This two-part series on life-saving technology for senior adults in Tampa, FL is a “must read.” Not only do these medical alert devices have the potential to save an aging adult’s life, but they also provide peace of mind and help for Clearwater caregivers..
If you haven’t already, click here to read last week’s blog post, which covers everything from blood glucose monitors and medication reminders to cardiac care and blood pressure tests.
Part two of this series will focus solely on personal emergency response systems. You’ve probably seen advertisements for these medical alert systems. They connect a person in distress to a 24-hour call center by activating a pendant or bracelet. The call center then contacts the subscriber or dispatches emergency personnel, depending on the need. Alerts can be life-saving in the event of a fall, seizure, stroke, or heart attack. We’ve researched the umpteen devices available and present to you the ones with the best ratings.
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian offers three package levels: the basic In-Home with a 400 foot range, Mobile Alert with GPS and a 300 foot range, and Fall Alert with a 600 foot range. The basic system includes a wristband, pendant, and base station. Self-installation is free and easy. There are no fees for equipment, installation, contracts, or cancellation. Cost for the basic system is $27 per month. Additionally, Medical Guardian can take calls in 200 different languages.
Bay Alarm Medical
The Bay Alarm Medical device operates with a pendant and phone with a 1,000 foot range. Three plans are offered: a Basic LandLine Model, an In-Home Cellular, and a GPS Cellular for service outside the home. The cell phones use the AT&T provider, which has excellent reception. Equipment is easy to set up and use. There are no installation or contract fees. Cost averages $28 per month, depending on the plan chosen.
LifeFone
LifeFone works with a console and 3 types of wearable devices: a belt, pocket clip, and pendant. The pendant also answers calls and allows the wearer to choose between a landline or 3G cellular console. The basic console has a range of 480 feet and the cellular console has a 600 foot range. A contract is required but can be set up on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis with no cancellation fee. If you do cancel, LifeFone refunds your unused time, which is a very novel feature among medical alert systems. In terms of costs, the landline fee is $29.95 per month, cellular service with AT&T costs $39.95 per month, and an add-on option is available which extends the detection range to 1,500 feet.
Rescue Alert
Rescue Alert operates with a landline, 9-1-1 emergency cell phone, and a pendant. Some special features include soft-touch pendant buttons to accommodate arthritic or disabled hands and a Language Line which provides service in 150 languages. Rescue Alert also offers a 30-day, risk-free guarantee, so you can try the system first. Several plans are offered including the basic plan which consists of a console with an operating range of 600 feet. Rescue Alert averages $28.95 per month.
All of these rescue medical alert systems could prove vital for aging seniors who become more susceptible to life-threatening falls, injury and stroke or heart attack. While medical alert systems are beneficial for aging adults, nothing can truly replace the peace of mind that comes with a 24/7 senior caregiver in Clearwater. Medical alert systems have the ability to contact emergency services, but caregivers have the ability to transport them to emergency care if needed.
Consider a Medical Alert System
If you’re concerned about an aging parent’s safety but want to honor their wishes to age in place within the comfort of home, talk to them about hiring a live-in caregiver from Home Care Clearwater. Aside from monitoring their safety and tending to emergency needs, our caregivers are also trained and experienced in managing tasks associated with daily living.
For more information, or to schedule a free in-home consultation, please call Florida’s trusted provider of senior care today at 727-330-7862.