As a caregiver, there is always something to worry about. Is Mom eating enough? Did Dad lock the doors before he went to bed? Grandma’s not answering her phone. Could something be wrong? To put some peace of mind back into your life, you may want to consider a personal alarm system for your loved one. These devices will instantly call for help if there is an emergency, adding an extra layer of protection for your loved one and allowing you to sleep better at night.
Let’s take a look at a few tips for choosing a personal alarm system for your family member.
Ease of Use
Is the emergency button large and easy to press? Are there complicated instructions, buttons or other features that may confuse your loved one? Test out the system and make sure it’s user-friendly for both you and your parent.
Cost
Typically, there is no charge for the shipping of the equipment and the activation fee. Where you’ll spend the money is on the monthly service. Compare pricing across several companies and determine what you get for the money. Some companies have a set fee that never goes up, while others fluctuate. Keep in mind that some services (fall detection, for instance) may be an extra cost each month.
Contracts
You shouldn’t have to sign a long-term contract with the service provider. You should be able to cancel at any time without being penalized. Read the agreement carefully before signing to ensure that this is the case.
Experience
How long has the company been in business? What types of reviews do they have online? Have people been primarily happy with them, or are there are common issues among customers? Also, the monitoring service should be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Testing
The emergency response company should test the system on a routine basis to ensure it’s working properly. Ask what testing procedures are used and how often they are performed. For example, some companies send a silent signal to the device each week to make sure it’s connected and functioning. If there is an issue, repairs and replacements should be included in the service fee.
We hope this information has helped you to choose the right type of personal alarm system for your loved one. These systems are invaluable for elders who want to live independently in their homes.