Medical alert systems are an essential component in the life of any vulnerable adult who lives alone, as well as anyone who wants a little more security and peace of mind in their own home. These devices are available from a number of different companies and come with a multitude of features.
In this guide, we'll show you how medical alert systems work and give you a rundown on their features, costs, and everything else you need to know.
How do Medical Alert Systems Work?
Medical alert systems typically consist of a base unit and a help button. The base unit connects to an operations center via a mobile or landline connection, while the button sends a signal to the base unit.
The user wears the button around their neck or their wrist and, in the event of an accident, injury, or health crisis, they simply need to press the button and call for help.
Depending on the type of system and service, the button will either call someone on a preset list, including family members, caregivers, and the emergency services, or connect the user to an operator that can assist them further.
What do Medical Alert Systems Include?
Medical alert systems can include a number of different features and accessories, all of which are geared toward keeping you or your loved ones safe inside and outside your home. These features and accessories include:
Wearable Help Buttons
The wearable help button, as noted above, is a simple device designed to be worn at all times. It is often waterproof and comes with extended battery life, allowing the user to take it with them wherever they go, including the shower. They simply need to press the button when they are in trouble and they will get the help that they need.
Wall-Mounted Help Buttons
A wall-mounted button can be fitted inside a shower or next to a bath. Placing these buttons in such high-risk areas gives the user some peace of mind when they are at risk of slipping and injuring themselves.
Automatic Fall Detection
In the last few years, accelerometers have been added to wearable help buttons to provide automatic fall detection. This technology detects when the user has fallen and triggers an alert. It's the same technology used in smartphones and smartwatches and has been used to great effect, although it often costs between $5 and $10 extra per month to have fall detection installed.
GPS Technology
With GPS technology, vulnerable people can be tracked whenever they wander off. It's a major issue for patients with dementia and one that a GPS medical alert will negate.
Notifications and Alerts
Notifications and alerts can be added to some medical alert systems to tell the user when it is time to take their medication or attend an appointment. It's a useful feature for anyone suffering from memory impairment.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Some units even detect smoke and carbon monoxide, providing an all-in-one home safety solution! These features are becoming increasingly common as brands compete with each other.
Summary: Medical Alert Systems
As you can see, medical alert systems are not only useful, but they can also be lifesaving. There are over 36 million falls involving elderly seniors every year in the United States, and these lead to hundreds of thousands of serious injuries and thousands of deaths.
A medical alert system could turn a potentially severe disability into a recoverable injury. They can greatly reduce pain and suffering for a low price of around $30 a month!