Medical Alert Systems - Yes or No?

One of the most frequently asked questions from callers is whether they should purchase a medical alert system for mom or dad. It depends upon the situation but the answer is NO if the older adult has dementia, as he/she will not be able to remember how to use it. I recommend a GPS system for people with dementia who wander outside the home and therefore place themselves in danger.

What is a medical alert system? Typically, it is a purchased or leased monitored device for a medical emergency and used to notify first responders or others on the contact list.

There are several types of equipment available:

1. Push button: Dials the monitoring station. The voice of the emergency responder answers and communicates with the older individual. The older adult typically wants a relative called to come help but first responders will be sent if there is no response.

2. Pendant transmitter: These are typically worn on the wrist or neck. There is a receiver that resembles a small box or answering machine connected to the land line. Same as above scenario.

It is important to DO YOUR HOMEWORK before investing in a medical alert system. One client, “Penelope,” purchased a push button device for her mother, Ruby, against my recommendation, as Ruby had vascular dementia and short-term memory loss. Ruby could not remember that she had it installed and kept pushing the button out of curiosity. When the operator came on to speak to her, Ruby became hysterical because “someone is inside my home!” The device traumatized Ruby and Penelope had it removed.

There is an array of choices and costs vary widely. I suggest reviewing devices on www.medicalalertreviews.com


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