmitter to the medical alarm system provider.
4. The operator asks you some questions to determine your needs and contacts the proper authorities who can help you. If you do not answer the questions of the operator it is assumed that your condition is urgent and emergency personnel are notified right away.
5. The appropriate authorities or personnel are directed to your home to assist you.

So you see, medical alarms can keep you independent not only by giving your loved ones the peace of mind that you will have someone looking out for you and someone that you can contact at any time in case you need anything, but you as the senior feel safer in your home and more confident in your ability to live independently. Most medical alarm systems will even offer the service of notifying the individuals that you select in the case of an emergency.

Ultimately, a medical alarm can keep you independent by protecting you from being without needed emergency assistance for any period of time. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for a senior to have a fall, seizure, heart attack, injury or serious illness and not be able to reach the phone to call for assistance. The result is hours or even days of being unable to call for help. Time is of the essence with life threatening conditions. Fortunately with a medical alert system you can prevent the loss of any of your precious time by having help available at your fingertips.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Medical Alarms, Senior Safety :: No Comments »

Introduction

There are commercials that advertise the need for everyone, or at least those ages 65 and older, to get a medical alert system in order to protect themselves in the case that something unfortunate were to happen. Is it really true that once you turn a certain age you need to buy services and devices as the only way to feel safe in your own home? Of course not! The real question is, “How are you to know if YOU should get a medical alert?”

Instructions

Fortunately there are some questions that you can ask yourself that will help you to determine your risk and whether or not you are one of those people who need a medical alert system. Below are some questions that you can ask to determine if you or a loved one would benefit from a medical alert system.

How to know if you should get a medical alert (answer the following questions for the person for whom the medical alarm might be appropriate):

Q: Have you ever taken a fall in your house and been unable to get up?

At home accidents including falls will afflict more than 1 out of every 3 people over the age of 65. Although some falls may not result in long term damage, taking a serious fall and not being able to call for help could cause irreversible damage and even death in some cases (especially where someone can go days without being able to move).

Q: Do you live alone or have limited mobility while in your home?

When there is no one else in your home that you can turn to for help your risk factors increase. Inability to safety navigate your home also increases your risk for a fall and serious injury.

Q: Do you find yourself confused about or unable to control any medical conditions that you may have?

Failure to have a good grasp on one’s own health routines makes them more susceptible to becoming impaired, unable to communicate, or unable to think clearly enough to pick up the phone to call for help. In addition to having a button on you at all times that you can simply press to receive assistance, a medical alert system can also provide medical services with your specific medical information so that you can avoid complications and delays in your treatment if you are unable to communicate any specific needs that you have.

Q: Are there times when you are unable to reach the phone or would otherwise be unable to dial 911 if you needed to?

Having access to medical personnel could mean the difference between life and death. Human life is frail and just a few minutes could be the difference between a positive and negative prognosis. By having what is really a speed-dial to 911 hanging around your neck at all times, the ability to call for help is no longer an issue.

Conclusion

The above posed questions are obviously not the only criteria that you should go by in determining whether or not you should get a medical alert. However, if you answered yes to any or all of the questions above you may want to seriously consider if getting a medical alert is a possibility for you. If it is, you can join the 1.5 million   other medical alert system owners who are able to enjoy the peace of mind that they can enjoy the independence that they have at home while still managing their risk and being able to call for help with the simple push of a button.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

It happens to everybody. We age and our bodies begin to break down. Some people begin this process sooner than others and for some the aging of the body seems sudden and surprising. Before we know it we get to the point that even the slightest fall could warrant a trip to the emergency room or even consequences that are far worse.

Most seniors realize that they simply cannot do all that they used to do on their own without subjecting themselves to the possibility of being seriously hurt. Although our minds often stay as sharp as they were in our younger years, be cannot change the fact that our bodies do not fare so well in the fight against time. So seniors are faced with some difficult decisions.

One of the most important decisions that should be thought through very carefully is, “how will you take care of yourself.” For many families the answer is to assist their elder family member by placing them in a retirement home where their needs can be attended to and their safety can be assured. Reputable and well-credentialed retirement or senior living facilities are a wonderful option for seniors who are unable to remain safe while living alone at home. However, for some seniors the answer of moving into a retirement facility is not so black and white.

Living in a retirement community may have its advantages, but there are certainly disadvantages as well. Even though there are many retirement homes who strive to give their residents the same level of independence that they enjoyed at home, living in a retirement facility will never be just like home. All the things that you love about your home, your neighborhood and all of your other immediate surroundings are lost. Additionally you are not free to carry out each day exactly as you would like when you live in a place that is not your home.

So the big question is, “What can you do to stay independent while having the peace of mind that you are safe in your own home?” The answer is to use a medical alarm system. A medical alarm is a device that is worn around the neck or wrist of the senior wishing for at-home security. When the button on this pendant-like device is pushed the receiver/transmitter that is also installed somewhere in your home works as a sort of two-way radio to allow you to communicate hands-free with an operator. In the case of an emergency in your home you would simply push your on-body alert alarm, tell the operator what your emergency is, and then have that emergency help come right to your door. There is no need to have to crawl to a phone if you are injured. And the hands-free communication to the operator means that you can convey your need to receive help no matter where you are in the house.

When you have a medical alarm the system provider should also be able to provide services that can help you in the case of a fire, burglary, gas leak, etc. A medical alarm system provides you with equivalent levels of emergency care when compared to living in a retirement home. But with a medical alarm system you can have a way to stay independent while giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind. It is possible to go about doing the things that make you most happy in the settings that you are most comfortable with when you have a medical alarm system that is there to protect you no matter where you are in your home.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

When you decide to spend the money to ensure your senior’s (or your self) safety, but hiring a medical alarm monitoring company, you need to make sure they have a great monitoring center. After all, what good would it do to push a button for help if no one gets the call, or is paying attention to it? Here are some things to look for in a medical alarm monitoring center for senior safety at home:

1. What quality are their operators?

Do they speak the same language as you? Are they committed to making sure your service is high quality? Basically to find this out you need to find out what kind of training program they have for their operators. You want one that has a comprehensive customer service training program designed to teach the operators how to handle all situations. Also, find out if calls are recorded and reviewed for quality and training purposes.

2. How are their operators trained?

This overlaps the above question, but it is important to ensure that your monitoring center’s training program was designed specifically for medical alarms. You also need to make sure that they are certified to handle medical accounts, and that they know how to advise you, calm you, etc. they basically need to know how to handle medical situations in a calm manner.

3. How many operators do they have?

Basically, you just want to make sure that when you call for help they will have enough people on staff to answer your call and quickly. So, just make sure that the company you hire has a Call Management System (CMS) that monitors the call flow traffic and projects staffing needs. This way they will be able to schedule correctly based on relevant data, and should have short wait times if any.

4. How is the monitoring center certified?

Basically you want to ensure that the monitoring center is UL listed, FM approved, CSAA 5 Diamond certified. HIPPA compliance is also a plus. These agencies certify monitoring centers and ensure they meet stringent requirements. They also perform annual reviews.

5. Is there a backup power source?

If a system fails is there a plan and a back-up system that can be implemented immediately and automatically. Back up power generators and UPS systems are something you want to ask about, and make sure they are certified. There are three different systems and certifications, never use a monitoring system that is not at least UL certified. The point of this is that no matter what, even if the power is out, you want to make sure that if you have an emergency that they will get your call for help and be able to answer you and get help to you as quickly as possible. A backup facility geographically remote from the primary center is also highly advisable to prevent against natural disasters.

6. What is their promise about your call?

You want a monitoring system that is going to have a live person answer the phone within a few rings no matter what. This is hugely important because if your loved one is hurt and scared, they will want immediate assurance that a real person is aware of their situation.

There are other things to look for, but do your research, and take your time, you want to make a well informed and good decision. Your safety is a huge priority, make sure that whatever company you hire feels the same way.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

There are literally dozens of different national and local medical alarm companies available for you to choose from. Some advertise on television while others gain their business from word of mouth. With so many options available it is hard to know which one is best. However, by knowing what is most important to you in a medical alert system you can begin to research and ask the right questions to narrow down your options until you are left with the medical alarm system that is right for you.

Below you will find some of the more commonly desired traits that seniors and their family members are looking for in a medical alarm system. You should add your own requirements to this list in order to find your own unique match.

What to look for in a medical alarm system that is right for you:

• A company that is honest and straightforward – the last thing that you need is to have to worry about the small print of some companies that will require such things as lengthy agreements, excessively high late payment penalties, extra fees for services that you assume should be included in your service plan, etc. A good company values their customers as real people and will not use tactics to squeeze money out of those customers at every available opportunity.

• You get what you pay for – of course you would not settle for second hand medical service or mostly efficient medical help. But all too often that is what you get when you choose a medical alarm system solely because of their low price. Reputable providers cannot offer top-rate medical services for next to nothing.

• Satisfaction guarantees – you should be re-assured that you will be given the opportunity to test your system, have repairs done, or even have the whole system replaced as part of your company’s commitment to providing you with the best service possible. A device that falls into disrepair or a customer support team that can only be reached during business hours does not constitute a company that is committed to the satisfaction of their customers. Your medical alarm system service providers should be accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Most emergencies don’t accommodate “business hours”.

• Building a reputation takes time – ask around to find out how long certain medical alarm systems have been in business. Ask to see if they have their own facility, monitoring center and staff or if they are  outsourcing some of these services. You want to choose a medical alarm system that is all inclusive, meaning that you only have to talk to one company by calling one number to be connected with the party that can assist you best. Also, ask your friends and neighbors for any personal experiences that they may have with certain medical alarm companies and get referrals that way versus trusting a compensated celebrity endorser that you may see on TV.

• Make sure that both your medical alarm system monitoring center is UL listed – when your medical alarm system is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed, this means that the facility has met the high independent standards to achieve the distinction of being a benchmark for all monitoring centers.

• Regular self-tests – make sure that you test your medical alarm every week or couple of weeks to make sure that everything is still in working order. Just as it is wise to check your smoke detectors regularly, you must be able to test your monitoring system so that repairs can be made early so in case you need to use the system, you have the peace of mind of knowing that it is in good working order.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

Sometimes it is difficult to admit when we need help. Whether we are prideful or simply do not want to inconvenience others, sometimes we suffer in silence. Fortunately, if you are a senior you do not have to compromise your sense of independence or your privacy in order to receive the level of care that you are comfortable with. A medical alert can be just the answer you were looking for to solve your difficult situation.

A medical alert is a system that allows the customer to be put in contact with emergency services at the touch of a button. A pendant that is worn at all times serves as a type of speed dial to a safety monitoring center. You are immediately asked by the operator who receives your distress call what it is that you are in need of and the appropriate authorities are immediately dispatched to your home to take care of your needs.

A medical alert sure sounds like a nice thing to have around. But how can you know if investing in a medical alert is really going to pay off? And how are you supposed to know if you even need a medical alert in the first place. Below is a simple series of questions that you can ask yourself to evaluate whether or not you need a medical alert system in order to increase your level of personal safety.

Questions to ask yourself to determine if you could benefit from a medical alert system:

• Do you need the assistance of a device such as a walker or cane to get around your home?
• Have you ever taken a fall or multiple falls in your home that were serious enough to need to be treated by a doctor?
• Do you have brittle bones or difficulty healing after an injury?
• Do you have trouble getting up after a fall, balancing yourself or moving yourself around?
• Do you live alone?
• Do you suffer from vision, hearing, emotional, or medical problems? Do you take regular medications for any of these problems?
• Do you suffer from anxiety or feel unsafe in your home?
• Have you visited the hospital for any reason besides to receive a test of some sort in the last 12 months?
• If you do not currently have any serious medical conditions are you at risk for any?
• Is there a safety hazard in your home that would be difficult to correct (i.e. a flight of stairs leading to the bedroom, large scale disrepair, etc.)
• Are you older than 75 years old?

If you have answered “yes” to any of the above asked questions you may need to seriously consider whether or not you are taking precautions to ensure that you can get the kind of help that could save your life, were you to need it. Many seniors do not fully realize the dangers that are present in their own home. Studies have shown that nearly one third of all seniors age 65 and older will suffer from an injury that is acquired in the home. That statistic is frightening. Not taking the precautions necessary to protect yourself is foolish and could ultimately cost you your life. Additionally, failure to secure your own home and your well-being while you are there could be motivation enough for your loved ones to step in and take care of your safety on your behalf by having you move into a retirement home or assisted living center. Some seniors enjoy living in such facilities but many more miss the comfort and privacy of their own homes as well as the independence that they lose as a result of being monitored at all times by nursing home personnel.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms, Senior Safety :: No Comments »

When it comes to medical alarm systems there are some differences that you will want to be aware of. No two companies offer the same features, at the same price, and with the same type of performance and guarantees. There are just too many different aspects of the product to consider that to make all systems identical is simply bad business.

With so many options to consider the task of researching out every possible medical alarm system company is daunting to say the least. Fortunately you do not have to start your search blindly. Below is a list of some of the various features of a medical alarm system. Read through these features and include any other needs that you have in addition to the things that are listed here. Once you know what features are most important to you, you can then use that list to compare some of your top medical alarm choices and come to the best decision for you. Whether you are looking to buy a medical alarm system for yourself or for a loved one, make sure that you remember that the most important things that a medical alarm system should be able to provide are safety and independence.

Various features of a medical alarm system for your comparison:

1. The button/pendant
   1. Some buttons are designed to be worn in the shower and tub.
   2. A high quality button battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, should last for at least 5 years while other batteries of lesser quality will need to be replaced much sooner.
   3. Some companies cover the cost of battery replacement in their service charge, while others do not.
   4. The smallest reasonably sized pendant is going to be about 1 inch wide by one inch tall with about ¼ inch depth. The total weight of the pendant when being worn should be somewhere around ½ and ounce. The size is important because of the pendant is not comfortable it is less likely that you will wear it at all times.
   5. Buttons can typically be worn as a necklace or around the wrist (some companies only offer a necklace version because they believe that it is safer to wear a necklace rather than a bracelet.)
   6. Range of coverage will also differ between service providers. Some customer’s buttons will not work if the individual leaves the house to do such things as check the mail or tend to a garden. Make sure that you select a product with a range that will suit your lifestyle.

The service/warranty

a. Look to do business with a reputable company who is willing to offer a warranty. The best warranty is a lifetime warranty (from a reputable organization) that includes repairs and service at no extra cost. You want to do business with a company that is willing to stand by their product.

b. Because an emergency is never convenient you need a medical alarm system with service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The speaker box/transmitter

a. The speaker box used to communicate to the medical alarm system operator should be hands-free.

b. You need for your speaker to be loud so that it can be heard in any room of the house. It also needs to have a sensitive microphone so that you can be heard no matter where you are in the house or how soft spoken you may be.

c. The speaker box transmitter should also have a back-up battery in the case of a power outage or other electrical short. Some back-up batteries last only 24 hours while others exceed 80 hours of back-up battery life. 24 hours is probably sufficient as it would be unsafet for a senior to stay in a house for 3 days with no power.

d. Your speaker box should automatically run diagnostic checks to ensure that your entire system is in working order. These tests should run at least once a month. Once a week would be even better.

Privacy

a. You should look for a medical alarm system that is going to take your privacy very seriously. Your information should not be shared with an outside party for marketing. The medical alarm system company should also be HIPAA compliant and employ staff members who are thoroughly trained and background-checked.

Other features and factors to consider

a. The price – ultimately you will need to be able to afford the system that you choose, but do not be too quick to agree to a deal with a system because of their low price.

b. Portability – can you take your medical alarm system with you if you go on vacation?

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

Medical alarm systems are tricky to sort through and rate because each company that you look into is going to tell you that they are the best. While one company claims to be the “most popular” medical alarm system, another could claim to be the “top rated” medical alarm system. With such creative liberties in how companies promote their product, it is hard to look through the façade that each of them creates in order to really get down to what their company can offer you.

What may work for one person does not always work for another person. And even if there were one perfect medical alarm system out there, it may be too expensive to afford for everyone. What your review of medical alarm systems should really boil down to is, “What medical alarm system is the best for you?” It is ok if you do not know. It is common for most people just staring to look into a medical alarm system to be unsure of what exactly they are looking for. To help aid you in your search below you will find a list of characteristics and features that a good medical alarm system should possess.

What does it take to be a top notch medical alarm system?

You should not be required to pre-pay anything, nor should your standard monthly fees be variable.

• You should be given ample time to review and ask questions about anything that you are required to sign or verbally agree to. A good medical alarm service provider should have nothing to hide in fine print.
• Life safety services are not cheap, so if you think that the price that you are being asked to pay for your medical alert system is too low, you should be suspicious. When it comes down to life-saving devices you do not want to compromise quality for the sake of being frugal.
• Good medical alarm systems offer better and more diverse customer testimonials rather than solely investing their advertising dollar in paid celebrity endorsers.
• A good medical alarm system will offer a money-back guarantee and trial period. A money-back guarantee and trial will allow you to see first hand if your medical system is the right fit for you. If you are not satisfied, you should be able to turn in your system and get your money back without any kind of financial penalty. A company that stands by their product will be more than happy to allow you to see for yourself that they are the best.
• A top medical alarm system company is self sufficient. Although it is possible to find good medical alarm providers who outsource or have small operations, your best bet is going to be to find a company that has been in the medical alarm business long enough to have developed a name for themselves. Additionally, the level of service provided to the customer is far superior if all of the operations are managed by the same company.
• You should have the peace of mind that your medical alarm system will be operational and that your monitoring center will be adequately staffed 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and not just during the day.
• In the case of an emergency you need a well-trained group of individuals to help you. Look into the training process for the operators at the monitoring center and ask questions to ensure that you will be comfortable with who will be assigned to help you contact what could be life-saving assistance.

Of all the medical alarm systems available, the best way to find the right one for you is to review as many of your possible options as possible. After all, you will be glad that you took the time to make this decision carefully if you ever need to use your medical alarm system.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

Medical alarm systems are systems that are designed to help someone get in touch with emergency services if an emergency renders them unable to get to or use the telephone.
Medical alarm systems are most commonly used by those who are above the age of 65 and want to feel safe while remaining independent in their own homes, rather than having to move to an assisted living facility.

Medical alarms have some common denominators that are fairly standard no matter what medical alarm system company that you choose to do business with. One key element to medical alarm systems is that there is some sort of portable button that can be carried or worn on your person at all times. When pushed, this button should connect you, hands free, with the monitoring service that connected your medical alert system. Two-way communication should take place between the operator and the customer in order to determine what sort of assistance is needed. This two way communication is facilitated by a voice-box transmitter that is another important piece of equipment that should come with every medical alert system. The operator at the monitoring center then contacts medical services or safety officers, depending on the nature of the distress call.

Not all medical alarm systems are exactly the same as far as the features that they offer. Some medical alarm systems come with all of the bells and whistles while others come with minimum features but correspondingly have a much more appealing price. For example, some medical alarm system pendant buttons are very small and lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear at all times. Other less expensive medical alarms come with bulkier or later model pieces of equipment. Some transmitters and buttons have long range capabilities. This means that you may be able to step out of your home to check the mail or to do some gardening and you will still be able to send a distress signal. Some companies have been in business for 20 years or more while other are brand new web only businesses . From just these few examples, you can see that although the concepts behind the use of a medical alarm system are simple, choosing which medical alarm system that is right for you is an entirely different challenge all together.

As you begin to take a closer look at medical alarm systems it is important to ask yourself what features are most important to you. Do you have a budget? Are you willing to spend more in order to get fancy features or a company that has made a name for themselves in the industry? Why are you getting a medical alarm system in the first place? Do you want more than just an operator on the other end of the voice-box that you have in your home? Some medical alarm systems offer the services of nurses (or paramedics) so that you do not have to wait for an emergency to get help, you can be counseled right through your medical alarm system without penalty or additional fees. Write down the specific needs that you have and make sure that you look to find companies that are able to accommodate you specifically. Realize that there may be no such thing as a perfect match, but make sure that you settle for the best medical alarm system that you can possibly afford.

By taking the time to look into medical alarm systems and to educate yourself on how they work and what features you are most eager to have, you can make a decision that you are confident with and that will allow for you to live an independent and worry-free life while still enjoying the comfort of your own home.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

A medical alarm system is many things. Technically a medical alarm system is a system that is installed in the home that includes a receiver and a mobile pendant or button. If there is an accident in the home the wearer of the pendant needs only to push the button and the operator on the other end of the receiver signal will be able to help to connect you with emergency services. A medical alarm is also a key reason why many older or disabled individuals are able to maintain their independence by staying at home. Medical alarm systems also provide peace of mind to the loved ones who cannot be there to watch their family member who has special needs or who may be more susceptible to accidents.

A medical alarm system – the technical definition

Although all medical alarm systems are not created equal, they are all basically the same in the way that they are operated. The resident of the home (customer) is given a pendant with a button that when pushed triggers a call to the monitoring facility. The monitoring facility then uses the base unit located somewhere in your home to communicate with you wirelessly. The operator asks you what your emergency is and connects you with the proper authorities. Of course, in the case that you are unable to speak or cannot communicate with the operator it is assumed that you are in need of emergency help and medical dispatch is notified immediately. Not only can a medical alarm system notify the proper authorities for you, but they can also help provide assistance teams with the personal, medical and contact information that can help to make the experience more efficient.

A medical alarm system – to help you feel safe and independent

Of course you want to be able to stay in your home and live each day as you please. But sometimes living alone can be frightening especially if you feel cut-off from the outside world. Accidents happen and it is a real fear that many senior citizens have that they will take a fall and not be able to call for help. Such worries can be enough to motivate someone to move out of their beloved home in order to safeguard their own life. Fortunately there are alternatives to living in a retirement community. A medical alarm system is designed to provide you with the access to help that you want and need in order to feel safe and independent. A good medical alarm will provide the user with 24/7 access to a monitoring center. So there is no need to bother family members or friends in the middle of the night if you are feeling unwell or uneasy for any reason. Constant access to a monitoring center is not only comforting in the case of a medical emergency, but your medical alarm can be used for other emergencies as well. This includes being able to notify the authorities in the case of a burglary or other disaster where your safety is compromised. A medical alarm is the reassurance that many seniors need to know that they can go about living their lives the way that they want to without fear.

A medical alarm system – it is the peace of mind that your loved ones are looking for

Medical alarm systems are the safeguard that many families are looking for when their older loved one insists on living at home. A medical alarm system is the answer to many family’s problems, fears and worries because a medial alarm can always be there for the older loved one at any time.

howard :: Dec.20.2007 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »