If you like this style, the Freedom Alert made by LogicMark (logicmark.com, 800-519-2419) is a good product that allows you to speak through the pendent. The purchase price: $300, with no ongoing monthly fees. Also check out Telemergency (telemergencysystems.com, 888-558-7420), which offers a variety on no-fee medical alert devices that cost under $190.
Mobile Alerts
If your mom is interested in a device that works outside the home too, there are several mobile products that will let her call for help anywhere. These pendent-style devices, which fit in the palm of your hand, work like little cell phones with GPS tracking capabilities.
To call for help, your mom would simply push one button, and an operator from the device’s emergency monitoring service would be on the line to assist her. And because of the GPS technology they would know her exact location, which is critical in emergency situations.
Top products to check out in this category include the new 5Star Urgent Response sold by GreatCall (greatcall.com, 800-733-6632) for $50 plus a $35 activation fee and $15 monthly service fees, and MobileHelp (mobilehelpnow.com, 800-800-1710), which runs between $37 and $42 per month.
You also need to know that Medicare and most other insurance plans don’t cover medical alert systems, although in some states Medicaid will if your mom receives Medicaid-funded homecare services.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.