It can be unsettling to think about what might happen if you’re home alone and a medical emergency occurs. If you find yourself in a predicament where you’re unable to reach a loved one for help or are experiencing difficulties in your at-home healthcare, technology may be a helpful tool. There are many smartphone apps and at-home medical alert systems that may be useful for those unpredictable situations and taking care of your health in general.
But you may be wondering, which product should I purchase? How do you know which is the best fit? When you search for “at-home medical alert systems”, there are several options available and due diligence is key when trying to find the best option for you or your loved ones. Below are some suggested steps for comparing these products:
Price
Consider the price of the device or see if any of the features of the app come with a cost. Determine your budget and how much can you afford to pay for the product, as most companies have fees associated with their products.
Features
Though each product is designed to accomplish similar goals, each comes with different options to choose from. Which features do you currently need? Do you want to be able to wear it in the shower? Do you want your medical device to run on batteries or to be charged? Do you need the device to just be for the home or have GPS tracking that can be used on the go? Do you want the device to be able to detect falls? Be sure to keep in mind that certain features you need may also influence the cost of the product.
For medical assistance apps, consider your health needs and what features can help you. Do you have physical troubles and need an app that orders your medicine for free delivery, as well as sorts it for you by date, dose, and time in pre-sorted pill packs? Or do you need an app to check in on your mental health with features that help you process times of stress and anxiety?
Set-up process
Always be sure to consider the set-up process of the product and its level of difficulty. Is it a simple plug and play? Or do you need to be tech-savvy to set it up and maintain it? Research the product website for the installation process. For apps, first ensure that the app is compatible with the phone you have. Second, how easy is it to use the app?
Customer Service
It is important that the seller of the product has a good customer service team. If an issue occurs and you need assistance with the product, how helpful is the customer service team? How responsive are they? How well have they handled previous customer’s problems? Use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as a resource to see issues that previous customers have had. The BBB provides information as to whether the issue was resolved or answered, so you can see how well their team dealt with the problem.
Read customer testimonials or reviews
If you are on the fence about purchasing a product, check credible news sources or other resources such as the BBB before purchasing. The BBB will tell you the average customer review rating and whether or not the business is accredited. Look to the product website for any additional reviews or testimonials. For the apps, check out their rating in the Apple Store and read customer reviews there. These resources should be able to provide you with a good idea of how well the products work and how responsive their customer service team is.
Don’t be afraid to do your research and find what’s best for you. Taking care of your health alone or virtually can seem daunting, but medical alert systems and health apps may be helpful resources for a medical emergency or situation.
Schultz Financial Group Inc. (SFG) is a wealth management firm located in Reno, NV. Our approach to wealth management is different from many other wealth managers, financial advisors, and financial planners. Our team of fee-only fiduciaries strives to help our clients build their wealth across four capitals: Financial Matters, Physical Well-being, Psychological Space, and Intellectual Engagement. We provide family office and wealth management services to clients located in Nevada, California, and other states. If you’d like more information, please check out our website or reach out to us via our contact page.