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Updated on June 17, 2024
Sometimes aging parents proactively seek out solutions to help them stay safely in their own homes for as long as possible. Those seniors are often thrilled to start using affordable medical alerts as part of their long-term aging-in-place plan.
Many adult children want to support a parent's decision to grow older at home, but are worried about safety. Medical alert systems can bring great peace of mind. However, once in while, when a senior parent is approached about wearing a wristband alert or pendant button alarm, there may be initial resistance.
That’s why Alert1 is here to help. We have personal emergency response systems for every lifestyle and budget, as well as different wearable options (wristbands, pendants, and belt clips). Here are some tips to help Mom or Dad understand that a medical alert help button will make life easier.
Have You Heard Lots of Excuses?
Does this sound familiar? Every time you sit down with Mom to let her know you’re worried about her safety, she doesn’t want to hear it. It’s frustrating, but you want her to stay healthy and protected, especially if she lives alone. You may have heard lots of excuses:
- “I don’t need it.” After all, her friendly next-door neighbors can call the police if someone tries to break in.
- “I hate technology.” She still loves to use her wall-mounted landline.
- “I’m not old.” In an emergency, Mom feels confident that she’ll be physically conscious and able to get help for herself, no matter the situation.
- “What would my friends say?” Mom is pretty sure that none of them have medical alarms and she may put pride over protection.
- "It's too expensive." She may have heard from others that the "I've fallen and can't get up" company is expensive, and may not be aware that Alert1 is considerably less expensive than Life Alert's costs.
Mom is Better Safe than Sorry
Mom’s convinced that she doesn’t need a medical alert system. Maybe she’s stumbled and tripped before, but never fallen. The fact is, it only takes one serious fall to change life forever. The National Council on Aging states that one in four seniors falls at least once a year, and those who fall once are twice as likely to fall again.
Additionally, serious medical events like heart attacks and strokes often come on without warning. In either of these instances, every second counts.
Let Mom know that it’s better for her to have a medical alert device to be sure she can access help quickly in an emergency. When you talk to Mom, be sure to:
- Emphasize safety. Mom won’t have to worry about strange noises in the middle of the night, knowing she can get help at any time. If she has fallen and can't get up, pressing her alert button can summon fast help.
- Encourage peace of mind. Explain to Mom that a safety alarm gives an extra sense of security for everyone else in the family too. They want to ensure that she stays safe. Her help button will add to everyone’s peace of mind.
- Explain the false sense of security. It’s virtually impossible for Mom to know if or when an emergency is going to occur. Accidents happen on any given day without warning. A medical alert button will summon the help she needs fast, no matter the situation.
- Erase the stigma. Maybe Mom doesn’t want to be reminded of her age. Let her know that medical alerts are for anyone who cares about safety and preserving optimal health.
Technology That’s Easy to Use
Maybe Mom is intimidated by or disinterested in technology. Remind her that a medical alert is totally simple to use and isn’t at all complicated like smart phones or computers.
All she needs to do is push the alert button and she’ll get help fast. Help Mom understand more by explaining that:
- There are different types of alerts. With Alert1, Mom can choose a help button that fits her lifestyle. A mobile medical alert with fall detection will help her stay active and safe.
- It’s there for her. Medical alert technology won’t interfere with her daily life. It’s there when she needs it, and will connect her to help at the press of a button.
- The pendant is small and discreet. Mom’s seen a technological evolution. Tell her it’s not the size of a computer from the 1980s. Alert1 medical alerts sit discreetly around her neck, wrist, or in her pocket.
- She can customize the response. With Alert1, Mom doesn’t need to worry about an ambulance in front of her house. With her Circle of Care, she can choose who she wants to be called in an emergency.
For All Ages and Genders
Medical alerts are truly for all ages and genders; they are for anyone who desires to stay safe and protected in any emergency situation.
- Alert1 button alerts are for all ages. From ages 4-104, our med alerts keep people safe.
- Fancy accessories add flair. Mom can dress up her medical alert pendant with stylish lanyards and accessories. Wristband fall alerts look like just smart watches.
- Her peers have help buttons too, or should have them. Chances are good that other seniors have alert buttons too, and others may see Mom's and decide to invest in their own safety.
- There’s a community to support her. Our Command Center operators are standing by 24/7 ready to help Mom. The friendly faces in our Member Services are happy to help answer any questions Mom might have. With Alert1, having a medical alert means Mom is never alone.
Medical Alerts Help Mom Remain Independent
At Alert1, we understand Mom may be hesitant to commit to wearing a personal safety alert pendant or wristband. But in truth, these devices support Mom or Dad's goal to remain in their own homes, on their own terms, as they grow older.
