| If you are one of 54 million Americans caring for | | | | are similar in concept, but can vary greatly in |
| a family member, you know firsthand that care | | | | services offered, fees charged and reliability. You |
| giving can be a difficult job that weighs heavily on | | | | should look for a Medical Alert System provider |
| your physical and emotional well being. It has been | | | | that does not require a long-term contract or |
| statistically proven that full-time caregivers have a | | | | charge additional fees for installation and |
| 63% chance of dying early due to stress-related | | | | equipment. Some questions to consider when |
| conditions and often suffer from depression. | | | | researching different companies include: |
| Therefore, taking time out to care for yourself | | | | How reliable is their equipment? Do they offer 24 |
| should be done with the same amount of | | | | hr assistance? How fast is their response time? |
| importance and devotion that is given to your | | | | Are extra fees charged for multiple users in the |
| loved one. But sometimes, making personal needs | | | | same household?Is there a guarantee on parts, |
| a priority is difficult since the heavy demands of | | | | labor, and services? |
| tending to a loved one's needs may leave little | | | | It is also helpful to get feedback from other |
| time for self-care and can even make running | | | | customers about a particular medical alert system |
| quick errands a challenge. | | | | provider. Instead of simply reading testimonials on |
| One solution that has worked for many | | | | a company's website, do your own research. Find |
| caregivers are the use of medical alert systems, | | | | out if any complaints have been filed against the |
| which provide peace of mind while taking time to | | | | company. Some companies even give you access |
| attend to needs away from the home. Medical | | | | to their customers so you can speak with them |
| alert systems supply 24/7 emergency assistance | | | | directly about their experiences. |
| simply by pressing the button on a medical alert | | | | To receive the greatest benefit from a medical |
| device, which is usually in the form of a wristband | | | | alert system, it's important to research companies |
| or necklace. From there, trained operators are | | | | well before deciding on the best system for you |
| able to communicate directly with the person in | | | | and your family. Doing so will help you rest |
| need, access important medical information, | | | | assured that a loved one's needs are taken care |
| contact you or a neighbor for assistance, and in | | | | of in your absence and provide the peace of mind |
| the event of an emergency, dispatch the local | | | | needed to fully relax and rejuvenate your spirit |
| EMS. | | | | while taking a much needed break from the |
| There are several Life Alert systems on the | | | | demands of care giving. |
| market today, such as Lifeline or MedScope. Most | | | | |