This article has been updated - July 2009
If you or someone you know lives alone, has limited mobility, suffers from a chronic medical condition or is at risk for falling, a Medical Alert System might be helpful.
Do you remember the commercial when the lady said “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”? If so, you might recall that it pertained to a Medical Alert System. We joked about that commercial when we were much younger but as we age or live alone, it is definitely something that should be considered. It can offer you or your loved ones peace of mind, independence, early intervention, and reassurance. It is like insurance. You may never need it, but if you do you’ll be glad you have it. It’s reassuring to know that if you have a sudden illness or injury, help will be on the way in a matter of minutes even if you can’t move or speak.
How does the system work? To call for help, you simply press the waterproof personal monitor help button that can be worn as a pendant or on a wristband. A push of the button activates a small in-home communicator that automatically dials a response center. Once connected, you can talk through your personal monitor without ever talking on the phone or to a machine. It will even work outside in your yard. The people in the response center are ready to contact key holders/loved ones or dispatch your local EMS 24 hours a day-365 days a year. When they dispatch assistance, they can retrieve relevant medical information from your profile, and even let emergency personnel know if you have a pet, all while you are on the line.
It’s surprisingly affordable. You don’t have to buy anything or make a long-term commitment so you can cancel the service anytime. You pay a low monthly fee (around $35 a month- just over $400 annually) for as long as you use the service and in most cases you pay an installation charge estimated at $60.
When selecting a Medical Alert System, it is important to check out the length of time the company has been in business, the cost of the system, response time, distance range, and whether the personal monitors are waterproof or water resistant. Do your research because this could save your life.
Here are some sources you might check out keeping in mind that Kare Bears does not endorse any system. Also listed below is an alternative system for your consideration.
Phillips Lifeline Systems: 623-225-5450 - www.lifelinesys.com
Quality Life Products: 623-694-3004, www.qlpllc.com
Medical Alert System (CVS/pharmacy): 1-800-432-5378, www.medicalalert.org
LifeLink: Alternative System with no
monthly fee and no response center. 1-877-837-0779,
Plus, don’t forget about the Flashing Carriage Light Program available to residents of PebbleCreek. Kare Bears installs, free of charge, emergency flashers. The flashers allow emergency vehicles to locate homes quickly and can also be used to alert neighbors that there is an emergency at your home. The light switches make carriage lights flicker. There is a nominal charge for the flasher. Most homes in Tuscany come with the flashers already installed but if you don’t have one, please contact us at 536-1200.
The above information is provided by Kare Bears. Please look for “The Bear Facts” in the next issue of the Post. You will be surprised at all the help that is available.
