Ways to Convince a Loved One to use a Medical Alert Device

Aging at home is one of the last hold outs of independence for many seniors. Most often, your aging loved one is determined to hold onto their ability to stay in their home. Equipping them with a medical alert system can help them achieve this goal.

One of the prevailing reasons that aging individuals don’t want to wear a personal medical aledevice is because they believe it will mean that are ‘unfit’ or ‘not healthy enough’ to live alone. If you share with them that these devices are worn as a preventative measure in the event they experience a medical emergency or trip and fall (which is a very real statistic for individuals over 65) they may see the benefit of wearing one.

Appealing to your family can include a number of topics:

• People over the age of 65 are more likely to experience a trip or fall. In fact, one out of three people aged 65 and older will fall in their home. The longer they lie there without receiving medical care, the more serious the medical complications could become.
• Let them know that if they have a personal medical alert device, a simple push of the button will provide access to medical care and treatment right away and will allow them to stay in their home longer. Statistics show that fast response during an emergency helps create a better chance of recovery.
• If your parent is widowed or lives alone, it’s likely that you worry about them. Even if both of your parents are alive, each of them should have a personal medical alert. Letting your aging loved one know it’s as much for your peace of mind as it is for theirs, they may be more willing to accept a personal medical alert system. This will help them to retain their independence for as long as possible, and also provide you with peace of mind. It’s a win-win.
• If your parents do not want to move into an assisted living facility, you should stress to them that a medical alert device could mean they don’t have to. One small piece of equipment can perhaps delay that move for years, or perhaps for the duration of their lives.

If you can explain the value of a personal medical alert device and equate it to an insurance policy – it’s something you pay for and hope you never use, but you are grateful it’s there should the need arise – your loved ones may see the benefit.