Trying to talk an aging parent into adopting or using a personal, or “medical”, alert device can be a real challenge. There can be any number or combinations of reasons for this. Some seniors have a difficult time admitting that they may need help of any sort. Then others may find the technology intimidating. Still with others, they have a problem with the cost of a monthly service even though for many, money may not really be a consideration.
In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons that more of the elderly don’t choose to use a medical alert system is that they don’t fully understand how beneficial it could be to the wellbeing of their caregivers and loved ones. Aging parents, while not wanting “to be a burden” to their children or other family members, don’t fully appreciate how much of a burden it is for their caregivers to constantly worry about their safety or wellbeing. If they did, they would probably see having one of the senior safety medical alert systems available to them in a different light.
A major fear that many family caregivers have is that their aging parent will fall at home and not be able to get up from the floor or call anyone for help. This happens frequently and can be fatal for some, especially if they aren’t in good health or frail to begin with. There are different types of medical alert systems. And having one with “fall detection” technology can literally be a life saver.
Another selling point that family caregivers can point out to reluctant seniors is this: With having one of the many medical alert systems, aging in place can be a more realistic option for those that may have 1 or more health challenges.
Well known celebrity Leeza Gibbons got a medical alert system for her dad and she thinks that it have given him a better quality of life.