1. Medical alert systems provide seniors with both independence and peace of mind. Worn as pendants or wristbands, the devices feature built-in fall detection that sends an alert if someone falls, as well as speaker communication with response centers via speaker phones - eliminating the need to reach for phones or remember multiple numbers during an emergency situation. While their value cannot be underestimated, their cost may prove prohibitive for some seniors on fixed incomes; fortunately there are resources that can assist seniors manage the costs as they get the equipment and services needed.
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3. Many seniors may qualify for free or discounted medical alert systems through programs such as Medicare Advantage, Medicaid waivers, veteran benefits and local community organizations. PERS providers partner with these programs to offer discounts on monthly fees and equipment costs while other provide rebates for upfront expenses like installation and delivery of the system.
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5. Additionally, several non-profit organizations provide medical alert systems without monthly fees - an invaluable complement to government assistance programs and assist seniors who cannot afford some commercial providers' monthly charges. MedicAlert, for example, has distributed millions of systems since 1956 while working closely with local communities in need to assist seniors.
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7. One way to reduce the costs associated with medical alert systems is to see if adding one will make you eligible for insurance discounts. Many providers provide senior citizens with multi-product discounts including smart home security systems and monitoring for fires as well as medical alert systems - this can significantly bring down system prices.
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9. If you already pay for a medical alert system, check if your state or county offers medically necessary device pathways that could reduce income thresholds for seniors qualifying for Medicaid and reduce assets required to transition from nursing facilities into independent living situations. WINZ Medical Alarm These may prove particularly helpful for transitioning from assisted care settings.
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12. While traditional medical alert systems were only useful within the home, most seniors now choose mobile systems which can be taken anywhere--the house, yard, errands - including outdoors. wandersearch Some mobile systems also track location data which can help loved ones locate them more quickly if their loved one wanders off alone.
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14. When shopping for an emergency response system, take into account its battery life and waterproofness. While most systems will withstand being submerged in water for short periods, take extra caution if using them in the shower or bathtub. Some systems only work within certain geographic regions which could present challenges to seniors who travel. Furthermore, be sure that it will work even if landline or cellular service goes out; most of the systems we reviewed offer four to 32 hour backup batteries, giving enough time for you to reach emergency services in an emergency situation.
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16. My website: https://familyr.co.nz/medical-alarm/