Best Caregiver Pager Systems

How caregiver pagers work

When ordering a caregiver pager set, you are presented one or more call buttons for the patient and an alarm for the caregiver. By holding the call button for a few second, it pairs up the signal with the remote pager. Once done a constant connection is created. The caller is lightweight and small enough to be worn on the wrist or around the neck. The activation doesn’t demand much from the patient, since help is literally one button push away. However, on the side of the caregiver the alarm either starts blinking or plays a loud tune (or sometimes both). The visual alarm is great for getting the message through without a loud noise. In most cases up to three callers can be paired up with a single pager, so more than one patient can be monitored at the same time. Caregiver pagers have a range around 150-500 feet to cover a whole house, and the signal is usually strong enough to penetrate the walls so – even if the patient lives next door – the alarm can be still activated.

Caregiver pagers vs medical alert systems

Some people see caregiver pagers as cheaper alternative versions of medical alert systems, but it must be noted that the two boast different strengths. Both of them present the patient a simple wearable button capable of sending a quick emergency signal. In case of the pager, the one who receives the call is the caregiver, while medical alert base stations forward the message to a monitoring center. The professional monitoring agent is then tasked to help the patient either by dispatching the ambulance or by notifying the caregiver or a family member via their contact number.

The pager system is simple and quick, but fully depends on the elderly’s ability to call for help whereas medical alert buttons feature fall detection sensors that instantly trigger an alert when the elderly falls. Medical alert companies charge a monthly fee for their service, but in exchange their monitoring staff is trained to act in a professional manner in every emergency situation. From their monitoring center they have a direct connection with emergency services, and while help is underway they send through the patient’s medical information so that emergency personnel is aware of any conditions the person has.

Striving for living independently

Despite being relatively cheap with no service fee, caregiver pagers simply can’t hold the candle feature-wise when compared to medical alert systems. For example, medical alert help buttons are waterproof, and are often fitted with fall detection technology. The base station connects to the power outlet, while the button lasts for months without a battery change. It also allows two-way communication with the monitoring center. Pagers aren’t walkie-talkies to speak through, and operate via AAA batteries, which need to be changed every month or so. Still, a caregiver pager is a great addition even if you already own a medical alert system, since the two complement each other well. The patient pushes the pager button when they need a favor and press the medical alert button during an emergency. This way they are protected by a double safety net.