Many older persons aim to maintain their independence and safety at home for as long as feasible. Family members of elderly people frequently want to feel secure in the knowledge that someone is always available to assist in case of an emergency. Both the older folks and their family members can achieve their objectives with the aid of the proper medical alert system. However, given that many seniors live on fixed incomes, it is understandable that they are concerned about the cost of paying an additional monthly price for a medical alert device.
Here are a few things to take into account that may enable you or a loved one to receive free or heavily discounted treatments.
A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM: WHAT IS IT?
Since the early 1980s, there have been medical alert systems. You may even remember the television advertising from that era that said, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” A medical alert system essentially provides consumers with a button to click when they require assistance. When that button is touched, a qualified operator at a monitoring station swiftly responds to the call, helps triage the emergency situation, and, if necessary, makes a follow-up contact to emergency services.
Since the early 1980s, medical alert systems have advanced significantly. Current features include automatic fall detection technology, GPS location help, and caregiver apps so that family members may monitor the health of their loved ones. While still delivering the crucial 24/7 emergency monitoring services, some systems even provide health monitoring and reporting to doctors.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM?
The price of medical alert systems varies depending on the services offered, add-ons, and other features. The majority of monitored systems, however, often impose a one-time activation fee, sometimes known as an equipment fee, followed by a monthly service fee to cover the expense of monitoring. The use of more than one device or user in a single home, fall detection services, or installation costs may all incur additional costs.
Unmonitored systems don’t have a monthly subscription, but they’re not necessarily appropriate for most senior citizens. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these systems do not provide monitoring services, and the gadget will only phone 999 or carers if the user can utilise the device to request aid.
CAN A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM BE PAID FOR BY PRIVATE INSURANCE?
Some private insurance companies cover all or a portion of the costs associated with medical alert systems, but many do not. Review your plan or contact a representative to discuss it to find out if yours does. Even though medical alert systems are not considered durable medical equipment, if your doctor prescribes one, you might be able to get coverage.
WHAT OTHER RESOURCES CAN I CHECK FOR A FREE OR CHEAP MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM?
There are some additional ways you might be able to obtain a medical alert system for nothing or at a reduced cost. Grant money can be afforded by some councils, and other governments to help elders in their neighbourhoods. These vary widely from location to location, and it’s likely that you’ll need to meet eligibility criteria, which may take your income into account, in order to get discounts or full payment for your equipment.
SPEAK WITH MEDICAL ALERT SUPPLIERS
You can obtain some financial aid by merely interacting with medical alert companies directly in addition to your neighbourhood senior assistance organisations. You can phone the business to speak with a representative who might be permitted to deduct a specific percentage from your bill in addition to speaking about discounts through an online chat with the business.
WHERE CAN I FIND DEALS ON MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS?
Even if you don’t have full coverage for a medical alert system, you might be able to find ways to lower the upfront cost or ongoing monthly cost. Consider a system that, for instance, has a reasonable monthly subscription and doesn’t charge extra for every extra feature. Speaking of extra features, be sure the gadget or plan you select doesn’t have any that aren’t relevant to your current scenario. Keep in mind that you may always add these on as you need them.
DO I HAVE TO SELECT AN UNMONITORED SYSTEM TO SAVE MONEY?
Some older persons may find it beneficial to purchase an unmonitored medical alert system, but this is not always the case. To ascertain whether you are at ease using your unmonitored system without the advantages of expert emergency monitoring services, learn more about it.
CAN I USE A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM WITHOUT A LANDLINE?
No. Today, the majority of medical alert systems provide options for both landline and cellular service connections. Make careful to check the system’s availability of your preferred connection type when conducting your study.