Not too long ago, the most common way to alert a family member that you were in need of help was to ring a hand bell. There were also a few homes that had intercoms as part of their home security system. These intercom systems were hard wired from one room to another, often on a wall and not convenient to use from a bed or chair. Today there are many forms of call systems that can be used to notify someone that you need help. All you have to do is push a button!

Each call system has advantages and disadvantages. Some are strictly for emergencies, while others are best used for requesting something or having a brief conversation. The staff at Dynamic-Living.com has reviewed the alternatives and highlighted the important features of each. As you review the choices, think about what you really want to have happen when you press that button. It may be appropriate to have more than one call system close at hand.

Intercoms:

Intercoms are available that use your home's electric circuit to carry sound. They are called 'wireless' because they do not have a dedicated wire running from one unit to the next, they just plug into a wall outlet. Used as a two way intercom, it is possible for you to make requests without shouting and hear a clear response from the other person. If you select the room monitor function, you will be able to hear what is happening in the patient's room at all times, but lose the capability to have a two way conversation.

Transmitters and Receivers:

Using very simple radio signals, transmitters send a notice to a receiver. The receiver can respond with something very simple, such as a chime, or by performing a more sophisticated series of tasks. These are best used for alerting someone that help is required. This type of system comes in several variations.

Pagers: Just press the button on the transmitter and it sends a signal to a receiver that the caregiver has with them. Some receivers can be set to chime loudly while others vibrate. Vibrating receivers are particularly suited to caregivers with hearing loss or those in noisy environments. Pagers have various signal strengths and usually work from 100 to 300 feet away. When choosing which pager is best for you, consider the distances in your home and what kind of alert the caregiver will need. Transmitters come in different sizes, from small pendants to larger buttons that can be tapped with the side of your hand.

Emergency Autodialers: Similar to a pager, an emergency autodialer also has a button that is pressed. The signal instructs the autodialer to begin calling a pre-determined sequence of emergency telephone numbers. These phone numbers can be neighbors or friends or emergency personnel. Once the receiver determines that a live person has answered the telephone, a pre-recorded message is played, indicating the nature of the emergency, the name of the person wearing the transmitter and the address to respond to. When connected to a person, emergency autodialers often function as a speakerphone, allowing a two way conversation. Some autodialers are designed for this one task only, like the Telemergency Pro, while others can also be used as a full featured telephone, like the Telemergency ClearVoice Telephone.

Personal Emergency Response System: This call system is similar to the emergency autodialer, but connects you to a professional service rather than dialing a sequence of phone numbers. If you are alone at home and require emergency help, you can push the transmitter button on a bracelet, pendant or a larger button transmitter. A device connected to your phone calls a 24-hour monitoring center where an attendant will dispatch a designated neighbor, relative or emergency service. Unlike an autodialer, there is a monthly service charge because the personnel at the monitoring center are trained to handle emergency calls and will dispatch help any time of the day or night. Depending on the monitoring company, there may be additional services, like reminder calls for medications, social calls and check in routines. Most of these services have a speakerphone as part of the equipment so you can easily tell the attendant what you need.

Phones, Cell Phones and Two Way Radios:

These types of communication are fine for day to day requests, but probably not the best solution in the event of a fall.

Cell Phones: Cell phones offer a way to keep in touch over a greater distance, as well as downstairs in the kitchen. There are family plans that make phoning within certain cell phone numbers just about free. However, these phones have many more buttons to contend with unless your cell phone has voice recognition features.

Two Way Radios: Most two way radios require you to press and hold down a button to talk, but they work well within a half mile radius. If you need to keep in touch with someone in the garden or in the detached garage, this might be a good solution for you.

Extended Cordless Phone Handsets: A new type of cordless phone has been introduced over the past few years. A base station plugs directly into the phone line and handset extensions communicate wirelessly to the base station. Some of these have an intercom function that will allow you to speak from handset to handset.

There is no reason to be concerned about being isolated if you should require help or need a drink when you are unable to get it for yourself. These solutions can bring you peace of mind and keep you in touch with people who can help.

© Copyright 2007 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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