A life alert system is only as good as it can work when you seriously need it. If you’re living alone, caring for an elderly parent or relative, or just want peace of mind, it’s important to be sure your life alert device is in working order.
After all, these devices are designed to connect you with emergency help in seconds! But also, like any technology, they require some testing now and again to ensure they’ll be there when a real emergency happens.
Luckily, testing your life alert device in countries like Canada is easy and fast. You don’t need to have any technical know-how; with a simple test, you can verify that your system is connected, the battery is complete, and that the device is functioning as expected, should you need assistance.
Here is a step-by-step guide on testing your life alert device to ensure safety is always in good hands.
1. Confirm Your Life Alert System Is Properly Connected
The first step to testing any life alert device is ensuring it is properly set up and ready to respond. Depending on whether you are using an in-home or mobile system, you may need to check the connection.
Here’s a list of what you need to do:
- Check if the base unit is plugged in and the power light is solid.
- Check if your life alert pendant or wristband is within range of the base station, if you have an in-home system.
- Ensure your mobile device is turned on and charged.
Once you have that done, verify if the help button on your system functions. Push it. Give it a second or two, and you should hear it dialing and then the monitoring station on the other end.
Assuming they answer, you can respond, “This is a test.” Get them to assure you all is ok, and hang up. That will confirm that you’re indeed reaching out to a local monitoring station and that your system is functioning when using the help button.
Nevertheless, even before this, it is necessary to buy a quality life alert device that has services in your area to ensure a swift response in an emergency. For example, if you reside in Canada, you need to opt for the best life alert in Canada, which has an effective emergency response system for Canada.
2. Test the Fall Detection Feature (If Included)
Most life alert systems have fall detection capabilities, a smart safety feature that doesn’t require pressing a button to send for help. Instead, the device senses a fall and connects you to the monitoring team.
Since this feature could save your life in a situation where you’re unable to speak or move, testing it is just as important as testing the main alert button. To get started:
- Hold the fall detection pendant at chest height and gently drop it on a soft surface like a bed or sofa.
- Allow time for the fall detection feature to detect the “fall” and call the monitoring centre.
- If a call is placed, speak with the operator and inform them you are testing.
Remember, fall detection is not motion-activated and won’t go off with every motion because of the sensors. It might not activate every time due to angle or impact, but one or two successful monthly tests should give you peace of mind that the feature is active and functional.
3. Verify Range and Signal Strength Inside Your Home
If you have an in-home life alert system, ensure the signal from your wearable help button can reach the base station from every part of your living space. You don’t want to discover a dead zone during an actual emergency.
Start by correctly putting on the medical alert pendant or wristband. Try walking into different rooms in your house, such as the bedroom, bathroom, garage, backyard, basement, etc. Press the help button in each spot to see if it transmits a signal to the monitoring center.
If the signal indeed reaches the operator, confirm to them it is a range test on your device, and nothing serious. Follow up by marking any specific zones in your house where the signal doesn’t come through.
You can get in touch with support and have them move the base station or try another system. Signal tests are usually quick but necessary tests that ascertain whether your entire home is protected, considering emergencies can occur anywhere.
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4. Check Battery Life and Charging Routines
Life alert systems are designed to be always on and available, but they need battery life like any other electronic device. It’s an easy test but an important one.
For in-home systems, ensure the base station is always plugged in. Start by plugging in the transformer directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord. Confirm the outlet works by plugging in another electronic device, like a night light.
If you have a mobile life alert, then look at the battery indicator. Most have a light or screen that shows how much charge is left. Charge the device completely, then see how long it takes before charging it again. This will give you an idea of how long the battery will last.
Final Thoughts
One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe and independent is to test your life alert device. You’re in better control of your health and safety by testing your device’s help button, fall detection features, battery life, and the range coverage within your home.
Whether you have a mobile or an in-home system, checking it regularly will ensure everything is working properly and that you are completely confident help is just a button push away.
