Giving a Medical Alert Advice As a Gift
November 27, 2024
Giving a Medical Alert Advice As a Gift
It can be difficult to find a holiday or birthday gift for a senior loved one who already seems to have everything they need. Instead of buying them another blanket, pair of slippers, or photo book, consider purchasing them something that will make life a little easier and more peaceful, as well as help to contribute to them meeting their wellness goals. A medical alert device can be an ideal gift!
Before you package up a medical alert device for your loved one, be sure to consider a few of our recommendations. These considerations will help to make the gift well-received.
Mention It In Passing
If your loved one is not interested in a medical alert device, or if they see it as a sign they are declining, they may be less likely to use it. This means that your gift will go unused or unappreciated. To gauge your loved one’s interest in a medical alert device, start bringing it up in passing. Mention that your friend’s neighbor recently got one or that you saw one advertised on television. See what they have to say in response.
If your loved one doesn’t seem interested when you mention medical alert devices in passing, don’t abandon the idea entirely. Bring it up a few more times, perhaps with the benefits and how a device would specifically bring them peace of mind. You can even show them that devices look a lot more trendy these days than a few decades ago.
Choose the Right Device
Now that you think you have their buy-in or that their interest is piqued, you can get online and search for the device and system that will best suit your loved one’s abilities and preferences. If your loved one is mostly homebound, for example, a simple home-based system would be ideal. However, if your senior loved one is out and about more often, a smartwatch device might be your best bet.
Not sure which one would be best? Contact the medical alert device company to talk about your loved one’s lifestyle to get specific recommendations.
Pay All the Fees
Ideally, you don’t want to give a medical alert device to your loved one and then have them incur the monthly service expenses. Instead, see if the bill for service fees can come to you so that you can pay it directly. If the cost seems out of your budget, see if your siblings would like to go in on the gift with you so that your loved one can enjoy the device without the responsibility of payment.
Understand Installation
When possible, you should give the gift of a medical alert device and stick around to install it. If your loved one is alone when the package arrives in the mail, they might not be able to install it on their own or they might feel overwhelmed. This can lead to the device sitting in its box for weeks until someone comes to install it.
You can work with the medical alert system company to deliver the box to your home ahead of the holiday so that you can wrap it up. Then, plan to stick around after the gift opening so that you can install it.
During the installation process, you’ll also want to take time to ensure your loved one’s profile is completely filled out with a medical history, prescription medication list, and designated family caregiver contact information. If possible, have this information on hand when you complete the installation process so that you don’t have to leave it blank.
Finally, make sure your loved one knows how and when to charge the device. Work together to determine the best place for a charging station.
Encourage Proper Use
A medical alert device is only effective if the senior wears it consistently and understands how to use it. Take some of that “new gift” excitement and put it toward getting your loved one acclimated with their new device. Sit with them to learn how to use different features. Then, follow up with them regularly to see if they are wearing their device and if they have any questions. Troubleshoot with them so that they feel confident wearing and operating their new device.
Make sure your loved one’s other family members know about the medical alert device as well, in addition to any neighbors or caregivers. This way, those visitors can also check in on if they are wearing the device. It takes about a month to form a habit, so the first month after giving the gift is crucial in establishing a routine of wearing it.
See What’s Working and What Isn’t
You want your loved one to get the most out of their new medical alert device, so take time a few months after you gave the gift to see how they like it. Some seniors might stop using a device if they don’t understand it or if they run into a problem they don’t know how to fix. Eliminate this possibility by working with them to fix any bugs or explain any features that might intimidate them.
Giving your loved one the gift of a medical alert device requires a bit of teamwork so that you can ensure they are using it correctly. But it is well worth it as both of you will enjoy extra peace of mind!
