Medical Alert Device Services

Ruthanne

Ruthanne

Caregiver
Location
Midwest
I have been thinking of getting one in case anything happens to me at home or anywhere. I guess you can take the device wherever you go making it good in case someone attempts to do you harm when you're out and about or if you have a medical emergency. Does anyone here use this service?

Here is a link to the supposedly 10 best:


Medical Alert Services
 

I have one, recommend them for those of us that live alone.
They have a gizmo supposed to alert provider when you fall, not sure about that one.
I fall semi-frequently, so far have been able to get up (picture a turtle on it's back)...have yet to use alert button, it shames me that I can no longer do as I did twenty years ago
 
jerry old said:
I have one, recommend them for those of us that live alone.
They have a gizmo supposed to alert provider when you fall, not sure about that one.
I fall semi-frequently, so far have been able to get up (picture a turtle on it's back)...have yet to use alert button, it shames me that I can no longer do as I did twenty years ago
Click to expand...
That's good you have one since you feel you need it. There is no shame in it--we all have our limitations as we grow older. I think it's very wise to have one. It could save your life. Which one do you have? @jerry old
 

What else does one need to have, in order for these devices to function?

I assume some depend on a Smartwatch, or Smartphone, but many of us don't have one of those.

How do the others work?
Is it a wireless connection to a landline phone?:unsure:

Or something else, that enables them to work? :oops::rolleyes:o_O
 
they send you a device that plugs into electrical outlet, you press the button they answer: "what is your medical emergency."
I have only tested the device to make sure it is working.

The transformer device they send you has a charge of 6-8 hours in case of a power failure.

I hope if your laying on the kitchen floor and can't hear their response
they would send the ER folks. There supposed to...

They send you a combination lock which fits on front door; the
medical device personnel tells the EM people what the combination is,
there is a house key slot, once combination lock is opened, they now have a key to open your front door.

One of the drawbacks: it is much slower than if you were able to call
EM services yourself. I don't think it is very useful for a major heart attack due to the time lag. However, it is great for falls and if your not
able to get to a telephone.

The emergency device is small, can be worn around you neck or as a wristwatch.
The cost:
low thirties per month, or 105.oo per 3 months. You may be able to obtain something cheaper by shopping around.
 
jerry old said:
they send you a device that plugs into electrical outlet, you press the button they answer: "what is your medical emergency."
I have only tested the device to make sure it is working.

The transformer device they send you has a charge of 6-8 hours in case of a power failure.

I hope if your laying on the kitchen floor and can't hear their response
they would send the ER folks. There supposed to...

They send you a combination lock which fits on front door; the
medical device personnel tells the EM people what the combination is,
there is a house key slot, once combination lock is opened, they now have a key to open your front door.

One of the drawbacks: it is much slower than if you were able to call
EM services yourself. I don't think it is very useful for a major heart attack due to the time lag. However, it is great for falls and if your not
able to get to a telephone.

The emergency device is small, can be worn around you neck or as a wristwatch.
The cost:
low thirties per month, or 105.oo per 3 months. You may be able to obtain something cheaper by shopping around.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that info. Jerry, I was wondering about that.
 
Ruthanne,

Before you subscribe to a medical alert service check with your insurance provider.

In some situations, the insurance company will cover the cost or offer discounts with certain providers.

I still rely on my cell phone and 911 but at some point, my vision may require me to subscribe to an alert service.

Good luck!
 
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From everything I've heard- mostly ads on t.v.- there's quite a range of types and features.
One thing I've wondered about: what if a person who needs immediate medical assistance can't push a button- perhaps they pass out, or are seriously injured. I heard there's one device that can detect falls itself, would like info if anyone is familiar with it.

I don't know what the brand was, but my mother had a medical alert necklace and it saved her life twice after slip-and-fall accidents. She was able to get paramedics when no one else was around.
 
Aunt Bea said:
Ruthanne,

Before you subscribe to a medical alert service check with your insurance provider.

In some situations, the insurance company or will cover the cost or offer discounts with certain providers.

I still rely on my cell phone and 911 but at some point, my vision may require me to subscribe to an alert service.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks, Bea, I had never thought about checking with my health insurance provider! ;)
 
JaniceM said:
From everything I've heard- mostly ads on t.v.- there's quite a range of types and features.
One thing I've wondered about: what if a person who needs immediate medical assistance can't push a button- perhaps they pass out, or are seriously injured. I heard there's one device that can detect falls itself, would like info if anyone is familiar with it.

I don't know what the brand was, but my mother had a medical alert necklace and it saved her life twice after slip-and-fall accidents. She was able to get paramedics when no one else was around.
Click to expand...
Yes, I've seen one on tv that is supposed to detect a fall without you having to push a button--I believe it's the Phillip's Lifeline:

https://www.medicalalertadvice.com/reviews/philips-lifeline-review/
 
indeed, most of them offer a falling device, for an extra charge, of course

I got one, hooked it to belt, fell down outside, pushed button and waited... nothing, started crawling, (inching on me belly) fence and
pull myself

that night called provider mOBIL HEALTH

UH, you gott'a have your necklace button on and push that too and some other stuff which I have forgotten.
"didn't you read the directions?"
'I ain't a'gonna walk around like robo cop🤬

I CAN say this, I was pissed!:mad:

I guess it is a good deal for most folks, especially those that work or fiddle out in yard....
 
If you have a security system in your home you might check with the alarm company to learn if a personal safety device is an option. Most of the better known companies offer them. I had a relative who tried to enroll with Lifeline (close to $50/Month) through a local civic group but the installer could not get it to work with her landline phone. I knew she had a security system so suggested she check with her alarm company. She did and got the device at no additional cost. It is monitored by the alarm company so response time is quite good. They call whoever she designates as a responder (neighbor, children or straight to 911). The device she got has just the basics and only works inside her home plus she does have to press the necklace button if help is needed. There are fancier ones that detect falls, etc. and will send help without any actions by the wearer - similar to the Apple Watch.
 
I had one of those Alert pendents. It didn't have a long battery life. I didn't charge it at nite, so the next day when I needed it, the battery was dead. I opted for the "Fall" option, and other options. I went into the hospital, and the charger was at home, so the battery was dead. I got monthly bills saying my device was working well for over 5 months- with a dead battery.
Just get a cheap flip phone from Consumer phones. It fits in a pocket. Does the same thing. And you don't have to go through some guy in Boise to call 911.
 

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