<p>You were talking about the buttons and the really cool think about this system is that along with the pendant around your neck you can get remote panic buttons and even a watch. I think the watch wouuld be cool</p>
<p>Here is the link to all the stuff they offer [No</a> Fee Medical Alert](<a href=“http://assistivetechnologyservices.com/nomonthlyfeemedicalalertsystem.aspx]No”>ATS-TN.com)</p>
<p>We had a device like this for my mother-in-law and she did fall down and had to use it. Until then, she kept saying she didn’t need it. I don’t know if all services do this, but the one we had for mil would call each day to check on her.</p>
<p>There are several different options available. One feature to consider is a speaker phone so the person who is called can talk to the person who pushed the alert/button and figure out what is needed or if it may be a false alarm. Some systems DO have a feature allowing the person receiving the call to activate the speaker phone to hear the person in case they are not within reach of the receiver.</p>
<p>Radio Shack has some models but friends I corresonded with recommended finding a model that has the speaker phone feature so the person receiving the call would know how urgent an intervention was needed & whether to call for ER/EMT or a neighbor or something else.</p>
<p>Many of these systems can have pre-programmed phone numbers that are dialed sequentially until someone answers. The first can be a nearby family member or willing neighbor, cell phone, 911, and some also have a service that will call or respond.</p>
<p>If I were buying one of these devices, I’d try to get the speakerphone feature. </p>
<p>There are also simplified cell phones that have large buttons preset with the phone numbers desired. I’ve seen them advertised in Sunday newspaper inserts, etc.</p>
<p>Timely post. This past winter my mother locked herself out of her house and had to traipse through the snow to get the spare key. She fell in the backyard and couldn’t get up. Fortunately, she had her cell phone with her and called 911. </p>
<p>I’ve brought up a Life Alert system with my sisters but they didn’t want to pitch in on the cost. Maybe the Radio Shack gizmo would work.<br>
Thanks.</p>
<p>For those who are able to use it, a cell phone offers the most versatility. My folks have cell phones–dad uses his a lot. Mom generally has hers off & has a hard time hearing it so rarely ever uses it, even tho it’s on dad’s plan & they pay monthly for it.</p>
<p>There are a lot of options out there for folks who don’t want a monthly charge. Carefully consider the benefits of having a speakerphone device that the person receiving the phone can turn on to talk with whomever pushed the button.</p>
<p>Glad your mom had her phone & was able to call for help.</p>
<p>Cell phones will only work for some older people- those who choose to embrace the new technology- my mum turns hers on and waits for the dial tone :rolleyes:</p>
<p>And I agree, few people carry their cell phone into the bathroom and older people often fall in the night when they get up and are a bit muzzy headed, tripping or simply not steady on their feet. My MIL falls often and ends up stuck under the bead, too, I don’t know how she does it, but she ends up with half her legs under the bed</p>
<p>Who do these lifetines call? Designated friends or family nearby? That is one of our worries about the in laws, FIL cannot usually get her up alone so it involved bothering some one which is going to get old fast for their friends, one of these days</p>
<p>The lifelines are all different as to what is offered. Those that charge a monthly fee MAY have a service that can respond to the call as well as the 911 folks. Options and pricing vary tremendously so CHECK & also check your Better Business Bureau, so you are sure that you’re getting something for your $$.</p>
<p>One thing that an older couple I know has installed is a lock box on the door, like the ones that real estate agents use. If someone needs to get inside the house and the occupant can’t get to the door, the occupant can give them the combination.</p>
<p>Here is a link to a company that sells the medical alert systems and they are like the radio shack systems. They also have the freedom alert medical alert. With the freedom alert you can actually talk through the pendant like using a cordless phone.
Here is the link
[Emergency</a> Medical Alert Systems](<a href=“http://assistivetechnologyservices.com/EmergencyMedicalAlertSystems.aspx]Emergency”>ATS-TN.com)</p>
<p>Thank you for this thread. This is something that has been on my mind alot lately due to family health issues.</p>
<p>I agree that a cell phone is great if the person is in a condition to call but a panic button would be invaluable. My mom had a stroke several years ago. She woke up from a nap and recognized the symptoms. My dad was out of town. Luckily my mom always brings the cordless phone around the house with her when she is alone. She was able to call for help because the phone was next to her on the bed. She continued to have strokes in the ambulance but recovered completely because help got to her so quickly. If she had not been able to speak because of the stroke, the panic button would have been a saving grace.</p>
<p>There are different features for the different ones. Some of them allow the person receiving the call to have the phone go on speaker phone so the person called can speak with whomever activated the phone or system to see what’s up & what’s needed. Some of them call a central phone number while others allow you to program it to call whomever you want it to call from a list.</p>
<p>Others who have ordered systems have said they found the speaker phone option so they can speak with the person who triggered the call was useful to know the urgency, whether it might need fire, policy or other services, vs. false alarm etc. It’s just something to think about & I don’t believe the cost is much more, if anything.</p>
<p>On another thread, I suggested Road ID for runners, but the idea is valid for older folks. In addition to getting help, if our vulnerable loved ones have medical issues that need to be immediately identified (Coumadin, defibrillator, etc), something like a bracelet would be a huge help. I know they might not want to wear it or a necklace, but they could be a lifesaver. </p>
<p>I am the “go to” gal for five elderly folks, I have finally convinced all of them that they need some readily accessible, visible record of their meds and medical devices. </p>
<p>One other strong suggestion. Once our parents start to get older, it is imperative to keep a simple health diary of their procedures. You THINK you are going to remember all the important ones, but boy do they start to blend together. I keep a spiral bound notebook with the highlights of treatment. It is not very sophisticated, just the name, date, name of provider, tests or procedures or important info. I can’t tell you how helpful it has been.</p>