Where The Needs Of Others Come First · Available 24x7 For Emergencies
After age 65, the chance your loved one will suffer a slip-and-fall accident rises dramatically. While there are steps you can take to reduce the risk that accidents will happen, it’s a good idea to have a back-up plan as well. The combination of in-home elder care and a quality medical alert device for those times when the caregiver is unavailable means even if your loved one suffers a fall, he or she won’t be alone.
When shopping for a medical alert device, there are some features you should consider. Any device you choose must be simple to use without the risk of accidental activation. For example, large, recessed buttons can be easily found even in the dark, but are unlikely to be pressed by mistake.
Some devices pull double-duty as medication reminders, so if your elderly parent or grandparent has trouble remembering to take his or her pills, this may be an important option. Another consideration is how emergency personnel will gain access to the premises if they are needed. Some providers offer lock boxes that can safely house a key, accessible only with a pass code given to first responders at the time of the call.
Finally, make sure your relative is comfortable with and able to easily use any device you choose. Try to find a provider that offers personal delivery and set-up of your loved one’s device, so they can ensure a good fit for everyone involved. There are a number of good providers to choose from, including the one that we have recommended for quite some time now, ResponseLink from Integricare in San Diego.
Originally posted 2010-10-25 10:40:25.
