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