There are a lot of different options when it comes to medical alarms for seniors, and there are also a lot of different factors to consider. There are some alarm systems that are ideal for seniors in specific living conditions while other systems have a much broader application.
The most important issue to consider with medical alarms for seniors is the usability of the product. It really doesn’t matter how top of the line it is, if your parents or grandparents cannot use it easily and without assistance then it is not a good match. Simple systems that allow for two way communication, even from the pendant, are often the very best option for any senior in any living situation.
Monitored or Non-Monitored
Monitored systems are like home alarm systems, there is a central, or several central, monitoring centers that are manned 24/7 365 days of the year. When a senior presses a button they are instantly on the line with a person at the call center that can then determine what the emergency is and notify the proper authorities.
While this may seem like the ideal option with medical alert solutions for seniors, it is not actually any more effective than a well-designed and developed non-monitored system. This system is programed to call 911 or up to 4 numbers in an order set by the senior or the family to notify that the alarm has been triggered. This is a low cost option with no ongoing monthly fees since there is no continual need to monitor.
Two Way Talk from the Pendant
It is essential that the pendant, which the senior will wear at all times, should have two way talk communication. This literally works like a walkie-talkie or push-to-talk system and will operate when the senior is away from the base.
Top systems will allow distances of up to 600 feet from the base for the two way voice communication to work. Seniors can talk and explain just what the emergency is, plus there is a pre-recorded message in case the senior is unable to speak.
A top company offering a high tech, non-monitored medical alert system is SureSafe Medical Alerts. This company sells a variety of products that don’t required monitoring but still provide ideal safety and communication options for any elderly person living on their own.
