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Hi There,


I have been using alert1 for awhile, but recently my liabilities increase as my daughter suddenly got divorce. I am not sure how long will this last, but I plan to replace my mom's medical alert to the one without monthly subscription fee. I am fine with any brand as long as they carry the panic button necklace, and I also do not mind if the new system can only contact my phone number and some other numbers. Thank you

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I doubt there are any medical alert systems that are free. Since these systems are so very important, I would cut out cable TV before I could cut out an alert system.
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Do a search (Google) Medic alert system no monthly fees. You will quickly see what is available and can decide if any meet your needs.
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I agree that it's not worth skimping on an alert system if the patient is at risk and/or lives alone. Mom has had frequent falls. Her system costs $51 per month, which is $38 for the basic fee and $13 extra for the upgraded pendant which detects a fall. Mom set off the alarm several times when she fell or slipped when getting out of bed to get to the bathroom during the night. The total of $51 per month is a lot less than people pay for basic cell phone service. Even though Mom has 24/7 care, we've kept the service because my brother and I will automatically be notified when there is an incident and her caretaker doesn't have to worry about notification. I visit Mom for a week or two every month, and I can go out to shop or work in the yard without worrying if Mom has a fall or other incident.
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newtomed, Logic Mark makes two styles of pendant that simply use the phone... one calls 911 only, one does a few numbers. One-time equipment purchase!
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Any cell phone even one that is not "active" can be used to call 911. The battery has to be in and the phone charged.
You could use this for your medical alert. The problem is you have to have the phone on you at all times.
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I agree with FF. If there's legitimacy in getting an alert pendant in the first place, you don't want to start skimping now. This isn't something to skimp on.

One of the most important aspects of having a monitoring service and a pendant is that an appropriate pendant detects a positional change, such as a fall. The monitoring service initiates a call to determine if the person has fallen or is safe but has just changed position in such a way that the pendant activated.

If the person is nonresponsive, lst, 2nd and 3rd responders are called in the order provided to the monitoring company. Lock boxes typically are used by the owner (you or your mother) in conjunction with the alerts, so that emergency responders can get in. Leaving a door open isn't wise or safe for an older person.

Ask yourself this: if your mother needs help, such as having passed out from a stroke, how is she going to be able to call 911 for help? How is anyone going to know she needs emergency assistance if she's not conscious and can't dial for help?

You need to have a pendant that provides for an unconsicous or unresponsive user. Calling 911 obviously isn't an option if you're unconscious.

I also don't understand how your daughter's divorce impacts your financial situation. If she's not able to work, she should be getting alimony from her ex.
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I'm curious about how your daughter's divorce increased your liabilities.

I don't think it is fair to short change your mother because your daughter's marriage fell apart. You made a commitment to take care of your mother, so do it the right way.
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newToMed: Are you Medicare eligible? If so, check with them, but if anything is free, it is generally considered too good to be true.
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I recall a previous post regarding the use of medic alerts that someone shared information on how her PD provided the alerts to vulnerable people.

Check with your fire and police department to see if they have any kind of assistance program for vulnerable adults that would provide free medic alert service.
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I would not recommend a cell phone. My MIL was talked into one thru her insurance company. She had to charge it every night and couldn't wear it in the shower.
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