Medical Alert Phone Soliciation - What You Should Know!

As a trusted provider of personal emergency response systems (medical alert),  One Touch Med Alert wanted to draft a short note that would empower you as a consumer and also serve as  a cautionary warning regarding what you should know when and if you receive a phone call soliciting your business.  Unfortunately, there are many individuals and/or organizations that use phone solicitation to prey upon our senior population.  We do not say that to imply that all direct marketers using phone solicitation have ill intentions.  However, the more information you have prior to getting one of these phone calls, the better off you are as a consumer to make an educated decision. 

So we received "another" call from a medical alert provider stating that they wanted to earn our business.  Of course this call came to my personal home phone.  Mind you this is not the first received.  Luckily I know what questions to ask. However, the average person getting this call won't know what to ask other than to inquire about pricing and fees.  Know what questions to ask! One Touch Med Alert has drafted some great questions for people to consider. 

Here's a few things that stood out from the calls we received.  

Get informed! Don't be a victim of a phone scam 

1. Some were unable to answer directly about the length of a contract or if one was required at all
2. When asked about a website they were either "under contruction" or didn't have one
3. The person soliciting your business did not clearly understand the product they were selling when we asked specific questions about the service 

We know that companies have many options when it comes

to marketing their product.  Large national providers have the ability and budget to buy large blocks of air time on TV and we've all seen the ads.  Some companies choose to use phone solicitation as their primary source of taking their product to market.  Other companies choose to focus on local markets where they can provide a more personal shopping experience and one on one service.  As the consumer you first have to know what you're looking for.  What are your needs?   What are your primary concerns?  

Take a few minutes to read through the "Frequenlty asked questions" found on the website provided by One Touch Med Alert.  These are general questions that will help guide you as a consumer in asking the right questions regardless of what company you call. The list of questions is not all inclusive, however, it will certainly give you a great starting point.  Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.  Your feedback is welcome!

Managing your Safety & Security with Mobile PERS

The peace of mind, safety and security individuals have enjoyed at home for decades through traditional medical alert or PERS (personal emergency response system) units is now available in a small yet powerful mobile solution.  Companies like One Touch Med Alert LLC based out of Arizona are now offering the latest in mobile personal emergency response systems.  In other words, the future has arrived!

Essentially mPERS are cellular based personal emergency response systems designed to meet the growing demand from active seniors as well as individuals with special needs.  The Numera Libris, pictured in this article gives the user the ability to get help ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, 24/7, 365 with just "one touch" of a button.  However, there is much more to this device than just a personal help button. 

Numera Libris

Measuring about 1/3 the size of the average iPhone, the Libris is lightweight and easy to wear.  Most importantly it offers the user hands-free 2-way communication, automatic fall detection and location services all from a remotely managed response team.  With falls being the leading cause of injury death in individuals over age 65, the integrated fall detection is an invaluable feature. 

The Libris operates on the AT & T network.  The small charging cradle allows you to set the device next to your bed for easy access during the night. 

If you or a loved one are in need of a mobile solution to enhance your sense of freedom and independence then look no further.  The Libris from One Touch Med Alert is the only choice when it comes to mobile medical alert with integrated fall detection.

Be safe and if you're already a medical alert system user, we want to remind you to "Always Wear Your Pendant."

For information on the Libris call 1-866-217-1012.

 

Key Questions To Consider When Shopping for a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

Like any service or product that you may be considering for you or a loved one, it is important to gather information so you can make an educated consumer decision.  Special thanks to One Touch Med Alert LLC   for the useful information for this blog.  It is our goal to help you  make the right choice when selecting a service as important as this.  The questions we provide are general in nature and should be asked of any company that you may consider using.

Feel free to use this short checklist as you shop around and compare the service, pricing and equipment offered by other companies.  These questions are not listed in any order as they will vary in importance based on individual needs. 

Please keep in mind that we use the term PERS (Personal Emergency Response System).  Many of you may be more familiar with the term Medical Alert System, however, they are synonymous.

1. Do I need to have a land line? 
This is very important.  Not all providers offer wireless systems for the home.  In the event you do not have a land line and one is required, you will need to check with your local phone provider to determine the cost.  You will then have to add this to the overall cost of your service. 

2. Will my "personal help button" (transmitter) work if I am out in the yard, garage or driveway?
Be sure to inquire as to the range of the personal help button that you will wear.  Most will work hundreds of feet from the base unit.

3.  Do they offer more than one type of PERS?
PERS equipment and technology has advanced in the last few years with the advent of cellular, 2Way voice pendants and GPS capabilities.  In addition, each person has different needs.  There are many options today so be sure to get a PERS that fits your lifestyle.

4. Do they offer 2Way voice pendants (personal help buttons)?
As mentioned in question #3, PERS units have come a long way in the last few years.  One major advancement is the ability to speak directly to the monitoring center through the pendant that you wear.  This has become a popular choice for users and is something to consider. 

5.  Are there programming, activation or set up fees?
Each company is different.  It is not unusual for companies to charge some sort of fee for programming/activation or in home set up.    In addition, many seniors will want the device installed by the company providing the service, which not all companies offer.   Be sure to ask prior to signing a "service agreement."

6.  How quickly is my call answered?
When you press your "personal help button"  and the monitoring center receives the call, how long does it take to answer your individual call for help?  The company you are considering should know how quickly the average call is answered.

7. Can you get out of your "service agreement" if your loved one passes away or moves into a long term care facility?
Know how the company you are considering will handle this.   Unfortunately it does happen.  Make sure you know exactly what your financial liability will be in this situation.

8. Is the battery in my "personal help button" monitored?
What happens when the battery gets low?  Most service providers track this type of vital information.  Know whether or not the company your considering receives information about the battery life in your personal pendant and what they will do when and if there is a problem with your personal help button.

9.  Is the "personal help button" you were waterproof or water resistant?
Can you wear your transmitter button in the bath or shower.  With 45% of all falls in the home occurring in the bathroom, be sure to know whether it is simply water resistant or whether it is actually water proof. 

10. What is the cost for the service and are there discounts available?
Be sure to ask if there are discounts available.  Some companies will discount their monthly fees by offering an annual payment plan.  Others may only offer monthly billing.  Know when and how you will be billed.

Wireless Home System
(Cellular Base Unit)

Traditional Home System
(Land line Required)

Be sure to read one of our earlier notes on our blog!

Let us know if this note was helpful!

How do personal emergency response systems work?

Most consumers may have a basic idea of what a personal emergency response system (PERS) is, however, this note will attempt to explain exactly how the systems work.  Now I don't plan on boring you with technical jargon or details of the inner workings of the device, instead this note will focus on the components that play a role in allowing a personal emergency response system to work effectively to save lives. 

There are three main components that allow a PERS device to work.   The first two are obviously the main components of the device itself, the base station and the emergency transmitter both pictured below.  The third piece is the emergency monitoring center.  These pieces come together to provide a proven life saving combination.  In the next few short paragraphs each component will be explained a little more in detail.   

Base station and pendant

The base station is a small box like device that utilizes 120v electricity and a telephone line to send information to a monitoring center when activated by either the emergency pendant or the help button pictured on the base station.  The base unit is equipped with a built in speaker and microphone which allows the subscriber the ability to communicate with the monitoring center during an emergency.  For those individuals who may not have a land line, there are base units on the market that provide service through a cellular connection.   Not all dealers provide this service so be sure to ask.  The dealer providing your service will program the base station with your information and set it to immediately call the monitoring center upon activation of the pendant.  In addition, the phone numbers and contact information of loved ones, care givers or neighbors are programmed into the device so they can be contacted on your behalf.   Depending on the company you choose the devices can and will vary in size and functionality.  Regardless they are all small enough to rest on an end table, kitchen counter or night stand.  

2-Way voice pendant
with built in mic & speaker

 The emergency transmitter is usually worn by the subscriber and is equipped with a button which activates the base unit when help is needed.   The pendant pictured above is set up on a band allowing the subscriber to wear it comfortably like a watch.  Most pendants on the market are water resistant or water proof, however, be sure to determine this with the dealer you choose.  Meanwhile, the grey pendant to the right is the all new 2-way emergency voice pendant.  This pendant allows the individual wearing it to have a direct 2-way conversation with the monitoring center through the pendant via the built in mic and speaker. As you can imagine the benefits of this pendant are overwhelming and will be discussed in a future article.  Bottom line while they may look similar, not all pendants are created equal.

 

Once the PERS unit is set up and activated it is linked to your dealers monitoring center which is staffed 24 hours per day 7 days per week.  When you activate your emergency pendant, the monitoring center answers your call, quickly assesses your needs and responds the appropriate help.   Depending on the incident, the monitoring center will either contact your local 911 responders or a loved one on your call list.  Not all monitoring centers stay on the line with you until help arrives, so if this is important to you be sure to inquire as you are shopping around for the right service provider. 

Remember, these are NOT medical only emergency devices.  They are truly personal emergency response systems designed to summon help in a variety of emergency and non emergency situations.  Once consumers realize they are able to be used for fire, police, ems or even to contact a caregiver the true value of the service becomes evident.

Hopefully this information proves to be useful for to you.  Feel free to leave questions and comments.  To find out more about One Touch Med Alert LLC be sure to "LIKE" our Facebook page.

What is a Personal Emergency Response System?

We're going to keep this pretty simple.  Personal emergency response systems or "PERS" which are often referred to as a medical alert system are small electronic devices that allow individuals the ability to summon help during an emergency.  While these devices are usually associated with a persons medical needs, they can also be used for fire and police emergencies.  Help is typically summoned with the use of a small emergency pendant, which when activated sends a signal to a monitoring center that is professionally staffed 24 hours per day 7 days per week.  Pendants may be worn around the neck on a lanyard, around your wrist like a watch, on a belt clip or in your pocket.  Regardless of what method you prefer the important thing is that you carry it.

Emergency Pendant
with built in microphone and speaker!

These simple and easy to use systems have proven to be extremely valuable by not only saving lives and money but by ensuring the appropriate responders are sent in a timely manner when called upon.  Medical alert devices have been around for nearly four decades and while they essentially perform the same task they did back in the 70's, technology has come a long way.  In future notes we will explain the systems a little more in depth and answer questions like "How do medical alert systems work?" and "What is a two way voice pendant?"  

For another avenue to keep up on news and information related to medical alert systems be sure to "like" our page by clicking the link   below.  Information is powerful, so take time to get informed. 

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