By Melanie Keech, Caring Solutions, 970-206-9595
When it comes to your senior loved one who has chosen to age in place, ensuring their safety is always the top priority. Even with safety features in place, there’s still a possibility that he, or she, may fall or be unable to call for help when needed. Medical alert systems provide an added sense of security and peace of mind for you and your family member.
Before deciding on a medical alert system, it is always a good idea to ask each potential provider several questions to determine if their services are the right fit. Once you have your list of questions and answers, you can compare them to determine the right level of service and equipment at the most affordable price.
Here are the top questions you should be asking about the medical alert company:
1. Is the service provider local?
2. What kind of equipment do they provide – analog (landline), digital (landline with internet), cellular (no landline), fall detection, GPS/Cellular)?
3. Is there a fee for equipment, installation and/or activation?
4. Are there monitoring or false alarm fees?
5. Is there a long-term contracts?
6. Is pre-payment required?
7. How long does it take to get it installed?
8. Are they available evenings, weekends, and holidays?
About the Call Center:
1. Where do the alert calls go (call center, family/friends, 911)?
2. How long have they been operating and where are they located?
3. Are they available 24/7?
4. What is the average response time?
5. What are the testing procedures for the systems?
6. How often are the tests performed?
Choosing the right medical alert system and provider can be a daunting task. After all, you are trusting them with the safety of your loved one. Before making a decision, be sure you ask these simple questions and closely review the available options.