Did you know that Homebuttons can offer three different options when it comes to Personal Safety Alarms? The main purpose of this type of alarm is to allow someone to call for help when they have had an accident, most commonly a slip and fall. When we receive an enquiry we arrange a personal interview, if possible, with both the senior and the caregiver, to explain the different options. Often it is the caregiver who is mainly concerned and sometimes the senior is not at all interested, or is even resistant to the idea. One reason for this is the concern that a simple button push will bring the sirens of fire trucks, ambulances and police to the door, causing embarrassment to someone who may be lying on the floor of the washroom. It inhibits them from using the call button when they should. Depending on the concerns of the seniors and their caregivers, they may want to look at a different option, and that’s why we provide the choice.
Guardian Alert – This system is very simple. The alert button can be worn as a pendant or a bracelet and in includes a speaker phone. When an emergency occurs the senior pushes the button and it automatically dials 9-1-1. He can talk directly to the 9-1-1 operator through the speakerphone on the device and arrange for whatever help is needed. This is an outright purchase with no monthly monitoring fees.
Freedom Alert – This system is an upgrade of the Guardian Alert, from the same company. Instead of dialing 9-1-1 it dials up to four pre-programmed numbers of neighbours and friends. This system also includes a speakerphone built into the alarm button, and there is no monitoring, so it’s an outright purchase. The advantage is that it can be used for more than emergencies, calling on neighbours for help without setting off the parade of emergency vehicles. It can also be used to answer the phone if the person can’t get to it on time.
Carelink PERS system – This system uses a smaller pushbutton device and the speakerphone is located in the tabletop base unit. When the button is pressed the senior is connected to a 24-hour monitoring station. Operators will determine the level of emergency and can dispatch emergency vehicles as required, while notifying caregivers. This system can be rented, with no long term obligation. It can also be integrated into the CareLink Advantage System, which provides a comprehensive way for caregivers to monitor the well-being of someone around the clock by the use of environmental sensors.
While these systems vary in price, that is not usually the deciding factor. The type of system chosen would depend, more than anything, on the level of vulnerability of the senior and the type of response they are most likely to need.
There are many cases where the caregivers don’t feel they can trust any system that requires an interaction on the part of the senior because they feel that if there is a fall or other emergency, the senior wouldn’t have the presence of mind to push the button. For these cases, the best solution is the CareLink Advantage system. It provides the caregiver with an ongoing record of activity and customized alerts to match specific concerns even without a personal alarm button.
Call Homebuttons for a free consultation.