In an ongoing effort to provide every type of electronic device or system to enhance the home I began to focus on the issue of living independently when I realized that the aging of our population is becoming a significant issue. As we grow older we face the inevitable dilemma of becoming more vulnerable and yet understandably resisting the idea of giving up our home to move into any kind of institution. Often, we may feel that we can still cope, but our loved ones grow increasingly anxious and begin to urge us to make that final move to a home. I set out to find electronics that can prevent that, provide us with a safety net in case something happens, and at the same time set the minds of our loved ones at ease.
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THE FULLY MONITORED PERSONAL ALARM
Professionals on the job 24 hours
The most obvious device for this purpose is the Personal Safety Alert. I immediately found some devices that I could make available to clients, devices that work on the classic “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” model. They consist of a pendant or wrist button that you can push in the case of an emergency, paired with a tabletop unit that dials out to a central monitoring station. When an emergency happens and you press the personal alert button and a responder at the monitoring station speaks to you over the speakerphone on the tabletop to determine the nature of the emergency. If they don’t get a response, they will dispatch fire, ambulance and police, to be sure that any contingency can be dealt with.
Advantages:
- Professionals are standing by 24 hours per day to respond to your summons. They have instant access to your vital information, including neighbours or relatives to call. They know how to respond to an emergency with calm and efficiency.
- Reliable, easy to wear button, on a wrist band, lanyard or belt clip
Disadvantages
- Professional monitoring entails an ongoing monthly cost. Often the rental of the device is included in the monitoring fee.
- Communication is through a desktop unit plugged into a phone line. If you are out of range of the device, they will dispatch a full complement of emergency responders.
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PROGRAMMABLE ALARM THAT CALLS NEIGHBOURS AND FRIENDS
Call neighbours for help with the Guardian Alert
Freedom Alert provides a system that can be programmed with the numbers of friends and neighbours to be called when you press the button. The system is designed to cycle through the programmed numbers in sequence and to move on if a child or answering machine responds. It includes a speakerphone built in to the push button device so that you can speak to someone wherever you are within 300 ft. of the base unit.
Advantages:
- The built-in speakerphone means it can be effectively used outside
- It doubles as a way to answer your phone if you are not near
- No ongoing fees. You own the device. If you move you can take it with you, and you can easily re-program numbers at any time.
- It can be used for needs that are not emergencies, such as calling a neighbour for help in moving boxes, reaching shelves, etc.
Disadvantages:
- You are relying on non-professionals to help. To be effective you should have a close relationship with your friend who is to be called
- If no one is home, the device cycles through every number until the limit of four is reached. This can be time-consuming. The fifth call will go directly to 9-1-1, so that you are never left without help.
- Because the device includes the speakerphone, it is bulkier than a simple button.
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EMERGENCY 9-1-1 DIALER
Direct connection to 9-1-1
From the same company that provides the Freedom Alert, the Guardian Alert connects you directly to 9-1-1 responders when you press the button. With the built-in speaker phone you communicate directly with the emergency operator.
Advantages:
- Simple, easy to use
- The built-in speakerphone means it can be effectively used outside
- No ongoing fees. You purchase the unit and it is yours to keep
Disadvantages:
- For real emergencies only. When you connect with the 9-1-1 operator, they will dispatch emergency responders
- Like the Freedom Alert, the Guardian Alert is bulky, due to the built-in speakerphone
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THE CARELINK ADVANTAGE SYSTEM
Carelink provides the worry-free solution for independent living
This system takes health and safety monitoring to a whole new level. Along with the alert button, the system can include an array of sensors that monitor your daily well-being. It gives your loved ones peace of mind in a way that no other system can, by providing them with instant notifications in the event of a problem, along with an opportunity to follow a daily wellness chart that indicates your well-being. It combines security, with smoke and gas sensors, and the ability to track a health history. It specifies who can access the information and what type of device will receive notifications (phone, text, e-mail). It can be used to monitor medical compliance, sleep patterns, wandering, and slip and falls.
Advantages:
- It can send a notification of a fall even when you are unable to press the button
- It includes professional monitoring on a 24-hour basis
- It can double as an intrusion alarm, and can include video, if required
- You don’t have to interact with it in any way, once it is installed
- All devices are wireless, quickly and easily installed
- It is the only system which allows your loved ones to completely relax, knowing that you are safe and they would be notified immediately if there was a problem
- It allows you to leave the emergency responders as a last resort
- It can extend your years living independently in your own home, augmenting the work of personal care workers to keep you safe around the clock
Disadvantages:
- The CareLink Advantage system is more expensive than a simple button device. There is an installation and setup charge, plus a monthly charge for system access and device rental that varies according to the complexity of the system installed. As an alternative to long-term care facilities, however, it is a very small fraction of the cost.
In order to offer solutions that can truly respond to all situations, Homebuttons offers all of these solutions, and helps the client and their loved ones weigh the alternatives and make the right choice. Contact us for a personal consultation.