PLEASE READ THIS WARNING
Because we put client safety first we care about what type of service our seniors choose. We want our clients to have the best, even if it is not from us. But, in all the years in this industry it still shocks us to see how our seniors can be victimized by advertising and hype.
Sadly, there has been heavy advertising recently of a "newer" mobile
technology involving GPS tracking. This type of device advertises that
you can take it anywhere with you and they will be able to locate you
and send help to you anywhere. What they don't tell you, except in very fine
print after you have signed up, is that in order to reach help:
- The device must be fully
charged (clearly it won't always be)
- The device cannot be worn while charging (so don't need help during that time)
- You must be within cell range of
their cellular network to reach them
- Unless you can speak to them and tell
them exactly where you are they won't be able to locate you exactly.
- Most companies will consider an EIGHT block radius within "tolerance".
- That this device will work better outdoors than indoors.
So while this type of device does have the potential to help in some
circumstances away from home, it leaves you at greatest risk within your
home where you are the most vulnerable of going undetected in an
emergency!
Yet, the most frightening part to us is how our seniors are
falling prey to the heavy television advertising and sales pitches being
made at senior centers, and never reading the fine print.
There has never been a news story of seniors falling
in the grocery store and going undetected for hours, but far too many
have suffered and died needlessly within their own homes.
Being the
newest technology does not make something the safest or best.
If you
feel very strongly that you need a mobile emergency device, please call us to discuss this. There is
one we could recommend that is available from major chain store pharmacies,
starting at only $15 a month, but it should be used away from home in addition to, but never as a substitute
for, your home based emergency system. It is simply not worth the risk!
One day mobile technology will be more accurate and assistive but today
is not yet that day. Please don't risk your life on this!
.