When one has a senior in their home, it becomes paramount that they are taken care of. Seniors may also suffer from various other medical conditions like high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, etc. Many doctors advise seniors to use portable medical alert devices to monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, and other medical issues. 

Also utilizing a medical alert gadget might help them avoid serious falls.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 36 million falls among older individuals occur each year. Around 20% of these falls result in fractured bones, brain injuries, or severe damage. 

Seniors who use personal medical alert devices can rapidly notify authorities in the event of an accident or injury, such as a fall. According to a survey, wearable medical alert devices are already in the hands of over 3 million individuals.

Read on to learn more about medical alert devices and how they can be used for the safety of seniors.

What Is a Medical Alert Device for Seniors?

A medical alert device is a system that equips elders with a button to press in the event of an emergency. These devices can also signal the presence of hazards that may require urgent medical attention. The assistance device has a button and is typically worn as a pendant or bracelet. 

How Does a Medical Alert Device Work?

Medical alert systems are simple to operate, and happily, they all work in the same way. All that the senior needs to do are press the button. Within 30 seconds after pressing the medical alarm button, a call is routed to a family member, 911, or a professional monitoring center. The system’s base station or the button itself features a speaker and microphone.

Here are four easy steps a medical alter device works:

• Press the button during an emergency

• The button sends a signal to the emergency monitoring center 

• Next, an operator will connect with the senior and assess the situation and determine what type of help they need.

• Finally, after assessing the situation, the operator will send appropriate responders at once and stay on the call with the senior until the help arrives.

Why Do Seniors Need to Consider Medical Alert Devices?

A fall or medical emergency may rapidly turn disastrous for seniors who may live alone if they can’t reach the phone or obtain help promptly. Security, safety, comfort, and peace of mind may all be provided by alert systems.

How to Use Medical Alert Devices for the Safety of Seniors?

Listed below are how you can use medical alert devices for a senior’s safety:

• Pair it with a home security system to have a full view in case your elderly loved ones need any help.
• Connect with devices that allow families to access the system, through a monitoring app on a smartphone or computer.
• Most of the devices are wearable and can be comfortable and unobtrusive enough for daily use by seniors.

Features of Medical Alert Devices

A senior must have access to all of the necessary functions. Fortunately, today’s alert systems include excellent features that are simple to use. These characteristics are as follows:

• Help buttons that are water-resistant or waterproof
• Battery life that lasts a long time
• Communication in both ways
• GPS location services for tracking activities
• Optional fall detection 
• A super-fast response
• Long-distance coverage 
• Lifetime warranty for equipment

What Are the Benefits of Medical Alert Devices?

Medical alter devices have various benefits for you and your elderly loved ones. Listed below are some of the benefits of medical alert devices:

• Convenient and easy to use

Medical alert devices are often worn as pendants or bracelets, or in the form of a wristwatch. They’re less bulky or noticeable, and the subtle designs are meant to make them handier and less humiliating. They provide a rapid alternative to dialing a phone, remembering phone numbers, or punching many buttons.

• Helps Seniors with special conditions

Various medical alter devices have GPS trackers in them. These devices are especially valuable if a senior suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease and becomes disoriented without help nearby.

• Offer a variety of options 

Medical alert devices, which were formerly big and obtrusive, are now available in a variety of forms. Modern variants can be disguised as fitness or activity trackers, making them less noticeable. They can also feature GPS, which allows family and other loved ones to track wandering elders.

• Promotes independence 

Seniors are in control since they can activate the alarms when necessary. They can be free to wash, sleep, or work in the yard, knowing that assistance is only a button push away. Seniors may continue to live in their own homes while knowing they are safe.

• Get immediate assistance 

Medical alert devices are monitored around the clock and can summon family members or first responders when needed. You can obtain the help you want and need, even if it does not necessitate medical treatment.

• Installation is easy 

The majority of elder medical alert devices feature a main home unit that resembles an answering machine or smart speaker. They also have two-way speakers to communicate with the firms that monitor them. Most are ready to use as soon as a phone connection and power supply are connected.

• Helps monitor the living space 

Some systems additionally feature environmental sensors that will notify you of a fire or high levels of carbon monoxide. They may also automatically inform monitoring centers or first responders, depending on the system you pick.

• Provides peace of mind to loved ones

Knowing that their elderly loved ones are constantly monitored might help family members relax. Some systems may also SMS or email family members when certain events occur, such as the front door opening or other happenings.

Conclusion 

Medical alert devices are not a perfect solution, but they provide several advantages to many seniors who want to feel secure while living independently. Medical alert devices can provide peace of mind for seniors living alone and their loved ones. They’re worth considering and easy to use.

FAQs

What is the cost of medical alert devices for seniors? 

The cost of medical alert systems is mostly determined by the type of system you select for your seniors and the number of extra features you desire. Home-based systems normally cost $20 to $40 per month, however, mobile systems cost an additional $10 to $30 per month owing to mobile features like GPS tracking and cellular access.

What are the types of medical alert devices for seniors?

There are two types of medical alert devices available for seniors. They are in-home medical alert devices and mobile alert devices.

Do medical alert devices have GPS tracking features?

Yes, some of the medical alert devices come with GPS tracking features. These features are mostly available in mobile medical alert devices.