I wanted to find something that made me feel safer being away from home and when I'm alone & after doing some research I believe I did just that with the Great Call Medical Device that you wear around your neck. It also has a feature that if you fall it will auto. call for help plus it's waterproof...so you can even wear it in the shower. Below is a store that ran in the Associated Press I think you should read! Yes, I had to buy the right to use the story!
You would think that since I'm in the story they would let me use it for free but "NO, they're a bunch of CHEAP BASTERD's
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Medical alert systems have seen big advances,
from GPS to fall detection, in recent years
By LINDA A. JOHNSON Associated Press
June 19, 2015 — 10:20am
The choices are numerous. Medical alert systems have
advanced far beyond the basic pendants that enable a loved
one to summon assistance.
Today’s range of products includes wristbands, watches,
and cell phones equipped with emergency buttons or
apps. Their capabilities have also expanded to include
GPS tracking and fall detection, all of which help users
live more independently and keep them safe when they
venture outside. That’s broadened their appeal from just
homebound senior citizens to younger people with physical
disabilities and others worried about security.
The whole category started with the Philips Lifeline
pendant in 1974. It helped seniors living alone feel safe and
gave their loved ones peace of mind. But it only worked in
and around the home.
Last year, Phillips introduced its GoSafe mobile service,
which gives users the same protections wherever they
might be. The waterproof pendant can automatically detect
if a person has fallen, and the response center then calls
to check on the user if she doesn’t press the Help button.
Philips says it uses six means of determining the individual’s
location, should assistance be needed.
Christopher DeHaven, who uses a wheelchair due to a
rare Neurodegenerative Disorder, had a basic pendant that
worked around his home until two months ago. Then he
upgraded to a pendant with built-in GPS, the Splash from
Philips’ rival GreatCall.
“I wanted to be able to do the things that I missed,
getting out with friends and family, going places,” said
DeHaven, 44, who lives in rural Blanchard, Oklahoma. “I
didn’t want to be tied to the house.”
The device also enables DeHaven’s niece to track his
location and movements remotely if he doesn’t answer his
cell phone.
Other providers include LifeStation, Medical Alert,
MobileHelp, ADT Medical Alert, Medical Guardian, Bay
Alarm Medical and Life Alert, which runs those “I’ve fallen
and I can’t get up” ads.
Here are factors to consider in selecting a product:
1. CHOOSE THE KEY FEATURES.
If the person needing the device never goes out
alone, an inexpensive home-and-yard system may
be sufficient. If she leaves home regularly, consider a
pendant, wristband or cell phone with GPS tracking.
Decide whether a pendant or wristband would
be more comfortable and whether someone with a
disability, such as a stroke patient, could easily use
the device or smartphone.
2. SHOP FOR PRICE.
Monthly fees for such services run from about $20
for a bare-bones pendant or wristband to around
$55 for one with GPS and fall detection. Some
companies provide the pendant or wristband for
free, while others charge a one-time fee of up to
$150.
Phone options include a basic cell phone with
a prominent emergency button amid extra-large
number keys, and a smartphone with the emergency
icon on the home screen. Companies charge about
$40 to $90 per month for those services, on top of
$100 to $200 upfront for the cell phone.
For people who have their own smartphone,
some companies offer emergency help apps for the
home screen for about $15 per month.
There may be additional, one-time fees: $50
to $100 to activate the service and up to $90 to
cancel it. Some companies don’t list prices on their
websites, so be prepared to call to enquire.
3. ASK ABOUT COMMITMENTS.
Many companies don’t require contracts, or they only
run for 30 to 90 days. Ask what’s required, including
billing terms. Some companies bill customers in
advance for an entire year.
4. DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS ADEQUATE.
Reliability is crucial. Before you commit, make sure
cell phone coverage in your area is strong enough to
service any medical alert device or smartphone.
If the service runs off a home landline, check
for adequate range. Typically the devices work well
up to 600 feet from the base unit. Be sure that covers
the entire home and any usual path, such as to the
end of the driveway.
5. ASK ABOUT A GUARANTEE.
Ask about product guarantees, whether there’s a
30-day return policy and whether any discounts are
available, such as for AARP members and veterans.
6. PLAN ACCESS FOR RESPONDERS
You’ll need a quick, reliable way for police or EMTs
to enter your home. If you have a security alarm,
you’ll give the response center the code for it.
Another common approach is to set up a lockbox
near the door and give the service the code to open it.
Lastly, read the fine print before signing
anything.
from GPS to fall detection, in recent years
By LINDA A. JOHNSON Associated Press
June 19, 2015 — 10:20am
The choices are numerous. Medical alert systems have
advanced far beyond the basic pendants that enable a loved
one to summon assistance.
Today’s range of products includes wristbands, watches,
and cell phones equipped with emergency buttons or
apps. Their capabilities have also expanded to include
GPS tracking and fall detection, all of which help users
live more independently and keep them safe when they
venture outside. That’s broadened their appeal from just
homebound senior citizens to younger people with physical
disabilities and others worried about security.
The whole category started with the Philips Lifeline
pendant in 1974. It helped seniors living alone feel safe and
gave their loved ones peace of mind. But it only worked in
and around the home.
Last year, Phillips introduced its GoSafe mobile service,
which gives users the same protections wherever they
might be. The waterproof pendant can automatically detect
if a person has fallen, and the response center then calls
to check on the user if she doesn’t press the Help button.
Philips says it uses six means of determining the individual’s
location, should assistance be needed.
Christopher DeHaven, who uses a wheelchair due to a
rare Neurodegenerative Disorder, had a basic pendant that
worked around his home until two months ago. Then he
upgraded to a pendant with built-in GPS, the Splash from
Philips’ rival GreatCall.
“I wanted to be able to do the things that I missed,
getting out with friends and family, going places,” said
DeHaven, 44, who lives in rural Blanchard, Oklahoma. “I
didn’t want to be tied to the house.”
The device also enables DeHaven’s niece to track his
location and movements remotely if he doesn’t answer his
cell phone.
Other providers include LifeStation, Medical Alert,
MobileHelp, ADT Medical Alert, Medical Guardian, Bay
Alarm Medical and Life Alert, which runs those “I’ve fallen
and I can’t get up” ads.
Here are factors to consider in selecting a product:
1. CHOOSE THE KEY FEATURES.
If the person needing the device never goes out
alone, an inexpensive home-and-yard system may
be sufficient. If she leaves home regularly, consider a
pendant, wristband or cell phone with GPS tracking.
Decide whether a pendant or wristband would
be more comfortable and whether someone with a
disability, such as a stroke patient, could easily use
the device or smartphone.
2. SHOP FOR PRICE.
Monthly fees for such services run from about $20
for a bare-bones pendant or wristband to around
$55 for one with GPS and fall detection. Some
companies provide the pendant or wristband for
free, while others charge a one-time fee of up to
$150.
Phone options include a basic cell phone with
a prominent emergency button amid extra-large
number keys, and a smartphone with the emergency
icon on the home screen. Companies charge about
$40 to $90 per month for those services, on top of
$100 to $200 upfront for the cell phone.
For people who have their own smartphone,
some companies offer emergency help apps for the
home screen for about $15 per month.
There may be additional, one-time fees: $50
to $100 to activate the service and up to $90 to
cancel it. Some companies don’t list prices on their
websites, so be prepared to call to enquire.
3. ASK ABOUT COMMITMENTS.
Many companies don’t require contracts, or they only
run for 30 to 90 days. Ask what’s required, including
billing terms. Some companies bill customers in
advance for an entire year.
4. DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS ADEQUATE.
Reliability is crucial. Before you commit, make sure
cell phone coverage in your area is strong enough to
service any medical alert device or smartphone.
If the service runs off a home landline, check
for adequate range. Typically the devices work well
up to 600 feet from the base unit. Be sure that covers
the entire home and any usual path, such as to the
end of the driveway.
5. ASK ABOUT A GUARANTEE.
Ask about product guarantees, whether there’s a
30-day return policy and whether any discounts are
available, such as for AARP members and veterans.
6. PLAN ACCESS FOR RESPONDERS
You’ll need a quick, reliable way for police or EMTs
to enter your home. If you have a security alarm,
you’ll give the response center the code for it.
Another common approach is to set up a lockbox
near the door and give the service the code to open it.
Lastly, read the fine print before signing
anything.
Linda Johnson
Pharmaceuticals/Biotech Writer
Associated Press
Trenton, NJ
If you are interested in the Great Call Device just call 800-670-7240 and to receive a $25 credit on your bill give them my Name (Christopher DeHaven) and Account Number (#1976016)
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