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