Senior News Line: Monitoring devices key

My neighbor wanted to know: If she gets one of those alert pendants for her mother, the kind you wear in case you fall or need assistance, how do the emergency people get in if the front door is locked?

Good question.

You know what I’m talking about: Years ago there was a not-funny television commercial with a woman on the floor saying, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” She had an alert gadget on a chain around her neck that put her in instant contact with emergency response personnel who would then send someone to help her.

I can see where knowing you can have instant emergency contact with another human can be of great value and offer some peace of mind: If you’re on a walker or cane, if you live alone, if you’ve recently gotten out of the hospital and are still a bit shaky, if your vision isn’t what it used to be, or if you live with family members who are afraid to leave you alone for fear of falls.

If you’re thinking about getting one of these services, look for a month-to-month plan instead of signing a long-term contract. You’ll likely pay a setup fee, and then make monthly payments for as long as you want the service. Don’t forget to ask about a money-back guarantee so you can try it out, battery backup and a warranty on the device itself.

And the answer about how emergency personnel get in if the front door is locked: The alert monitoring company puts a lockbox at the front door with a key inside, like real estate agents use. They only give the code to the EMT personnel or police, who can then get in without breaking the door down.