Many people are familiar with how a medical alert system works-the user wears a transmitter button that is pressed to summon assistance in the event of a fall or other emergency.
While the number of companies providing this service has grown, consumers knowledge of what to look for when selecting a company has not.
Though it may be tempting to sign up with the company with the most visible advertising or name recognition, there is much to consider, and much at stake- the safety of you or your loved ones.
A major determining factor for most, especially those on a fixed income, is the price of the system.
The cost of a personal emergency response system can add up, so it is a good idea to compare several providers and inquire about the total cost of service.
Is there a sign up fee or a charge for equipment and installation? Some services will also require a separate telephone line for their system, adding to the overall price.
Many companies will bill monthly, often in the 30-70 dollar range, others require a one year or longer commitment, and will bill for service in advance.
If there is a contract, consider the length of commitment and look for any hidden fees or charges.
Some contracts allow for regular price increases at the companies discretion.
Another factor to consider is cancellation policy.
Will the company allow you to cancel at any time, or must you give written notice months in advance? Many seniors have reported being preyed upon by aggressive salespeople and pressured into a long term contract they were unable to get out of.
If the price and contract terms are clear and acceptable, consider the actual emergency response system you will be provided.
A reputable company will have a UL approved monitoring device with an alert button and a battery backup in the event of power failure.
These devices have different ranges of operation, so the size of the home being monitored should be taken into account.
When you receive the device in the mail, be sure to have to company test it with you to be sure it is adequate for your needs.
The quality of the monitoring service is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a provider.
Inquire with the sales staff as to the monitoring policies.
Many smaller companies will outsource their monitoring service to a third party company that may not be medically trained or certified.
Most systems will require you to provide a list of contacts to be summoned in the event of emergency.
However, some companies are not connected to local ambulance and fire services, and will only attempt to call your list of contacts.
Other systems will only dispatch 911, a policy which could result in you having to pay hundreds of dollars in ambulance fees.
You have the right to dictate who is contacted first in the event of an emergency.
The most reputable companies will send emergency services if they cannot reach anyone of the contact list, or they are unable to communicate with the patient.
While the number of companies providing this service has grown, consumers knowledge of what to look for when selecting a company has not.
Though it may be tempting to sign up with the company with the most visible advertising or name recognition, there is much to consider, and much at stake- the safety of you or your loved ones.
A major determining factor for most, especially those on a fixed income, is the price of the system.
The cost of a personal emergency response system can add up, so it is a good idea to compare several providers and inquire about the total cost of service.
Is there a sign up fee or a charge for equipment and installation? Some services will also require a separate telephone line for their system, adding to the overall price.
Many companies will bill monthly, often in the 30-70 dollar range, others require a one year or longer commitment, and will bill for service in advance.
If there is a contract, consider the length of commitment and look for any hidden fees or charges.
Some contracts allow for regular price increases at the companies discretion.
Another factor to consider is cancellation policy.
Will the company allow you to cancel at any time, or must you give written notice months in advance? Many seniors have reported being preyed upon by aggressive salespeople and pressured into a long term contract they were unable to get out of.
If the price and contract terms are clear and acceptable, consider the actual emergency response system you will be provided.
A reputable company will have a UL approved monitoring device with an alert button and a battery backup in the event of power failure.
These devices have different ranges of operation, so the size of the home being monitored should be taken into account.
When you receive the device in the mail, be sure to have to company test it with you to be sure it is adequate for your needs.
The quality of the monitoring service is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a provider.
Inquire with the sales staff as to the monitoring policies.
Many smaller companies will outsource their monitoring service to a third party company that may not be medically trained or certified.
Most systems will require you to provide a list of contacts to be summoned in the event of emergency.
However, some companies are not connected to local ambulance and fire services, and will only attempt to call your list of contacts.
Other systems will only dispatch 911, a policy which could result in you having to pay hundreds of dollars in ambulance fees.
You have the right to dictate who is contacted first in the event of an emergency.
The most reputable companies will send emergency services if they cannot reach anyone of the contact list, or they are unable to communicate with the patient.