Medical alert systems (or systems emergency response personnel) are wonderful devices that allow older adults the opportunity to stay in their homes (more secure), and remain as independent as possible. Keeping up with this new technology is difficult, and knowing the right questions to ask is even harder! If you have not seen our Medical Alert System Round up you should check it out, and provide information (especially if you have had experience with one of the leading manufacturers). The focus of today's medical alert systems, appropriately titled 10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating medical alert systems. So without further goodbye. Here's our Top 10 List (drum roll please):
1. Does this medical alert system with VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone services? If you have Comcast or Verizon cable in the home, chances are you might also be used for telephone (home). If that is the case, is likely to use a VOIP plan (as we do with Vonage, another big provider of VoIP). Many traditional health care providers warning system to check with your home (VOIP) phone provider to see if they offer local 911 (and other) services. So keep this in mind, and ask *. (* Note:. The warning system suppliers is known about its compatibility with the major telephone service providers)
2. What is the scope of my warning system? Most major health care providers warning system of the following components included in their "systems". A base station and a pendant of some sort (-. necklace worn around the neck, belt clip, wrist watch or similar device to Myhal system even has a chest strap). MOST of the pendants need to communicate (wireless), with a base station that connects to your telephone line from your home. Therefore, it is necessary to know the extent of that suspension to the base station. Usually, this range covers most of the homes of average size, and is in the neighborhood of 400-600 meters. After installation, be sure to test the range within (and outside) the house.
3. Does anyone set this up for me, or I do it myself? Many manufacturers have sales / marketing representatives who come to your home and install / test the system for you. Usually charge only once for account opening this service to ask about this fee is in advance! If all you do is send the alert system for you, make sure there is an extensive literature (on and off line) for help with configuration and testing. Always test your medical alert system before use.
4. Do I need a landline to use this medical alert system? In most cases the answer will be yes, but there are some exceptions. For example, the MobileHelp Medical Alert System is a small portable device that connects to AT & T Wireless for use outside the home (anywhere covered by AT & T). To use your pendant (small collar) devices in the home, you still need a land line though. In addition, the system Wellcore Personal Emergency Response has the ability to interact with some cell phones to expand the range of your device outside the home.
5. That staff your call center, where they are and what the average response times? OK, this is a bit of a trick question, because "outsourcing" call center has been a trend that many companies, many use. Frankly, I found a great service call centers around the world and all you have to be careful of here is performance.
6. Does the medical alert system have other services? Some medical alert systems offer additional services such as medication reminders, reminders glucose monitoring, etc.. It's good to know what other services may be included with the purchase of their services, so be sure to ask what is included.
7. What if something goes wrong with my computer? Most of us hate to read the fine print. I challenge anyone out there to read the "terms and conditions" of the 5 or 6 medical alert devices to be evaluated (I get a headache even thinking about doing that again). So this in mind, I encourage anyone to make a decision on a particular device to ask, what happens if the system stops working? You can come to fix it? Are they going to send another as soon as possible? Is it necessary to send back the dysfunctional system? etc. Also, another point ... when you've narrowed your choice, read the fine print to find the terms and conditions of the particular provider on their websites.
8. Does the medical alert system include 'automatic detection of falls "? Medical alert systems have come a long way in the last 5 years. Advanced systems can now detect when a user is automatically reduced. Everything is in advanced algorithms developed by brilliant engineers and embedded in small devices that are saving lives every day. These intelligent systems can be distinguished (in most cases) between the time someone has fallen, and when someone has decided to sit down sharply. "The big three" that the detection (currently) offer automatic drop Halo are monitoring systems, emergency response Wellcore Personal and Philips Lifeline automatic alert.
9. Am I buying these devices, or leasing, or not? It goes back to my earlier suggestion about reading the fine print ... Saber (early) if the equipment is yours or not. What if you no longer need the equipment? What if equipment is damaged?
10. What is my total annual cost? This boils down to "brass tax" ... How much will it cost each year (total cash flow). Enough said.
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