When it comes to medical alarm systems there are some differences that you will want to be aware of. No two companies offer the same features, at the same price, and with the same type of performance and guarantees. There are just too many different aspects of the product to consider that to make all systems identical is simply bad business.
With so many options to consider the task of researching out every possible medical alarm system company is daunting to say the least. Fortunately you do not have to start your search blindly. Below is a list of some of the various features of a medical alarm system. Read through these features and include any other needs that you have in addition to the things that are listed here. Once you know what features are most important to you, you can then use that list to compare some of your top medical alarm choices and come to the best decision for you. Whether you are looking to buy a medical alarm system for yourself or for a loved one, make sure that you remember that the most important things that a medical alarm system should be able to provide are safety and independence.
Various features of a medical alarm system for your comparison:
- The button/pendant
- Some buttons are designed to be worn in the shower and tub.
- A high quality button battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, should last for at least 5 years while other batteries of lesser quality will need to be replaced much sooner.
- Some companies cover the cost of battery replacement in their service charge, while others do not.
- The smallest reasonably sized pendant is going to be about 1 inch wide by one inch tall with about ¼ inch depth. The total weight of the pendant when being worn should be somewhere around ½ and ounce. The size is important because of the pendant is not comfortable it is less likely that you will wear it at all times.
- Buttons can typically be worn as a necklace or around the wrist (some companies only offer a necklace version because they believe that it is safer to wear a necklace rather than a bracelet.)
- Range of coverage will also differ between service providers. Some customer’s buttons will not work if the individual leaves the house to do such things as check the mail or tend to a garden. Make sure that you select a product with a range that will suit your lifestyle.
The service/warranty
a. Look to do business with a reputable company who is willing to offer a warranty. The best warranty is a lifetime warranty (from a reputable organization) that includes repairs and service at no extra cost. You want to do business with a company that is willing to stand by their product.
b. Because an emergency is never convenient you need a medical alarm system with service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The speaker box/transmitter
a. The speaker box used to communicate to the medical alarm system operator should be hands-free.
b. You need for your speaker to be loud so that it can be heard in any room of the house. It also needs to have a sensitive microphone so that you can be heard no matter where you are in the house or how soft spoken you may be.
c. The speaker box transmitter should also have a back-up battery in the case of a power outage or other electrical short. Some back-up batteries last only 24 hours while others exceed 80 hours of back-up battery life. 24 hours is probably sufficient as it would be unsafet for a senior to stay in a house for 3 days with no power.
d. Your speaker box should automatically run diagnostic checks to ensure that your entire system is in working order. These tests should run at least once a month. Once a week would be even better.
Privacy
a. You should look for a medical alarm system that is going to take your privacy very seriously. Your information should not be shared with an outside party for marketing. The medical alarm system company should also be HIPAA compliant and employ staff members who are thoroughly trained and background-checked.
Other features and factors to consider
a. The price – ultimately you will need to be able to afford the system that you choose, but do not be too quick to agree to a deal with a system because of their low price.
b. Portability – can you take your medical alarm system with you if you go on vacation?
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