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Medical Alarms
When elderly people live alone, a medical
alarm can provide peace of mind for the user
and their family. In the event of a fall,
sickness or other emergency, an elderly person
can use a pendant button around their neck
to summon help.
The leading medical alarms have simple, easy-to-install
base units that sit on a bedside table and
plug into the phone line. When an emergency
occurs, the elderly person presses the button
on the pendant from anywhere in the house
and a wireless signal similar to a TV remote
opener activates the alarm base unit. The
base unit automatically dials the medical
alarm company and sends along an ID code
that identifies the person and where they
live.
A loud, clear speaker on the base unit operates
like a speaker phone and can be heard throughout
the house as the representative from the
alarm company attempts to make contact and
ascertain the problem. The speakerphone is
very sensitive, allowing the alarm representative
to hear an injured person even if they are
in another room. Based on their findings,
the alarm company notifies family, police,
fire or ambulance and stays on the line until
help arrives.
Features to consider when shopping
for a
medical alarm include:
- The alarm base unit should have a battery
backup in the event of a power failure.
- An emergency button on the base unit to allow
activation in case the remote pendant doesn't
work.
- A large test button to verify easily that
the unit is operating.
- A flashing light that is set off simultaneously
with the alarm to help direct emergency personnel
to the right house as well as alert a passerby
to trouble in the event that the phone line
is out.
- A check-in service, where the alarm company
calls on a daily basis. This both tests
the unit and provides a daily check. In the
event no response is heard, the alarm company
notifies family or emergency services.
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