Not a pleasant headline, I know, but we’ve all seen it. Perhaps, like me, the image of a person you love forces its way into your consciousness when you hear such a story. It is especially sad because many if not most of these events could end differently.
You may have noticed that I accept advertising from emergency alert organizations from time to time. I do so because I believe in them. I have recommended them to folks I know and have experienced the relief you feel when you know that person is no longer likely to be the subject of a story that starts like the title of this article. I have felt the confidence that comes to a person who knows that she will no longer be alone if the pain and fear resulting from an accident or incapacitating health emergency occurs.
To be sure, I’ve also heard the objections from an elderly or frail person who thinks, “I don’t like to bother people,” or “it’s too expensive.” I’m also aware that many of them try to hide the slips and falls they experience, or have even convinced themselves that they “…don’t need any help.” But, the truth is, medical alert systems are as much for the care givers as for the care receivers. Caregivers are not in denial. You know that you can’t prevent or be present for every emergency that your loved ones encounter. For these reasons, you will probably have to initiate the discussion about using an emergency alert system. Here are some things to consider when evaluating a service:
- Is a long-term contract or advance payment required? Emergency alert services vary widely in their requirements. For example, there are providers who state that no advance payment is required, but they do require a one-year minimum service contract.
- Price should not be your only criteria for an emergency alert system. Reputable providers cannot offer you a proper alert service at below market prices. On the other hand, celebrity endorsers or advertising name recognition don’t guarantee better service. In some cases, higher prices only indicate more expensive advertising.
- Understand the cancellation policy. Few emergency alert service agreements are going to persist until a predictable moment in time. Be sure you understand whether there are cancellation fees, return shipping costs or whether an agreement can be canceled at all.
- Determine whether a service has its own monitoring center. Many services outsource the actual monitoring and response functions to other companies. This introduces another layer of complexity into the business and technical factors involved. Be sure you understand exactly how the process works, who is responsible for each step and whether you are satisfied with the process. Be sure that the alert monitoring and response staff are accountable to the management of the company you pay for the service.
- Ask for customer testimonials. If possible, obtain contact information for actual clients in your area, and call them. If you only read the testimonials that are provided to you by the sales staff of the company that wants your business, you won’t get objective and balanced feedback.
- Ask how the staff who monitor and respond to alerts are selected and trained.
- What is the process for obtaining customer and technical support and when is available? ideally, you would like to be able to obtain these services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- How long has a provider been in business? Experience and reliability are important.
- How is the system tested? Some systems perform a periodic, automatic self-test in which a signal is sent to the monitoring facility, reporting that your system is functioning properly. If the test fails or reports a problem, there is a procedure in place to have it repaired immediately. Testing is important. You don’t want to pay for a system that sits silently and then fails when it is needed.
- Understand any costs for repair and re-placement services. All services require some type of device for monitoring. Look for services that provide free repair and replacement if something goes wrong. Asked whether a service is certified by an independent organization that sets standards for emergency monitoring services. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Is such an organization.
Again, I believe in emergency monitoring systems. They bring peace of mind to those who live with fragility and disability. This is especially true for those who live alone. They also bring peace of mind to those who care about them. Who do you know who needs this service? Do you have experience with emergency monitoring systems? Do you have questions about them that have not been answered here? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or question. Perhaps one of our readers will be able to help.
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