Medical Alert Bracelet/Necklaces

[wade moore]

Aight... if you've read the thread I started yesterday you know that my dad had a stroke and is going to have to make some life changes because of it.

Anyway. One of the things we want to do is get him some sort of Medical Alert bracelet/necklace/whatever. What I mean is one of those where you hit the button if you fall, have a heart attack, whatever and it contacts some company that can call 911, etc.

I've found several websites and they all seem to have a similar cost but I have NO idea how to tell what is a good one and what is not. I've done some google searches for reviews without much luck (maybe I don't know the right term to search for?).

Anyway.. has anyone researched these or had any anecdotal experience with any of these companies?

[markprior22]

I got my mom one of these devices from a local company. She paid $ 26.25 per month for the service. The theory is good but the one time it would have been really useful, the condition that caused her to pass out/fall left her so confused that she didn't press the button. I found her a day later laying on the floor, very dehydrated and in a daze. It was a very close call. I would recommend using one of these but many ailments that affect "older" people prevent them from taking obvious steps to get help.

I don't know how feasible this would be for you but I had my mom call when she went to bed and call again when she woke up. We set a time where, if she didn't call by then, I would call and if she didn't answer I would check on her.

[wade moore]

I got my mom one of these devices from a local company. She paid $ 26.25 per month for the service. The theory is good but the one time it would have been really useful, the condition that caused her to pass out/fall left her so confused that she didn't press the button. I found her a day later laying on the floor, very dehydrated and in a daze. It was a very close call. I would recommend using one of these but many ailments that affect "older" people prevent them from taking obvious steps to get help.

I don't know how feasible this would be for you but I had my mom call when she went to bed and call again when she woke up. We set a time where, if she didn't call by then, I would call and if she didn't answer I would check on her.

All good advice. Everything you mentioned could be manageable depending on how his speech improves.

Thanks for the advice - I think definitely in the short term that would be good. He's only 59 and may become pretty self sufficient and healthy so after the symptoms from the stroke (hopefully) subside a nightly call may not be necessary, but early on that makes a ton of sense.

[CU Tiger]

All of these companies use Security System monitoring stations to monitor them.
As such you will pay as much for this as a security system.

If he doeesnt have a security system in his house, Id add one, it wont cost anymore and will add value. Assuming of course he would actually use it etc.

If he already HAS a security system, call up the company and ask to add an emergency pendant, it will be the same thing and again wont add a monthly expense. (From previous thread I understand that may/may not be an issue)

Also I strongly recommend getting a watch style, folks especially men, tend to not keep the necklace style on and when they need them most, they are unavailable. The watch style are very lgiht and fit to the wrist just like they sound. They also have safeguards to keep from accidental bumping causing activation.

[wade moore]

He does not have an alarm system and is in a pretty valuable house, so if that's the case that could be a very good idea.

I'll look into that, thanks for the info CU!

[CU Tiger]

BTW if you go the security system route, make sure and get a montiored smoke detector especially given his health problems.

If he did set the papeer on the stove, theyd send the fire trucks....

[wade moore]

Awesome, thank you!


This board is so awesome sometimes ;).