Learn about Monitoring and Reminder Services

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Monitoring and reminder services, plus new technologies like "smart devices," help individuals follow medication schedules, manage and report on their health, and get help in case of emergencies.

What are monitoring and reminder services?

A broad range of reminder services, "smart devices," and other tools help individuals manage their health, take medications on time, and record health information. For instance, emergency response or medical alarm systems like Lifeline enable users to contact 24-hour emergency assistance at the push of a button. Depending on the type of product or service one chooses, potential benefits include: reducing the burden of remembering medication schedules, early detection of side effects or clinical deterioration, immediate and personalized answers to health questions, and emotional support.

How do I find monitoring and reminder services?

GetCare.com has developed a sample list of monitoring and reminder services to give you an idea of the options that exist. GetCare.com does not endorse or recommend any of these services, but provides these links as examples only.

e-pill.com offers tools like watches, clocks, pill dispensers, beepers, and cell phones aimed at improving medication management. Some remind you to take your medicine, and others also dispense medication and record the event.

Health Buddy enables individuals to communicate with their doctors remotely. This device can be hooked up to other "smart" devices like those that measure blood pressure, glucose, and body temperature. Health Buddy sends this information to the client's physician, and he or she contacts the patient if follow-up is required.

LifeMasters® Online is an interactive health management system offering personal, confidential tools including: health lessons about your condition, health tracking, reminders, and emergency information.

ResponseLink offers medical alert systems, personal alarm systems, and medication reminders. Pushing a button on a base unit or pendant opens two-way communication with a ResponseLink representative, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How do I pay for monitoring and reminder services?

Individuals usually pay for these services themselves. You may also wish to check whether your health insurance or long term care insurance plan covers monitoring and reminder products or services.