Typically with medical alert systems you can press either the help button that you wear or the emergency button on the speaker box in order to activate your medical alarm. While both start the process of contacting your monitoring center, most medical alert users only need to worry about pressing the button on their necklace or wristband. If your medical alert has activated when you didn’t think you had pressed that button, there are a couple things to consider. You may have pressed or bumped your button accidentally, or the emergency button on the speaker box may have been pressed. Sometimes seniors with cats may even experience false alarms from their cat walking on the medical alert.
Pets can be excellent companionship for seniors. Animals really can bring a smile to your face, and based on a number or medical studies pets can help you live healthier and longer as well. Whether it’s because of the simple act of taking care of your pet, or the unconditional love that they give, your happiness directly correlates with your health. Sometimes having animals in the house can lead to unexpected things though. When you have a medical alert, your cat could just as easily press that emergency button as you could if it is on a tabletop. Does your cat like to jump on the top of tables and explore? If I were a cat I’d probably do the same. It’s smart to put medical alarm systems somewhere that your pet can’t reach. You could potentially put the speaker box in a nook where the cat won’t be able to walk or you could even mount that machine on the wall.
Grandchildren sometimes present the same unique problem. They love to explore and touch things – and who can blame them. They’re learning all the time! Grandchildren are another great source of happiness for seniors. I’ve rarely ever talked to a grandparent who isn’t so proud of every little thing their grandkids do. If your grandchildren are over often you may consider placing your medical alert somewhere out of reach. That may be on a taller table or tucked away where they can’t touch it.
Since both pets and grandchildren don’t know any better, it’s up to you to childproof or pet-proof your medical alert system. Look around your house. Is there a centrally located spot that may work for this? Is there a spot on your desk that is covered so that your cat can’t walk there? Once you have your medical alert set up, go ahead and run a test just to make sure you plugged in everything correctly.
If a false alarm happens because of your pet, grandchild, or any other reason it really isn’t a big deal. The speaker box will activate making a number of noises. If you don’t hear those noises you will certainly hear the operator when they come over the speaker. They will ask you if you need help or if you are having an emergency. All you will need to do is tell them that it is a false alarm at that time. Most medical alert companies will even call you on the home telephone if they are not able to speak to you over the speaker box. False alarms are nothing to worry about, but if your medical alert activates when you didn’t press the button, you may think to ask “Whiskers” if he did it…