Find the Best Medical Alert Systems in Waco, TX

How to choose a medical alert system in Waco

For seniors, the risk of at-home injury is high. One in four Americans age 65 or older falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of fatal injury in older adults, according to the National Council on Aging. Waco has a lower percentage of residents 65 years or older than the national average, but an article in Where to Retire magazine named Waco a top retirement destination because of its low cost of living, entertainment and scenery.

Seniors are not the only demographic who can benefit from a medical alert system. Anyone susceptible to falls can use this life-saving device that also provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.

Two types of medical alert systems

Medical alert systems come in different forms, including necklaces, bracelets and watches, and are either monitored or non-monitored. Here is the difference:

1. Monitored

A monitored medical alert system has a two-way intercom through a base unit in your home or through a portable cellular service. With a landline connection, you must be within range for two-way help. When triggered, a monitored system connects you to a call center employee to assess the situation and send for help if necessary. This help could be a neighbor, family member or emergency personnel, depending on the situation and your designated contacts.

2. Non-monitored

A non-monitored medical alert system typically uses an in-home base that, when activated, calls a series of contacts until it connects with someone in your pre-programmed contact list, such as your neighbor or 911.

Depending on the system, you may be able to talk or it may play a pre-recorded message alerting the person who answers of an emergency. However, help may not arrive if your contacts do not answer and automatically calling 911 can be costly if an ambulance is dispatched when not medically necessary.

System feature	Monitored	Non-monitored
Assists during emergency	Yes	Yes
Contacts the wearer before dispatching help (saves on costly ambulance charges)	Yes	No
24/7 dispatching center	Yes	No
Monthly monitoring fee	Yes	No
Requires landline connection	No	Yes
Can include fall detection	Yes	Yes
Includes service contract	Usually	No
Easy installation	Yes	Yes

As these systems continue to develop, more companies are designing fashionable devices that fit into seniors’ everyday lives. Depending on the device, it can:

• Include waterproof technology
• Look discreet
• Have a long battery life
• Include GPS detection
• Have the option to add a spouse for coverage

The cost of medical alert systems in Waco

Most of the time, Waco residents lease their medical alert systems from the company, giving them to freedom to return the product when it’s no longer needed. This is a good deal for those who only need the product for a short while—like after surgery—but it can end up being costlier if rented for a long period. In case of damage, unit replacement can run up to $1,000.

If you choose a monitored system, you will pay an additional monthly monitoring fee. Sometimes these units come with activation or shipping fees, or yearly contracts with hefty cancellation fees. Base models start around $20 per month while more advanced options can run up to $80.

Luckily, most companies offer a risk-free trial. When testing the product, check that its range fits your lifestyle and the device is comfortable to wear.

Does insurance cover medical alert systems?

Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical alert systems and neither do most insurance companies. In some cases though, having a physician document your need for a medical alert system may change that. Ask your insurance provider if it will help cover some of the costs.

For those in long-term care, insurance may cover costs under the “in-home care service” provision. Finally, seniors who are AARP members may have access to additional discounts.