Medical Alert Systems: A Lifeline for Those Who Live Alone and Are At Risk of Falling
By Maria Basso Lipani, LCSW
© 2008-2010
Summary: Medical alert systems enable people to access emergency services within their home in the event that they fall or otherwise need assistance and cannot get to a phone. Sometimes called a personal emergency response system (PERS) or an emergency medical alert system, these devices connect to a phone line and come with a transmitter. Typically the transmitter can take the form of a necklace, bracelet or watch.
Dear Maria: My mother is 87 years old and lives alone in a two bedroom, one-level home. I live over 1000 miles away and worry constantly that she’ll fall and be on the floor for hours or even days because she can’t get to a phone. Every time I call her and can’t immediately reach her I worry that this has already happened. I’ve heard of home medical alert systems, but wonder what they actually do and what they cost. Also, what do I do if she refuses to wear one? Brenda, Fayetteville, AK
Dear Brenda: A number of companies offer medical alert systems to the public and in my experience they are all about the same. You can expect to pay an installation fee of around $50 and a monthly service fee of about $35. Many of these companies offer free trials or rebates; they may even waive the installation fee all together, so be sure to ask.
Installing a medical alert system requires that a technician visit your mother’s home. He or she will connect the system to the phone line which enables communication with the company’s emergency technicians if the transmitter is pressed. Although protocols may vary slightly based on which vendor you use, an ambulance will almost always be called if there is no response from your mother after the transmitter button is pressed. What’s good about this is that even if your mother wasn’t near the device’s base, emergency services would still get to her quickly.
One of the questions I’m asked most frequently regarding medical alert systems is what to do if the person refuses to wear it. I’ve had this conversation with multiple older adults who equate wearing one of these devices with getting old or somehow losing independence. When you think about it, it’s certainly understandable. However, the alternative is no picnic. Ask your mother if she knows of anyone who fell and didn’t receive help right away. If so, remind her that this is the scenario you’re trying to help her prevent. Don’t push too hard as this is her decision, but if she doesn’t know how much you worry, make sure you share this.
If she is still reluctant, see if she’ll humor you and give it a try for a few weeks. Like anything else, medical alert systems take a bit of getting used to, but if given the chance most older adults report that they do feel some peace of mind. Also, you might want to suggest the necklace rather than the bracelet or watch; it’s easiest o tuck into clothing and hopefully to forget about unless it’s needed.
