Medical Alert System versus a Cell Phone

Seniors who are living on a fixed income and the family caregivers who may be involved in the family budgeting may ask themselves, “Why should I invest in a home medical alert system when my mom and dad have a cell phone."

There are many reasons and we will explain:

• If you don’t always carry your cell phone in your pocket how would you reach it in the event of a fall or other health emergency?
• What if you fall in the bathtub or shower? You wouldn’t have taken your phone in there with you because it isn’t waterproof, but a LifeFone personal medical device is. If you fall while bathing or showering you can still have access to medical help because your personal medical device will be readily available.
• Did you know that if you live in an apartment building and call 9-1-1 on your cell phone but are, for any reason, unable to tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher your exact apartment number and location in the apartment building or complex, he may have a hard time locating you. The signal from your cell phone will transmit an approximate location but may not offer an exact location.
• If you are injured or incoherent how will you remember to tell a medical responder what medications you are on, what medications you are allergic to and what family members or doctors to contact on your behalf? With a home medical alert device, the trained care agents have immediate access to your medical information and which family and doctors to contact.
• A 9-1-1 operator will stay on the phone with you during your medical crisis, but again he will not have access to your particular medical conditions. A LifeFone representative has that information and can relay it to the responding emergency medical personnel thus assuring you are properly and immediately treated.
• If you suffer an injury, illness or fall during an area-wide state of emergency (ie a weather emergency – flooding, snow storm, etc.) your cell phone may not have service because the towers can be knocked out during a storm. Having a medical alert system with landline service is a more stable connection and these phones typically do not lose service during weather emergencies. LifeFone equipment has a battery back-up option which means that your device will still work for up to 32 hours in the event of a power outage.

Cell phones are fantastic devices and are great for keeping in touch with friends and family, but in the event of a medical emergency it is best to be not only prepared, but protected with a home medical alert system.