What Are the Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors?
In some of my previous pieces, I have talked about wearable technology and GPS tracking devices that can be a big benefit for watching your health to tracking a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. What about medical alert systems for seniors though? What are they and is there a reason why you might want to use one?
In short, yes there are many reasons. Medical alert systems for seniors can be beneficial for not only seniors but for anyone, and here is why.
What is a Medical Alert System?
Just as the name suggests, a medical alert system will alert emergency services when you have had something happen that requires medical assistance. They come in the form of small wearable technology that has a button on it. If something happens and you require assistance, then you can press the button on your device to call for help.
In the case of falls, some medical alert systems can detect when you have a fall and contact emergency assistance for you. Like I said above, this can beneficial not only for seniors but for people who also live on their own.
If you are still wondering why, I will elaborate with a story. I have a friend who lives on their own who was recently trying to fix some blinds in their house while standing on a chair. They lost their balance and fell to the ground, injuring their back. When they recalled this story to me, they said that they could not help but think “what if I’m seriously hurt and can’t get up to call someone for help?”
That is always a huge concern when you live on your own. What if something happens to me and I cannot call for help? As we age, the risk of having a fall or a medical emergency increases greatly and it is for these reasons that it is a good idea to consider purchasing a medical alert system.
The medical alert system usually uses special equipment so it can be connected to a telephone jack in your home. When you press the button for help, it will connect you to an operator who can speak with you about your situation. If you are unable to speak, they will determine the situation and send a caregiver or emergency services to help you.
The Pros and the Cons of Medical Alert Systems
There are a lot of pros to using a medical alert system and not a lot of cons. Some of the positives are that it can allow you to continue living an independent lifestyle. If you live on your own and your relatives are concerned for your well-being, a medical alert system can help to quell their concerns.
Not only that but it will give all of you peace of mind. By using one, you do not have to be concerned that you will be left helpless if you do happen to have a medical emergency while on your own. They can give you complete freedom to live your life and continue to take part in the activities you love doing.
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On top of this, they offer you the benefit of having full coverage 24/7. All you have to do is push the button and help will be on the way.
Of course, there are always cons to anything. As Medical Alert Advice indicates, not all medical alert systems can detect a fall and automatically request help on your behalf. If your medical alert system does not have this capability and you are unable to press the button, you are left without help.
You are also relying on the battery of the device to be able to use it. Some devices come with long-life batteries while others require charging. This means that you have to remember to check the battery life. This brings us to another con; their effectiveness is wholly dependent on the user. You have to remember to wear your device, pay for the service, and test it out.
With all of that said, some alert systems are the cream of the crop specifically because they take all of the pros and cons into consideration.
The Best Medical Alert Systems
When choosing your medical alert system there are a few things that you should consider. First of all, do you have a landline, or will you be using it with your mobile phone? Are you good with technology and want tons of features, or would you prefer something more basic and easy to use? How much money do you have to spend on the system? Do you require a system that is monitored by medical professionals?
Once you know the answers to these questions, then it is time to look at what system is best for you. Here are some of the best companies out there:
MobileHelp
MobileHelp was the first company to offer a mobile medical alert system. Their products are great for people who do not have a landline and want something very simple to use. The MobileHelp classic comes with a base and a waterproof help button that can be taken in the shower, a place where most falls happen. The fall button also has automatic fall detection.
Aloe Care Health
This is probably the best system if you have a caregiver who cannot be with you at all times. It has a voice-activated smart hub that you do not have to wear to use, although it does come with a button. It also comes with a free caregiver app so that they can be notified if you need help. Finally, it also comes with a mobile companion that has automatic fall detection.
Bay Alarm Medical
This is the number one rated medical alert system in America. They offer the most reliable and U.S.-based medical alarm emergency call centers. Their products can be bundled, and the emergency button has a five-year battery life with automatic fall detection.
Medical Care Alert
Finally, this company offers 24/7 monitoring by EMT/EMD-certified operators who are in the U.S. Their products can be used on a landline or cellular devices with Home, Home and Yard, or Home and Away options. They also offer location tracking and automatic fall detection on their products.
In Conclusion
As a senior, the investment in a medical alert system can really be worth it. Especially, if you want to maintain your independence while knowing that you will still be safe at home.