Medical Alert Options For The Elderly

As we age we are more likely to fall. In fact, one in three adults age 65 and over fall each year. Would a medical alert device be useful?

Verizon wireless is now promoting their own Medical Alert device, called Sure Response. It is available online and at most Verizon stores. This is one of many devices designed to help elderly, by summoning help during a crises. In this post I will compare three emergency medical alert systems.

The first device, Verizon’s Sure Response, costs $19.99 with a two year service plan, or $229.99 without a plan. Purchasers must also pay a $35. activation fee, and $30. monthly subscription fee. The user must then program  information through an Internet portal, including emergency contacts, medical conditions, care giver contacts and miscellaneous other information. In the event of an emergency, the user simply presses a button on the device. Someone at the command center will intervene to determine what type of help is needed. If necessary, the operator will connect the user to a caregiver, an emergency contact, or summon police, fire or medical help. A caregiver can also contact the wearer at any time, but only through the central command center. Since the device has a GPS,  the wearer can be located at any time. On the minus side, the device is large, and some people have reportedly set off the device when simply hugging a relative or friend

A second device is the CVS Pharmacy Medical Alert System. The cost is $39.95 per month, with no activation or early termination fees, and no long term contract commitment. It is smaller than the Verizon pendant, and completely waterproof. This device also has a GPS. However, unlike the Verizon device, there is no ability for a caregiver to contact the user of the device through the central command center. The home office CVS's alert system is right here in Media, PA.

A third alternative, and the one used by most of our clients, involves a simple cell phone capable of gps tracking. Most simple clam phones can either be worn around the neck, or placed in a pocket. Most also have a clock with alarms to serve as medication reminders. They usually have a standby time of several days. Best of all, they can be added to a Verizon family plan for only $30. per month, giving the elder unlimited talk time to boot. For about $10. per month one may add a locator service. This allows a caregiver to locate the phone anytime through a secure Internet portal. As for “one button convenience" in calling for help, this can be accomplished by programming the speed dial settings. Is the waterproof design of the product really that important? How often do elders swim in unprotected waters? Also, any elder not capable of using speed dialing on a clam phone may be incapable of pressing any button on a device to summon help. Most seniors who need these devices are mobile and need a safety line while traveling. I’ve used the Verizon phone as an example but other phone companies such as Sprint,  AT&T have family plans too.

Do you have any experiences with any of these devices? Please share your experience with other readers.

Stay well until the next post,

Bob Gasparro

Bob Gasparro is an Elder Practitioner (accountant and attorney). He can be reached at Robert.Gasparro@lifespanlegal.com or (484) 297-2050. Comments to this post, and ideas for future posts are welcome.