Tips for Creating a Senior Safety Net for Our Aging Parents – Part 2
This is Part 2 of a two-part series.
In Part 1 of this series I describe steps family caregivers can take to create a “Senior Safety Net” for our aging parents. Purchasing a medical alert system (or personal emergency response system) for our Golden Oldies’ homes is a major component of this pro-active safety plan.
How Does It Work?
A medical alert system is simple and easy-to-use. Help is literally at our parents’ fingertips in the form of a medical alert button that is worn around their neck, on the wrist or on a belt clip. The buttons are waterproof and can be worn in the bath or shower where falls often occur. It is connected wirelessly to a two-way voice communcation center where there is an operator on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When the button is pushed, it activates the in-home console and a signal is sent to the monitoring center. An operator’s voice will be heard in your parents’ home, asking if everything is OK. If your parent needs help, or if they can’t speak, an operator will call the appropriate emergency response unit (Fire or Police Department) based on need. The operator will also notify family, neighbors or friends to let them know the situation. This all occurs in a matter of minutes. The operator will follow up to be sure that help has arrived.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing
Medical alert systems are a service you or your parents will be purchasing. It always is smart to research carefully the features, benefits and references of each of the systems you are considering.
Here are some questions to ask the companies:
- Does the system automatically test itself each week to be sure it’s functioning properly? Can you self-test it?
- How long has the company been in business? Are there customers in the area you can contact yourself by phone for references?
- What is the training period and courses for operators? Does the training include continuing education?
- Ask about the company’s customer service, for the actual monitoring system as well as for technical questions you may have about the operation of the unit.
- What costs are involved? Are there start-up fees? Is there a minimum amount of time you must enroll for? Is there a long-term contract required? Reputable services will usually offer a money-back trial period at no risk to the buyer.
- Are repairs or replacement parts included at no charge?
- Is there an emergency back-up power supply in case the electricity goes out?
Why Have a Medical Alert System?
I consider this a major component of a “Senior Safety Net” for our aging parents because it will allow them to live independently longer. Our Golden Oldies who live alone or have health-related problems will find a system like this very valuable. And even if they don’t live alone, a medical alert system is needed because accidents and emergencies are never expected. What if one of your parents needs help while the other is away from home?
My hope is that not only will our Golden Oldies feel safer with a system like this installed in their home, but so will their families.
If you’d like to compare a few highly-recommended medical alert systems, check out each of the links below:
LifeStation Medical Alert Systems
Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Systems
Have you or your parents had experience with an emergency medical alert system? Do they provide you and your parents with peace of mind? I welcome your comments or questions below.
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[...] Click here for Part 2. [...]
Hi Linda,
The medical alert system appears to be a great aid for the elderly. It sounds like it’s easy to use and could often be a life saver.
My Mom recently fell in the shower and fractured her hip. She lives alone. It took over an hour for her to drag herself from the bathroom into her bedroom to the phone to call me. It was a horrifying experience for her, and it scared me to death. The first thing that we did, when she was released from rehab, is to sign up for a medical alert service. It gives both of us peace of mind. Medication is also a huge concern.
Forgetting to take meds – taking the wrong meds – taking too much – all are huge safety issues. We fount this amazing wristwatch that has 12 medication alarms, a database which stores all her personal info (DOB, doctor’s name, blood type, etc..), all her medication, her insurance information, and more. Now she can retain her independence, but ensure that her medication is under control.
Great info, Linda. Sigh. I can’t say that I am looking forward to my parents aging. (They are only 62 and 61 now). It must be hard.
Hi Linda
I would really like to jump in here and talk about my parents… except I have decided it would not be wise to talk about them on the internet.
I’ll just say that the personal alarm thing is a great development, and that I could tell you all about Alzheimers!
Nuf said – Robin
@ Barbara – These systems were an excellent invention, weren’t they?
@ AnneF – Welcome to the TLeC Community! And thank you for telling us about that wonderful medication wristwatch! I read all about it and it sounds like a wonderful compliment to a medical alert system. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference as well. Thanks so much, AnneF! Hope you visit us again.
@ Vered — I know exactly what you mean, Vered. We often are not prepared, intellectually or emotionally, for things in life that are the most meaningful. Along with caring for aging parents, how about learning to be a good spouse and/or parent?! Not everyone takes psychology classes in school before marrying and having a family. I’m hoping my blog can help prepare families for the caregiving journey they have before them.
@ Robin – Welcome to the TLeC community! I totally respect your decision not to share personal information about your parents, but I would welcome any opinions and general insights you have gained from your life experiences. I will stop by your blog soon, too!
For the aged in particular, constant medical monitoring is a must as emergencies occur at any time. A medical alert button would be the best option then. My neighbor recently bought Alarm Care, a personal emergency button http://www.myalarmcare.com from AlarmForce. She just needs to press the emergency button and Alarm Force would rush in with medical aid. It is affordable, user -friendly and offers her security and independence.
Mathew,
Welcome to the TLeC community. Thanks for telling us about this other medical alert company. I will visit the site and check out Alarm Care for future reference.
I to would like to share with you a Personal Emergency Response System, that my Parents bought a few months ago called medical alarm . I recommend them because as I was shopping around for PERS providers Medical Alert-Medical Alarm took the time and care to answer all my concerns.
A Reformed Skeptic,
Chuck D.
Thanks for adding to the resource list, Chuck. Yes, excellent customer service is a “must have” when I’m making buying decisions too.
I wish you and your parents well.