How to Convince Parents to Wear a Medical Alert System

Discover the underlying reason

There are a number of factors that could cause your elderly parents to put their foot down as soon as the topic of getting a medical alert system is brought up, and their steadfast refusal to consider the benefits can be quite frustrating for worried family members. However, it is very important to try and see the issue from their point of view: why is mom or dad so unwilling?

Wearing an emergency button could make the elderly feel like they are losing their independence as though they can no longer be trusted to take care of themselves, when in fact the exact opposite is true. Alert systems are nothing but safety nets; they don’t prevent the wearer from doing what they want, whenever they want.

A great tactic to get your parents to see reason in this case is to emphasize that no one – yourself included – is exempt from danger either, especially if you have a job or a hobby that puts you at risk. Why not get an alert system yourself? You know how useful it can be, why not show your loved one by example? Some companies have recently started selling their own smartwatches, too, which are perfect for a tech-savvy younger generation.

Too much hassle

It might seem like a bit of a chore to remember that the button must be worn all the time. It can be easy to leave behind, especially for the forgetful elderly. Keep making reminders and get them into the habit of carrying it around; after a while taking the pendant along with them will come naturally, so there is no need to feel discouraged because of a bumpy beginning. Also, many providers offer free trials and if having an emergency button still doesn’t work out after a few months, you can always cancel. Some companies will even pay back any unused months.

Appearance

While most alert buttons today are pretty sleek, they definitely do not complement every wardrobe and some fashion-conscious seniors might refuse to consider wearing them on this principle alone. But there are ways to work around this issue, some safer and more effective than others. The quickest solution is of course to tuck the pendants and wristbands underneath clothing. However, this could be dangerous and counterproductive since the point of the buttons is for them to be constantly in easy reach and hiding them where access could be restricted after a fall is not wise.