Talk of The Villages Florida - Medical Alert Systems-- Serious Question Here

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I wear an iwatch . When I fell the operator calls and alert first responders. My husband and daughter are also alerted with a GPS picture of my location and the adddess. Best Buy will set up your emergency contacts and there is no monthly fee.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinFromPA (Post 2154487)

Hi Villagers! First time posting here, but I have a serious question. TV is promoted as an active community and it's all about living your best life. Do people wear medical alerts here? I live alone and like the idea of having 24/7 protection if I need it. Curious to know how others feel about this topic?

I have one for my husband who has Parkinsons disease. It has never been used but on the rare occasions that I may leave him alone for a short time it would be useful since he cannot use a phone to dial 911. He would only have to press the button. His speach is poor but the company is aware of this. Living alone it would be a good idea if you got into the habit of wearing it around your neck while in the house in case of a fall especially in the shower or bathroom. Ours is waterproof. Having a cell phone is good but only if you carry it around the house with you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2154496)

I have never understood why people would pay a monthly fee to call a service that is just going to call 911. Why not carry a cell phone with you at all times? Unless I am missing something.

You could be missing something, I certainly did. I'm no authority on the various medical alert items and systems, but.... my aunt (thankfully!) is alive today due to a medical alarm medallion she wears like a necklace. She had an unfortunate incident of going unconscious as a result of diabetes. She was able to "crumble" (don't know how to describe it) to the floor rather than fall flat, but could never have managed a cell phone call. The "medallion" senses a "fall" (or in this case a slow collapse) and calls for EMT help. Previous to this, my thoughts were exactly like yours, thought why not just carry a cell phone and make your own call.

Keyless door lock

Regarding emergency personnel to get into the home, would a keyless door lock work? If you were injured and could give them the number or your emergency contacts could give it to them, then they could get in. I don’t know if emergency personnel would have a way to use a special code to get in. If there was a special code, posting it here would not be the best idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinFromPA (Post 2154487)

It's not about what other people do or fashion. Wearing a medical device is for your safety. Quit worrying about what everybody else does and concentrate on your health and safety.

Apple watch will call 911 if it detects no response in case you’re unconscious and can’t press the medical alert button. Sync to your phone to avoid extra cellular charges.

Quote:

Originally Posted by virtualcynthia (Post 2155074)

my I phone has and emergency button accessible even if the phone is locked. You set it up with
Your medical info and emergency contacts. I hit 911 by mistake and it called 911 and my 4 emergency contacts who called me. The message it left for my friends was XXX has an emergency.

Also Alexa has an app, My Buddy. Good if you fall. You just call out, “Alexa, call my buddies”. It will call, text and email all the people you put on the list. The only issue is some people are tech and Alexa phobic.

Finally, I’m on a text group on neighbors that texts good morning to the group every day. If by noon someone hasn’t checked in, we call. If there’s no response, we show up and knock at their door and if someone doesn’t have a key, we call the police. We’re not necessarily good friends, but we are good neighbors. It’s just peace of mind that someone close by is aware.

This is a great local workaround to a service offered by one of my former cities I lived in. It was a senior citizen service called YANA. It auto-dialed you everyday. If you did not pick up, it would try again in 15-30 minutes. After a third time, it would arrange for a police officer to be dispatched for a wellness check. YANA = You Are Not Alone.