How to Choose an Emergency Alert System

This is an interesting article and very descriptive of many existing systems. However they ALL have one VERY LARGE deficiency for a wandering patient: The devices only work if the patient is able (cognizant) to push the button. Since many wandering Alzheimer's patients lack this ability, they need a system which emits a constant signal (such as that used to monitor wild game). Such a transmitter can then be tracked to locate the person. Please tell us about such a system.

The Emergency Response System consists of more than monthly fee companies. You can purchase a system for under $200, avoid the monthly fee, and have the system contact the caregiver, family members, or friends directly. Also, it is important to know how capable the pendant user is and for what reasons they will use it.

jimbaer,
you hit the nail on the head. All of these Personal Emergency Response Systems assume two things about the User that may not be true for many potential users: 1) that the person is conscious and cognizant when the emergency event occurs 2) that the person is fully committed to using the device when an emergency event occurs. My personal experience is that most family caregivers view this as an essential device "for other people" but "my mom is still active and very independent" So they are willing to gamble until an event catches them unprepared. Then they insist that mom get the device "for my peace of mind" Of course, mom is now too embarrassed to press the button even if she can because she senses that it will send her family into a tizzy if she has to go to the hospital again. The scenario is even more disconcerting for early-onset dementia patients. While the device can be useful at the onset of the disease, there comes a day when mom loses the ability to comprehend what it is for, and she refuses to wear the pendant. This becomes a bone of contention for the family and it upsets mom even more. Regarding your suggestion about a tracking device for wandering patients, check the Alzheimer's Foundation web site. There is an organization that offers this service. Also, there is an ongoing research grant offered called "Everyday Technology for Alzheimer's Care" ETAP. Such technology is affordable and immediately available. Only obstacle seems to be gaining acceptance by the vast majority of folks who have no experience dealing with Alzheimer's patients or have no use for technology.

An emergency alert system does not work well if the person is cognitively impaired. In other cases it can be valuable to let the caregiver go to the store or if the caregiver needs help to get the impaired person up from a fall.

My husband had a phillips lifeline and after he passed I kept it for myself which made my son happy and they do check it monthy and the monthy charge is resonable and I have been happy with it and it does work outside our house.

We have life line since it is connected to our hospital, however, we are moving to a 55 and over community and it is offered as part of the system and has no extra cost. Just remember, when the phone line is busy, it does not work. You need to get a dedicated line. Our phone company will give you one at no expense if your DR. orders it.

Additionally you should make sure that the unit is compatible with your phone line. Traditional medical alert units (PERS) were designed to work with plain old telephone service and do not always work correctly when connected to a digital/VoIP phone line because the signal can be disrupted.

I have been very happy with life line from philips they call once a month to check it and when my husband passed a way I was very easily able to put it in my name and ours can be used outside our house on most of our property-our son tested it before we set it up and he is happy I have it it is an extra protection since I am alone now.

Actually there is a new device on the market that makes it so the seniors DON"T have to press a button. It's an automatic alert system that's been out for about a year so far, I just signed up as an agent for this company. It's called myHalo it's work checking out. Email me if you want some info about it, I'd be happy to help. kathleens@halomarketlink.com

I want to know more about systems that work through an existing phone system, NOT just the base. I remember seeing SOMEthing about a system that turns every wireless phone/base into an intercom with two-way communication when the client presses the button. Anyone remember this? Anyone have experience with it?