How does a medical alert device work alongside Manitoba Home Care?

Manitoba's Home Care program is one of the country's most respected, providing coordinated in-home support to thousands of Manitobans. But even with daily or twice-daily Home Care visits, there are hours - often overnight - when a senior is alone and a medical emergency could occur without anyone to help.

A medical alert device fills exactly this gap. It provides 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week emergency monitoring between Home Care visits. When something happens - a fall, a medical episode, sudden confusion - pressing the button or triggering automatic fall detection connects the senior directly to a trained monitoring agent within 30 to 60 seconds.

How they work together in practice: A Home Care coordinator assesses a client and identifies fall risk or the need for emergency support. They may recommend a personal emergency response system as a safety measure between visits. The client or their family arranges and funds the device independently (Home Care does not typically supply devices directly, though exceptions exist). The Home Care team is sometimes listed as an emergency contact, so they can be alerted alongside family members when an activation occurs.

What to tell your Home Care coordinator: If you are a Home Care client and do not yet have a medical alert device, raise it at your next assessment. Ask specifically whether a device would be recommended given your current fall risk or health status. Your coordinator can often suggest local providers and may be aware of any available subsidies.

For family members arranging care: If your parent or loved one receives Manitoba Home Care, a medical alert device is the most practical way to extend their safety coverage around the clock. Many families set themselves as the primary emergency contact so they are notified immediately when an alert occurs - even before emergency services are dispatched, if the situation permits.

Device types for Home Care clients: For most Home Care clients who are primarily home-based, an in-home system (base station + wearable button) is sufficient and most affordable at around $29/month. For more active clients or those with larger properties, a GPS device is worth the additional cost.