How to talk with your parent about wearing a medical alert device

As our loved ones get older, we may find that they easily adopt changes to their lifestyle to stay independent and confident. They might buy more supportive tennis shoes, find new activities to enjoy, or even add safety improvements to their homes. But when it comes to investing in a medical alert device, many don't see this as a desirable change to their lifestyle. Oftentimes, the preconceived resistance to a medical alert device is so strong, that navigating these conversations with loved ones just adds stress for all involved.

At Silvertree, we understand that every family is unique, so we cannot outline a one-size-fits all approach to talking with your parents about wearing a medical alert device. That said, we wanted to share some tips that might help you leading up to and during the conversation. Most importantly, remember that you're working to reach a consensus with your loved ones; you are not trying to convince or force them to do what you think is best.

Five things to do BEFORE having the conversation

Put yourself in your loved one's shoes for a moment and think about how you would feel if you were having to make changes to your own lifestyle. More likely than not, it would be a little bit uncomfortable for you, so give your loved ones grace as they navigate this conversation. Before you talk to your loved ones about wearing a medical alert device, you need to prepare for the conversation. Taking these five steps will help prepare you to have a productive conversation and hopefully, reach a decision together.

• Remember that you are speaking with your parents

  Your parents are used to filling the nurturing role, so when you come to them to discuss this matter, it might catch them off guard if they feel like the roles are reversing. Ground yourself by remembering that your parents are still your parents, so you should treat them as such during your conversation.

• Practice active listening skills

  Instead of trying to figure out how your loved one feels, listen to how they feel! Your instincts may be to come back with a quick answer for every concern they raise. To avoid talking over your loved one during the conversation, try practicing your active listening skills. Pause before answering back, reiterate their concerns, and respond empathetically to share information. When you are prepared to be an active listener, the conversation will go more seamlessly.

• Understand their hesitation

  There are many reasons why older adults would want to wear a medical alert device. However, there are certainly valid reasons why older adults would be skeptical of wearing them, too. Enter the conversation with an understanding that their hesitance is completely normal. Also recognize that this is a very personal matter and everyone comes to the conversation with different preconceptions and concerns.

• Research the technology available

  Medical alert devices offer a wide range of features that can be used in emergency and non-emergency scenarios. For example, while these devices are popular for emergency alert features, they can also be used to keep families connected on a daily basis. For more information about the technology that powers Silvertree, visit this page.

  Learning about this technology ahead of time will prepare you to talk about how a medical alert device actually alleviates some of their concerns. Continue reading below for tips on how the technology today addresses some common concerns that we hear at Silvertree.

• Get recommendations from friends

  If your loved one knows that their friends have begun to utilize medical alert devices, they might be more likely to want one themselves. If you can, reach out to loved ones who have invested in medical alert devices and ask them to explain why it has impacted their lives for the better.

What to expect DURING the conversation

Once you begin talking with your loved one about getting a medical alert device, you should expect that they respond with their concerns and anxieties. You might be met with comments like these:

• “I feel embarrassed or weak wearing one.”

  Share a different perspective about wearing a medical alert device. Discuss how it shows your commitment to staying healthy and strong for the duration. Getting the help you need in a medical emergency will elongate your life, not make you weaker. Not to mention, these devices offer wellness features to continue encouraging strength and movement!

• “Medical alert devices are unattractive.”

  Medical alert devices, like Silvertree, don't need to be worn around the neck! Silvertree offers a discrete wrist-worn device, so it looks like a sleek and simple wristband. This modern design easily blends in with other wrist-worn devices, so no one will need to know exactly what they are wearing – unless they choose to tell them!

• “It is too expensive.”

  In response to this concern, explain that there are affordable options available, so you can find a medical alert device that meets your needs and your budget.

• “I don't want to burden 911.”

  Talk with your loved one about how you can all use this tech for more than just alerting 911. Features like Silvertree's Care Team experience keep families connected, no matter the distance.

  Plus, 911 expects false alarms. Learning about how your chosen device actually detects falls, what scenarios might cause a false alarm, and how to cancel an alarm with a click of a button, may help ease concern and allow your loved one to see how easy it is for them to be in control.

What to do AFTER the conversation

After the conversation, be sure to remind your loved one how much you care about them and their wellbeing. In addition, let them know that you will be there to talk to them if any concerns arise in the future.

Keep in mind, though, that the conversation might not go as planned the first time around, so you should be ready to follow up as necessary to reach a safety and peace of mind compromise. Be prepared and patient - it can sometimes take months after these initial conversations.

• Get a healthcare worker involved

  While friends and loved ones can be persuasive, sometimes, after speaking with their doctor or another healthcare provider, they'll be more inclined to wear a medical alert device. Hearing it from a trusted professional might be the thing that changes their minds.

• Come to a compromise

  If your loved one is still hesitant about wearing a medical alert device, come to a compromise that gets them wearing the device for part of the time. Ask them if they'll wear the device at high-risk times, like when they're alone or showering.

• Ask them to explain their position

  If your loved ones are strongly against wearing a medical alert device, ask them to further explain why they feel this way. This gives you more information about their hesitations, so that you can continue the conversation that meets them where they are and find a solution that is best for you both.

For your parent's safety, get Silvertree

Talking about getting a medical alert device is an emotional experience for you and your loved ones. Even if you think you did everything right during your conversation, your loved one may still be resistant. To help ease those concerns, introduce them to Silvertree and remind them that Martha Stewart wears hers daily (it's true!). Also, let them explore and reach out to us directly to learn more at support@silvertree.io.