The visit from the medical alarm rep…

Well, I am now finding myself on the other side of a conversation and that is interesting. I hear what people are saying to me and hear the echo of my own voice in what they are saying. Today we were visited by the rep from one of the alarm companies who I worked with a lot when I was a Social Worker.

The rep talked through options for the alarm and extolled the virtues of them all. I was pleased to have my husband there as I couldn’t have remembered all that she said. The following is a rough guide to what we discussed.

• First of all you need to identify whether you need an alarm or not. Your GP will have the documents that are needed. If not, they are easily downloaded from the website. Look up Ministry of Social Development then look up Disability alarm medical alarm assessment form. You will also need to apply for a Disability Allowance with a Disability Allowance application. You will also need a Disability Allowance Medical Certificate completed and signed by your GP.
• The rep I use came to my house. Excellent service as I can’t drive at the moment. My husband was present and hopefully he is up with things for when she comes next week to install alarms.
• The medical alarm includes a GPS tracker. So, my husband will know what shops I am shopping in! Well, actually it will be able to be accessed in the community anywhere, not just in a perimeter round our home. So, no matter where I go if I have any kind of event I will be able to summon help.
• The medical alarm also links to the police, security services and fire as well as the usual ambulance.

I won’t go on about the features any more as all alarm companies have different products to suit the needs of each individual.

Next week she returns and brings with her all the paraphernalia needed to set up the medical alarm. With my husband working shift work and often early starts and working through the night, it is good to know if I think a prowler is outside. I’m certainly not going to check for myself.

The challenge will be wearing it.

I promise not to leave it on my nightstand and to endeavour to wear it.

It’s not a very pretty piece of kit. Shame it can’t be made to look like a nice necklace. Then it might appeal more and therefore people might be more inclined to wear it.

Here’s hoping I never need it.

But if I do, I swear I will push that button!