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Mom lives in Darien, IL. I used Phillips Lifeline several years ago, but when I called them they said they would have someone call me who "locally markets our product" in a few days. Phillips is farming out. I've been talking with a company named VRI who seems impressive. Any information/suggestions would be greatly appreciated...want to get this done now. Thank you.

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I haven't heard of VRI but there are some excellent national companies. I'm a huge fan of these alarms and used them with three elders. Make sure they don't require a contract because you never know when your loved one may need nursing home care or something and then you are stuck paying for something that isn't needed. I'd also look for years in business. That is not always a good criteria but it can be helpful if you have no other guidelines.
Good luck,
Carol
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I went to a class yesterday, and the woman said there were programs you can use with your smart phone. If you are interested, I can get the information for you.
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LEP627 - I would like that information.
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If you are going with the traditional alert system, there are two things to consider. One, your loved one might not remember to press the button after they fall. There are systems that are automatically alerted in the event of a fall. Also, make sure you have a programmable lock box system at the front door so that the alert people will be able to tell rescue what the code is to get into the house.
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At our last AD support meeting a man at the had a small fob like a car alarm that he could pressed and it would connected to a service like on star for emergencies, he called it during the meeting and talked to the agent as a test call it is called 5 star, l haven't checked it out yet, you have to hold the button for 3 seconds. Gene
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so many companies out there and if you read the teeny tiny print one in particular says it cannot guarantee your ability to contact them under certain circumstances,such as no cell towers or you are out in timbuktu..my mom had life alert and they were excellent.I guess the best thing you can do is research and ask any pharmacist.They usually know the ins and outs and pros and cons...you would definitely want one that if the elderly person falls and they cannot push that button that it detects the fall for them.Also you will want to have one with some distance to it incase the person goes outside...we had one episode where this elderly gentlemen went outside and his house kaboom ered..something to do with the dehumidifier .. anyway his device's range was limited.Thankfully this is a small village and we all ran...and called 911....he changed devices and got one that covered if he goes outside..but ask a pharmacist they know allot...
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Katalina,
I'd suggest calling the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging's Senior Information & Assistance department (815) 939-0727. While they might not be able to recommend a particular company, they should be able to give you some information on local companies, prices, and advice on how to choose a system. In general, my advice would be to find out:
1. If they offer no-contract services (often, the monthly amount with a contract is less than a month-to-month, but if your loved one passes away or moves into a nursing facility before the contract is up, you have to keep paying)
2. Compare costs- Are there set-up fees? Is it contract or month-to-month? Are there cancellation fees?
3. Do they have a 24-7 call center?
4. Do they offer different products such as different types of buttons (automatic fall sensing, bracelet, necklage, medication dispenser systems-and the differences in cost)?
5. How and how often do they test their system? Is there a back-up in case of power outages?
6. Does the system require a phone line or can it be wireless?
7. Do they offer a money-back guarantee or a free trial period?
Hope this helps!
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I will call the company today to find out.
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