How to Help Your Aging Parents Select the Right Medical Alert System

Do you find it difficult sometimes to watch your parents age? Are you concerned about their health, their mobility and their safety?  There is one thing you could do to help you and your family have peace of mind about your aging parents that we would recommend. We recommend that you look into getting them a good medical alert system. Why? Because these systems can be lifesaving in emergencies, offering immediate access to help with just the push of a button. Seniors living in Kentucky often enjoy an active lifestyle, but there can also be periods of rainy weather, snow or thunderstorms so choosing the right medical alert system is crucial to maintaining their independence while ensuring their safety.

How can you help your aging parents select the right medical alert system with so many different medical alert systems available today? The choice can actually be overwhelming and making the right choice is challenging. So think about and consider factors such as their specific health needs, lifestyle, and the unique conditions of living in Kentucky, including the potential for rain or snow storms and power outages. Because Medic Alert System Month is observed during the month of August, we want to share nine suggestions to help you and your elderly Kentucky parents in choosing a medical alert system that meets their needs and provides peace of mind.

1. What are their needs? Begin with evaluating the specific health needs and daily activities of your parents. Consider their mobility, existing medical conditions, and whether they live alone. Your assessment will help determine the features that are most important in a medical alert system, such as fall detection, GPS tracking, or in-home versus mobile options.

2. What should the range and coverage be? Be sure the medical alert system provides adequate coverage for the lifestyle of your parents. If they have an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities or frequently travel, a system with GPS tracking and a wide range of coverage is essential. However, if they enjoy spending most of their time at home, an in-home system with a strong signal range is good.

3. Investigate the response time and monitoring service. Be aware that the efficiency of a medical alert system depends on its response time and the quality of the monitoring service. Be sure to research companies that offer 24/7 monitoring with quick response times. Also, be sure to read the reviews and testimonials of the companies you are looking into, they can provide insights into the reliability and responsiveness of the service.

4. Are there waterproof features? It is important to choose a medical alert system with waterproof features. Then your aging parents can wear the device in the shower or during outdoor activities without the risk of damage.

5. Be sure to look into the battery life and power backup. With the unpredictability of weather there could be the potential for power outages so be sure to select a system with a long-lasting battery and backup power options. This ensures the device remains functional even during extended power disruptions.

6. Be sure to compare costs and contracts. You need to know that medical alert systems come with varying costs and contract terms. Compare the different plans to find one that fits the budget of you and your aging parents while offering the necessary features. Be wary of long-term contracts and hidden fees, opting instead for flexible plans with transparent pricing.

7. Be sure to test the system and customer support. If one is offered, before making a final decision, test the system's functionality and familiarize your parents with its use during a trial period. In addition, evaluate the company's customer support to be sure they offer reliable assistance and troubleshooting when needed.

8. Look into any additional features your parents may need. Some medical alert systems offer additional features such as medication reminders, fitness tracking, and integration with smart home devices. These can increase the overall utility and convenience of the system for your parents.

9. Be sure it is easy to use. Choose a system that is easy for your parents to use. The buttons should be large and easy to press, and the system should have clear instructions. Simplicity is key to knowing that your parents can use the device effectively in an emergency.

We know this article raises more questions than it answers. Our firm offers a number of legal services designed to help you and your family. We understand that not everyone can come into our office. Unlike other firms we can make arrangements to come to you. Let us know when you call us at (502) 348–4873 to set an appointment or fill out our contact form and we will contact you to coordinate a meeting based on your individual needs.