So, you’re considering purchasing a life alert system, sometimes called a personal emergency response system, for your elderly parent who resides in Canada. They live alone, and you’re concerned that they might not be able to contact you for assistance in the event of a catastrophic fall or medical emergency.

There have been terrifying tales of elderly people becoming disabled for hours or even days before being found. You don’t want your parents to experience it. However, you may be wondering where to begin.

A search on the internet yields a long list of businesses that sell life alert systems.

But how can you determine which system is ideal for your parents without breaking the bank? Here are the top considerations to keep in mind.

Elderly man and woman holding one cane.

 

1. Determine the Most Suitable Life Alert System

When it comes to Life Alert Canada, there are many options to choose from. Each bears unique features, and the one you pick should align with what you’re looking for. 

Below is an overview of the main types of medical alert systems:

Basic Life Alert Systems

Installing most basic systems is easy. They come with a push button that may be worn around the wrist or neck and a base unit that also functions as a speakerphone. Your parents can press the button to start a call to an emergency response center in case of an emergency.

A live agent at the response center will ask your parents if they’re okay via the speakerphone. The agent will contact those on the contact list, including you, before dialing 911 if your parents cannot answer.

Mobile Medical Alert Systems

These fundamental systems are intended for domestic use. Mobile systems integrate the speakerphone and push button into the pendant or “wristwatch” if your parent is active. In this manner, if your parents become distressed while they are out and about, they can call for assistance.

Woman self-administiring insulin.

Fall Detectors

Your parents must press a button on both devices to ask for assistance. If they are unconscious, that will not work. For this reason, when certain systems detect a fall, they instantly make a call.

Although fall detection technology isn’t perfect—if your parent trips and falls but catches themselves or drops the gadget on the ground, you can receive a false alarm—it can nevertheless provide you more peace of mind.

Other choices

Medication reminders, health vitals monitoring, GPS tracking and location detection, activity tracking, daily check-in services, fitness tracking, and home security monitoring are just a few of the additional features some systems offer.

For the majority of these, expect to pay extra. Nevertheless, they can be worth the extra expense if they are significant in your parent’s case.

2. Check Whether Your Parent Will Utilize the System

The most important consideration is whether your parents will employ a personal emergency response system. In other words, will they always wear their pendant or other wrist-worn gadget? After all, their pendant won’t do much good while on their dresser if they fall in the shower, which is a high-risk region.

It’s crucial to have your parents fully on board because of this. You shouldn’t force them to have a personal emergency response system or give it to them as a present. If you do, there’s probably little chance they’ll use it correctly.
Elderly man using Life Alert.

3. Consider the Cost

While some businesses require a multi-year commitment, others provide monthly prices without a contract. Look for a money-back guarantee or a trial period when you may cancel without incurring fees because you might not know if a system will work for your parent until they try it.

Watch out for frauds that promise free services or donated or used equipment. Consult friends or relatives who have used these devices and gain insight from their experiences, just like you would with any purchase.

4. Include a Lock Box

This is something that many people overlook. Emergency personnel may have to smash down the door if they are summoned to your parent’s house and cannot enter. If your parent is admitted to the hospital, that will make the house unsafe.

Consider placing an extra key in a lockbox at the front door to prevent this from occurring. The medical alert response center can provide emergency responders with the combination if they dial 911.

5. Consider the Range and Connectivity of the System

One often overlooked consideration when choosing a life alert system is the system’s range and connectivity capabilities. You should carefully assess the area where your parent spends most of their time and ensure that the system can cover that entire space.

Many basic systems work well within the home but may not be effective outdoors or in larger houses. Mobile systems with built-in GPS tracking and cellular connectivity are ideal for active seniors or those who spend time in their yards, gardens, or neighborhoods. These systems work anywhere there is a cellular network, providing greater peace of mind if your parent frequently ventures out of the house.

Elderly man in nature using Life Alert

Conclusion

Choosing the right life alert system for your elderly parent in Canada is a decision that requires careful thought and planning.

From understanding the features of various systems, such as basic models, mobile options, or fall detectors, to considering your parent’s willingness to use the device, each factor plays a role in finding the perfect solution.

Cost is always an important consideration, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of quality or reliability. Don’t forget to include practical additions like a lock box to ensure emergency responders can enter without damaging the property.

Finally, consider the system’s range and connectivity to ensure it will work in all the places your parents spend time.


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