Medical Alert System for Mom

[Nohal]

My mom fell and I feel it is time to look into a medical alert system for her. Can anyone give me any info on which company is the best. I called one company and got some info and I said I wanted to comparison shop before making a commitment. He said to be careful because some of these companys only cover you in one room. I thought that was a little strange. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Maryr1]

The local hospital is a good resource. Try calling them and see who they refer to. If not try your local VNA (visiting nurses association) or the county health department. They probably would be able to give you the name of the company they use-using a local company is probably your best bet. They will have local support who come in and set up the equiptment and show you and your mom how to best use it as well as be able to trouble shoot when needed. Remember it only works if she wears it-keeping it in the bathroom or on her night table while she is in the kitchen doesn't work!!! Good luck!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I agree with Maryr1. I do home health care and refer to the local hospital. They have a group that installs for free. The cost per month to monitor is ~$30, last I checked. It is a local Lifeline type device.

Also, the local department of aging might be able to refer you to a local company.

 

[bballmom56]

I am looking into getting some sort of medical alert system for my MIL who now lives alone. She has also just started suffering from vertigo which is of course a concern. I looked into life alert, but it had some drawbacks. When I did a search for reviews and opinions of medical alert systems, one called medipendant (http://medipendant.com/) was a top choice. Does anyone have any experience with it?

 

[Amy]

bballmom - I like the idea of being able to talk to someone thru the pendant. I looked at your link, and the only concern I have is battery life. Make sure you keep an eye on the battery!

I got a pendant for my dad last year from Phillips Lifeline: http://http://www.lifelinesys.com/content/home. I got him the one with auto-alert. The pendant has some type of gyroscope inside, so if he falls and can't push the button (if he hits his head or something), it will recognize the fall and will automatically call for help. They'll come over the speaker and if they don't get a response, they'll automatically send the ambulance. The pendant is waterproof, too, so he can wear it in the bath/shower. (IF he doesn't take it off; my dad takes his off, and since he fell in the bath last year, it won't do him much good if he's not wearing it!)

Installation was easy, and they have you go to different parts of the house to test the range. He has a small house, but every part of his house was within range.

I don't know if the cost varies depending on what part of the country you're in, but here in PA, it costs $50 per month.

 

[Amy]

Another tip: most of these life alert-type systems will ask for names and phone numbers of people to call in case of emergency. I'm the closest relative to my dad, but I live 1/2 hour away, and he doesn't talk to his neighbors, so the ambulance/paramedics would get there before I do. Someone suggested (and we actually had to use it once) getting one of those lock boxes that realtors use and put a spare house key inside. We put that on his back door and gave the combination to the Lifeline folks. It gives me some peace of mind to know the paramedics can get in w/o breaking down the door since I can't get there right away.