Do you have aging parents living on their own? Are you concerned about their health, their welfare and their security?
Are you looking for ways to help them? How about a reliable medical alert system? In an emergency a medical alert system can be a lifesaver with immediate access to help with just the push of a button providing your aging parents and you peace of mind. Seniors living in Florida enjoy an active lifestyle but they also know about the threat of natural disasters such as hurricanes so choosing the right medical alert system is crucial to maintaining their independence while ensuring their safety.
So how do you begin to select the right medical alert system? There are a variety of medical alert systems available today and the choices can be overwhelming, making it challenging to decide which one is best for your elderly parents. Their health needs, lifestyle and the unique conditions of living in Florida which may include storms, lightning, hurricanes and power outages need to be considered. Were you aware that Medic Alert System Awareness Month is during the month of August? With that in mind, we would like to give you some suggestions to help guide you and your aging parents in picking the best medical alert system to meet their needs and provide peace of mind.
1. What are their needs? Evaluate the health needs and daily activities of your parents. Think about factors such as mobility, existing medical conditions, and whether they live alone. By having and using this assessment you will have a better understanding of which features are most important in a medical alert system, such as fall detection, GPS tracking, or in-home versus mobile options.
2. What is the response time and monitoring service? Be aware that the efficiency of a medical alert system depends on its response time and the quality of the monitoring service. Find and study companies that offer 24/7 monitoring with quick response times. Be sure to read reviews and testimonials because they can provide insights into the reliability and responsiveness of the service.
3. What is the battery life and power backup? Knowing the potential for power outages during Florida’s hurricane season, you need to find a system with a long-lasting battery and backup power options. This will enable the device to remain functional even during extended power disruptions.
4. Do not hesitate to compare costs and contracts. You need to know that medical alert systems come with varying costs and contract terms. Compare all the different plans to find one that fits your budget while offering the necessary features. Be wary of long-term contracts and hidden fees, instead choose a flexible plan with transparent pricing.
5. Go ahead and test the system and customer support. Do not make a final decision without testing the functionality of the system and familiarizing your parents with its use during a trial period if one is offered. Also, be sure to evaluate the company’s customer support to know that they offer reliable assistance and troubleshooting when needed.
6. What about additional features? Medical alert systems often have additional features. For example some offer medication reminders, fitness tracking, and integration with smart home devices. These features can increase the overall utility and convenience of the system for your parents.
7. Is the system easy to use? Most importantly you want to choose a system that is easy for your parents to use. Buttons on the device should be large and easy to press and the instructions for the system should be clear. Simplicity is key to being sure that your parents can use the device effectively in an emergency.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. In conclusion, selecting the right medical alert system for your elderly Florida parents involves careful consideration of their health needs, lifestyle, and the unique conditions of living in Florida.
At Britton G. Swank, P.A., our mission is to guide you in the right direction to help you provide for yourself and your loved ones no matter what the future holds. We want to help you control the assets you have, leave them to people and causes you care about, when you want, in the way you want. We can help you take care of yourself and those you love in the event of disability due to illness, injury or old age. No matter what risks unfold, we can help give you the comfort of knowing you are prepared. We want you to feel good about your future and the future of your loved ones. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting.