Answers to Frequent Questions about Medical Alarm Systems

A Health Care Article Contributed by Laurel Forest

What is a Medical Alarm System?

A medical alarm system is a set of units that allows you to have conversations and direct contact with a monitoring company that can help in an emergency.

Who Can Benefit From a Medical Alarm System?

Anyone with a medical condition that makes it questionable if that person should be living alone can benefit. Many senior citizens will have medical alarm systems so that they can continue living in their own home while family members are in other areas.

What is Included in a Medical Alarm System?

The parts of the alarm system will vary based on the monitoring company. Basically the system consists of a console that attaches to your phone line, a wearable alarm unit and a two way communications unit. The wearable alarm units are usually waterproof and have a long life battery.

How Do I Use The Medical Alarm System If There is An Emergency?

On the wearable alarm unit, there is a panic button. If you push the panic button the monitoring company will respond in a very short time (under one minute) through the two way communications unit. They will ask you the nature of the emergency and what you would like them to do. In the event that you do not respond to the page from the communications unit, the monitoring company will immediately contact your local emergency services to go to your house.

I Like to Work in My Garden, Will the Medical Alarm System Work Outside?

This will depend on the monitoring company you choose and the range of the unit. Usually if the alert works outside, you cannot directly communicate with the company. In the event that you are outside and not able to talk to the monitoring company, they will contact your local emergency services and send a unit to your house.

Will My Medical Alarm System Work if There is a Power Outage?

Most medical alarm systems will come with a back up battery that will operate for 24 hours without electricity. During this time your unit will operate normally. If the electricity is out longer than 24 hours, the monitoring company should still pick up the panic signal but cannot communicate with you. In that event, they will contact your local emergency services.

If I Move, Can I Take My Medical Alarm System With Me?

Yes. Most medical alarm system monitoring companies operate nationwide and you can move your unit where ever you relocate. Just notify them of the move and update all your contact information and things will be up and running again.

Do I Need to Sign a Contract for a Medical Alarm System?

This will depend on the monitoring company you choose. Some companies will work on a month to month contract that can be canceled at anytime, others may require a short term or year long contract.

How Much Will a Medical Alarm System Cost?

Once again, this will vary depending on the monitoring company and the services that you choose. The cost can vary from about $25 per month up. The more services you need, the higher the cost.