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Leading Medical Alert Companies Compared
Activity Monitoring (also known as inactivity monitoring) is a premium service offered by many medical alert monitoring companies. You can compare the Life Alert cost with other companies that offer this service. The point of this service is to be sure that your loved one is moving around freely throughout the day. Just because they have their medical alert button or pendant with them does not guarantee that they will be able to use it in a medical emergency. They could have a serious fall that causes them to become unconscious, or even worse, suffer a fatality with no one even knowing for hours or days. These scenarios are not the ones you want to think about, but they are very real. Added security is available with activity monitoring services.
These services can work a couple of different ways. One is by having your loved one check-in with the system at predetermined times. It’s a very simple process in which the unit will make a beep tone and flash a small light on their medical alert monitoring console, alerting them to press a button. If the button is pressed, then the system’s internal timer will be satisfied and will not send in an alarm. The system will begin to beep faster before it will send in an alarm signal as a final warning. If the button is still not pressed, the activity alarm signal is sent to the monitoring station.
Another method that activity monitoring can work is by using motion detectors and door contacts that are typically found on security systems. When these devices are placed on doors to bedrooms and bathrooms, and motion sensors placed in common hallways, they can perform the activity monitoring automatically. With a system using this set-up, it constantly monitors these devices for activity while your loved one performs their daily routine. When it’s time for the system to send in an activity alarm, it checks to see whether it had any movement from your loved one within its time parameters. If it does, it will continue to monitor your loved one’s activity until the next time it’s programmed to check. If it does not, many systems will typically alert a warning tone from the console, telling your loved one to either move about or press a button on the main console before it will send in the activity alarm signal to the central station.
Both methods are very effective, and equally simple to use. Installation costs may be required for systems that use motion sensors and door contacts, which can limit your choice of providers. Most reputable medical alert monitoring providers offer the first option for an additional monthly charge. Our top provider, Lifestation, calls it activity assurance and offers it for a nominal monthly fee. Be sure to consider this service as part of your guardian medical alert monitoring protection plan.
