Tips For Choosing Exeptional Personal Emergency Response Systems

Not All Medical Alarms Are Equal

There are many companies that provide personal emergency response systems or some type of medical alert service for individuals who are living alone and may have health or mobility problems. Determining which company is best for you is an important decision that can affect the health and welfare of a loved one or yourself for years to come. We've put together some simple tips to help you choose the best emergency response provider for your family.

1. Look for a company that's been in business for a while. Years of experience often translates to a system that's been developed, upgraded, and improved over time.

2. Keep in mind that personal emergency response systems aren't just about medical emergencies. The best companies provide service for any kind of emergency, including round the clock coverage in the event of a fire or burglary/break-in.

3. Ask if their medical alert service includes contacting family members and other crucial contacts such as your own doctor. Some services just call for emergency services; don't settle for this. In an emergency situation, it's very important to know that the right people are being contacted. In an emergency, having family notified is essential.

4. Look for a personal emergency response system that is truly customized and tailored to your family's specific needs. A one-size-fits-all approach won't work. At LifeFone, we can develop a medical alert program that addresses all your concerns and puts you at ease.

5. Make sure they have twenty-four hour live response available at all times. Some companies have automated systems for after hours or over holidays. LifeFone has personal care specialists available and ready to speak to you or your loved one 365 days a year.

6. If you or your loved one activates the system, will someone respond to them personally, or will they just send the appropriate emergency personnel? At LifeFone, if there is an emergency, a real, live person will be on the line with you or your family member immediately and will stay on the line with them until help arrives. This is perhaps the most reassuring and personal touch any emergency service can provide – knowing someone is there with you so that you aren't alone can minimize fear and panic when there's a problem.

7. Make sure your system is protected against problems such as battery failure or power outages, LifeFone periodically tests all systems and is notified immediately whenever there is a power outage. They have back-up systems for all their personal emergency response systems.

8. Choose a service that does not outsource its monitoring to other alarm companies. Find one that does inhouse monitoring so that you get specially trained emergency care specialists monitoring your incoming alarms.