Safe Alert For Elderly People
Many seniors and people living with chronic health conditions appreciate the peace of mind a medical alert system brings. This way they can live independently at home while knowing help is only ever a button press away.
Medicare Advantage, Long Term Care Insurance, Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waiver Program, Veterans Affairs or your local Agency on Aging may all offer free life alert systems; our Reviews Team can assist with understanding eligibility requirements.
What is a Medical Alert System?
Medical alert systems are at-home or wearable devices connected to a 24-hour call center that connect users in times of an emergency, enabling them to remain safe in case EMS arrives or their caregivers need to intervene. When users press an alert button, a call center professional assesses the situation before notifying EMS or caregivers as appropriate. Some systems feature lockboxes that enable emergency responders to enter without damaging windows or doors - this feature is often an add-on option, although monthly monitoring fees often cover this feature as well.
Medical alert devices are lifesavers for seniors living alone or who live far from their families, but it's crucial that consumers understand how these systems work before purchasing one for themselves or loved ones. When selecting your system, look for one with a reliable call center and flexible plan - some companies provide free trial periods or discounts through VA or organizations like AARP.
How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?
Medical alert systems enable individuals to easily summon help with one press of a wearable or wall-mounted button, often coming equipped with a base station that plugs into home phone lines and wirelessly links all available help buttons and accessories (door/window sensors etc). Some also feature mobile versions with GPS tracking to provide location services when away from home.
Forbes notes that premium medical alert systems may cost several hundred dollars each month, though many long-term care insurance policies cover these devices. Furthermore, flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) may also be used to pay for them.
Advanced at-home systems feature features to aid caregivers, such as activity tracking and medication reminders. Some even utilize GPS technology to precisely locate users at risk due to dementia or cognitive issues; such systems may even be watertight enough to be worn in the shower and bathtub.
What are the Benefits of a Medical Alert System?
Medical alarm systems provide users with an important way to maintain independence at home by connecting them with emergency services and alerting caregivers, personal physicians, or other health care providers when a button is pressed. Furthermore, some systems allow users to leave keys with company offices or neighbors so that if they become incapacitated or disoriented in their home they will have someone there who can come check on them or call 911 immediately.
However, these benefits do come at a cost; monthly fees and add-on features such as fall detection can drive up the price significantly. But there are ways you can find an affordable or discounted medical alert system through your area agency on aging or private insurer. Talk with them about local resources and programs or discuss coverage options available under Medicare Part C or long-term care insurance depending on what coverage options are available - some may even qualify for reimbursement under either.
How Can I Get a Medical Alert System?
Many seniors don't know how to purchase a medical alert system. Some believe their insurance covers it, while Medicare Parts A and B do not provide coverage. Others assume they require a physician's referral in order to purchase one.
Private insurers should check their Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plan to see if medical alarm devices are covered; most private plans do not. Medicaid recipients, on the other hand, can submit a waiver request specific to their state in order to get assistance with purchasing a life alert device.
Reaching out to your local agency on aging for assistance may also prove fruitful; these agencies can connect you with companies offering affordable monitored and unmonitored medical alert systems, some offering discounts to veterans, AARP members and other groups. In addition, look for companies offering trial periods so you can test out a product prior to making your commitment.
