Amie Clark, Co-founder of #TheSeniorList.com discusses a frequent question from families and caregivers – “how do I convince my mom or dad to wear a medical alert system?”
Time Stamps
0:00 Introduction of Amie Clark and why medical alert systems are valuable
0:19 A medical alert device is a simple way to keep loved ones safe at home
0:48 What is a medical alert system?
1:30 Argument #1 – Medical alerts cost too much
2:30 Argument #2 – I don’t want to seem old
3:18 Argument #3 – I don’t like the way medical alerts look
4:07 Argument #4 – I don’t want to wear a button when I’m at home
5:10 Medical alert systems are live-saving devices
Families recognize that a #medicalalert device is a simple, easy-to-use, non-invasive tool to help their loved one stay safe and access emergency help quickly.
Despite that, many older adults are resistant to the idea of a medical alert. In this video, I will talk about the arguments you may hear against medical alert systems and my ideas to get the conversation going when discussing these life-saving devices with your loved ones.
There are several reasons people don’t want to consider a medical alert: Let’s walk through the most common concerns about getting a medical alert and break it down.
Reason #1- They cost too much:
One of the biggest areas of concern for older adults about medical alert systems is the monthly cost. These costs can range from $19/month up to $60/month depending on the type of systems and features offered. This argument is totally understandable, especially for people on a fixed income.
I like to remind people that there is an enormous cost that would be incurred if there were an accident with no way to quickly and easily connect with emergency services. Hospital and rehabilitation costs can quickly add up if injuries from a fall, stroke or other accident aren’t quickly addressed. Additionally, if injuries from a fall, for example, aren’t quickly addressed, they can even become fatal. Medical alert systems are life-saving devices that cost much less than a large hospital or rehab bill.
Reason #2- I don’t want to seem old:
Another area of concern (especially for men) about wearing a medical alert is that they don’t want to seem old, frail, or dependent. One of the best solutions I have seen to this argument against medical alerts are the new medical alert smartwatches. They look like a smartwatch, but have all the life-saving functions of a medical alert system. My favorite example of this is the Freedom Guardian wearable medical alert watch from Medical Guardian. I have included my review of the Freedom Guardian in the description below for you to see an example of this high-tech medical alert solution.
Reason #3- I don’t like the way they look:
I hear this argument mainly from women. Medical alerts were never designed with fashion in mind. But over the last several years, we have seen some real progress in the aesthetics of wearable devices. Some medical alerts can be “beautified” with specially made clip-on jewelry. Many medical device companies have started designing medical alerts to be small, discrete, and non-medical in appearance. I have included a link to an article from The Senior List called “Best Medical Alerts for Women” in the description below. There you will see examples of the most stylish and easy-to-wear medical alert devices for women.
Reason #4- I don’t want to wear a button when I’m at home:
Another recent advancement in the medical alert industry are voice-activated devices like wall buttons or smart hubs. Voice-activated devices can be placed anywhere in the home and help can be summoned simply by saying certain words like “I need help” or “emergency”. Some companies like Aloe Health have sensors that automatically detect falls in a room, no wearable needed. I have included links for voice-activated wall buttons and my review about Aloe Health in the description below.
Learn more on our website: https://www.TheSeniorList.com
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBs…
Related Links:
Best Medical Alert Systems: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/best/
Freedom Guardian Review: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/medical-guardian/freedom-guardian/
Best Medical Alert Systems for Women: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/best/women/
Aloe Health Care Review: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/aloe-care-health/reviews/
Voice Activated Medical Alert Systems: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/voice-activated/
Related Videos:
When Is It Time for a Medical Alert System?: https://youtu.be/qHCOk1l8948
Bay Alarm Medical Review: https://youtu.be/KIdjQmP4zYM
Medical Guardian Review: https://youtu.be/dD2qAkTQrhE
MobileHelp Review: https://youtu.be/T4e6YHIpduQ
