What medical alert device did you choose?

Welcome @mrjohnwebb, While we wait for other members to share their experiences with personal medical alert devices with you, I thought you might find the following articles helpful if you haven't seen them.

-- Keeping up with each other: GPS trackers:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed-post/keeping-up-with-each-other-gps-trackers/
-- Best Medical Alert Systems 2022:
https://www.seniorsafetyreviews.com/best-medical-alert-systems/

Have you done any research or looked at any of the personal medical alert devices?

Does anyone have a medical alert device and it so which one might you suggest? I am doing research and there are allot of different ones out there, when I read the reviews it seems that the problem starts when you try to disconnect the service, that can be difficult. Thanks

@healthconscious, it so true. There are many medical alerts devices out there; braclets, necklaces, with and without apps etc. I moved your question to this discussion that @mrjohnwebb recently started.
- What medical alert device did you choose? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/personal-medical-alert-devices/

You might also find this related discussion in the Caregivers group helpful
- Medical Alert Bracelets
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/medical-alert-bracelets/

I'm confident many will join this discussion, but I'm going to tag @jakedduck1 @gingerw @larryg333 @jenniferhunter @rosemarya to kick this discussion into gear.
- What medic alert devices do you use?
- What do you like about your choice?
- Which didn't suit your needs and why?

@healthconscious I see you have been a member for several years, and this is your third post. So, a belated welcome to you!

I utilize Medical Alert from https://www.medicalert.org/ This is a not-for-profit organization. There is a member number that is inscribed on the necklace I wear, so first responders/hospital may contact them to get information that I am responsible for keeping up-to-date. There is no service that will automatically be called.

Recently, our county sent out a message about emergency profile. https://www.emergencyprofile.org/ Apparently this is connected to your phone number, and when emergency services are contacted via 911, your health info is relayed to 911 via RapidSOS, once you have set up a profile. Our county has a lot of rural areas, so this is new for us.

I will be interested to hear what others may have to say.
Ginger

@healthconscious, I have worn a Medic Alert bracelet for 14 years, ever since it was recommended after my organ transplant. I got mine from the not-for profit organization ( https://www.medicalert.org ) because I like being able to update my health record and medications that will be needed in case of an emergency where I might be unconscious, alone, and unable to provide essential information by myself. Due to my transplant and immunosuppressant medications, there are certain medications that could be harmful to me. It is easy to update my medicines, medical conditions, and contact information if I am ever in an emergency situation. There is an annual fee for services and there is a variety of alert systems to meet many individual needs. I like this program because it is not a one-size-fits all program. I feel comfort in knowing that my transplant team and my PCP are listed as my care team.
I am happy that I have not needed to use it.
My son is trained EMT/fire fighter who says that their EMTs are trained to look for a medical bracelet or necklace in a critical emergency.

Because my mother is near 100, healthy, and living alone, her greatest risk is a fall. I bought her an Apple Watch for the fall protection. If the watch detects a fall, it: (1) briefly alerts and gives the user a chance to cancel, and (2) if not cancelled, automatically contacts emergency services and reports a fall with the watch’s GPS location. It also alerts me as an emergency contact. Note that the fall protection works whether the watch wearer is conscious or unconscious.

Of course, if my mother is having a different emergency and is awake and alert she can use Siri to call 911, or me.

Mine is from Lively ......I also have their smart phone...... They're the company with the
Jitterbug phone.
I've been using their device for several years now and feel it's an essential element in my life now.

After having tried several alert devices, all of which were GPS models, and was unhappy with all of them for various reasons, I now use a device from Bay Medical. It seems to provide good coverage where ever I travel, and it also happens to be the most reasonably priced one that I have found. I have had the Bay Medical device for approximately 9 months now and have zero complaints with it's functionality no matter where I travel. It's app for your phone is simple and informative. Be careful of some of the other companies, and their cancellation policies. You may find yourself trapped into paying for service you no longer want.

I have an Apple Watch, love it.

I have Medic Alert, I also have the Apple Watch. There SOS works. I sat down on my bed to change clothes and somehow I ended up on the floor. My watch made a sound and said we detected a fall. I hit yes and then it asked you need medical help and I said no. What I know if I did not answer medical help, would’ve been sent to my house.
On my Medic Alert I bought a thing that hocks to my watch band. When I was in ED more than one doctor saw it.
Good luck there are many out there to pick from.