Well Now! September 2019

A device that could save your life

Sooner or later you or someone in your family may have to consider a medical alert device. More and more people are living into their high 80s and 90s, meaning that even if you or your family member are still alert mentally, you may be weaker physically at those higher ages and the risk of falling increases. A medical alert device will give you a way to get help if you fall or become ill when you are alone. Actually, each device is part of a system, so the two words, “device” and “system,” are sometimes used interchangeably.

If you answer and of these questions with “yes” you should consider a medical alert device:

Are you past 70 and living alone? Do you have a family member that fits this description?

Do you or a family member have a medical condition that leaves you weak and less mobile, or that confines you to a bed or wheelchair?

Do you or a family member have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?

Are you or a family member older than 80, which means that even if you are alert and mobile, your chances of falling or needing help in other ways are increased?

Home-based or mobile

A home-based system links the device to a receiver, which is connected to your landline and will work anywhere in your house and in the areas immediately outside your house such as your patio, garage, or lawn, but not much further.

A mobile system operates through your cellphone and will work wherever you have cellphone reception, covering you outside your home and in all the places across your community where you would normally go.

Monitoring

A system with a 24/7 dispatching center will give you a live person at all times, who will receive the call from your device and get you the help you need. This option involves a monthly fee and other possible fees.

In another less expensive option, the device will call family members and/or friends on a programmed call list, set up to call person after person until someone answers. On this system you pay only for the device.

Fall protection

Many systems charge extra for this feature, in which the device can sense when you fall and automatically contact the dispatch center or call list. The downside is that a call can be triggered when you lose your balance but don’t actually fall, and it can be triggered if you drop the device. Also, most systems charge extra for this feature.

Other features

You may want to consider a device that will monitor your health and well-being, and a device that will track your fitness with a step-counter. You might want a device with a GPS locator, which will be especially useful if the person wearing the device tends to wander off. You can even find a device that will check for fire, smoke, and CO ₂ .

Needs and circumstances of the person wearing the device

You will want a device the person can operate. Do they have arthritis, which might make it difficult to grasp or press small buttons, for example? Do they have a hearing or speech impediment that would make it difficult for them to talk to the person in the call center? Will they need a daily check-in? Where is the best place to wear the device — on a cord around the neck, on their wrist, or on a belt? Does the device need to be waterproof so it can be worn in the shower? (Many falls happen in the bathroom.)

Tech considerations

If you are considering a home-based unit, think about what range you will need — porch, patio, garage, lawn? If a mobile unit, you need to consider how it will be connected — through smart phone, wireless, or Bluetooth? Make sure the unit has a long battery life, will indicate when the battery is low, and is easy to charge. You also need to consider how tech updates are made, and be sure the device is not too complicated for the user. They will need to understand where to get service and tech support. Check to see if there is a website with easily understood FAQs.

If the system uses a call center

Find out what the average response time is. Does the company have its own call center? Beware of third-party call centers where your medic alert call may compete with reports of burglaries, fires, etc. How much training do the call center personnel receive? Do they speak the language the user speaks? Do they know how to understand and speak to the hard of hearing? Does 24/7 coverage mean there will always be a live person, or will you sometimes have to use chat, e-mail, or text? Is the system secure? Will privacy be protected?

If a home-based system

Does your device allow you to talk to the operator through the device rather than making you go to the base unit at the phone? Is it easy to set up a call-routing system that includes family, friends, fire department, police, etc.?

Cost considerations

Don’t choose a system based on price alone. Avoid complicated pricing plans and extra fees. Avoid long-term contracts. Look for a guarantee, a cancellation policy, and a money-back trial period. Is there a return policy? Note: Medicare and private insurance will not cover medical alert devices/systems, but Medicaid may cover part or all of the cost.

Particular considerations in the instance of Alzheimer’s and dementia

Because of the higher risk of falling, use a device with automatic fall detection. Look for a device that takes into account changes in vision and hearing. Add the GPS feature so the wearer can be found if they wander off and get lost. Look for a device that is visible and easy to use so a “good Samaritan” who finds the person can use it to call for help.

Anticipate problems

The device may sometimes make a call even if you don’t want it to do so. Use a breakaway cord so the person can get loose if the cord becomes entangled in in a bed rail, doorknob, faucet, walker, wheelchair, pet’s paw, power drill, blender, mixer, etc. If your system is home-based through the phone, be sure it has a feature that allows it to interrupt if someone else is using the phone line.