Why Use a Medical Alert System?

Using a medical alert system has transform the lives of many seniors, allowing them to live independently, without the fear of being home alone during a medical or other emergency. Medical alert systems enable the user to call for assistance at any time with a simple press of a help button which is located on a transmitter worn around the neck or on the wrist.

The transmitters themselves are simple to use and battery-powered, normally they also have a second battery available as a backup system.  The wrist-worn transmitters often look just like a wrist watch, only with larger buttons, and a clear, bright backlit display.  The "necklace" type transmitters are small and light, providing easy access to assistance with the push of a single button.

Most transmitters will also be waterproof, and when looking for a new medical alert system, always inquire about this.  A waterproof transmitter will continue to function properly even if you should have an emergency while in the shower or the bathtub.  Statistics show that many home emergencies tend to occur in the bathroom, so it is absolutely necessary that you choose a transmitter that is waterproof.

The other big issue with the personal transmitters is their range.  On average, transmitters have a range of about 200 feet from the receiver, which will be located somewhere inside your home.  But if you spend a great deal of time outside, it could be well worth your while to optic for a more expensive transmitter, with a range in excess of 500 feet from the receiver.  This will insure that you are always protected, even if you are working in the yard or sitting on your neighbor's front porch.

All medical alert systems work as communication devices, using the telephone line in your home.  When the help button is pressed, a trained professional at the monitoring center will immediately take your call.  This professional will also have access to your medical and other personal information on a computer screen in front of them.  This helps them to assist you personally in times of need.

Cheaper medical alert services can sometimes use automated phone responses, or voicemail when the user calls for help.  While these may cost a lot less on average, you are still better off opting for service that uses live human operators in their monitoring center.  You certainly do not want to trust your health to an automated program which is subject to fail from time to time.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the call monitoring center is open and manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week--without exception.  Again, this ensures that any time, night or day, that you may need assistance, you can easily speak with a trained professional by simply pressing the help button on your personal transmitter.

A personal medical alert system can be a God-send for many older or disabled individuals, providing them with the peace of mind and confidence to live successfully on their own.  But as with most things in life, you tend to get what you pay for.  With this in mind, be sure to choose a medical alert system with only live human operators, a 24 hour monitoring station, and waterproof, high-range transmitters.