A medical alert system can help you or a loved one in numerous ways. It is a simple system that monitors, protects, and provides assistance in a time of need. Take a look at all of the things that these devices can monitor:
Trips and Falls
The main benefit of medical alert systems is that they provide assistance following a trip or fall. The user can press a button to call for help and if they opt for a fall detection feature, it will automatically detect the fall.
Every year, there are over 36 million falls involving elderly adults and many of these result in serious injuries or death. Medical alert systems won't prevent them, but they will hasten the speed at which the patient gets help.
A Health Crisis
It's not only about trips and falls. Medical alert systems can also help in the event that the wearer suffers from a serious cardiac episode, illness, or another medical problem. If they don't have access to a phone or can't reach it in time, a medical alert system could save their life.
Wandering Dementia Sufferers
It is estimated that 6 out of every 10 dementia sufferers will wander away at one point, and many of them will do so multiple times. It's a serious concern for their caregivers and loved ones, and it's something that a mobile alert system and GPS locator can help with.
With one of these features, the wearer will be tracked to their exact location, allowing the emergency responders or family members to get there quickly and before they can get into trouble.
Medication Notifications
You don't need to suffer from dementia to be forgetful. Everyone struggles to remember appointments and medication doses on occasion, and age could exacerbate these symptoms. Many advanced alert systems include notifications and alerts to prevent crucial doses and appointments from being missed.
Fires and Carbon Monoxide
Some medical alert systems come fitted with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, two essential pieces of equipment that should be in everyone's home. With one of these systems installed, you'll get the added protection that you need and will be warned in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.
Will Phones and Smart Speakers Work in the Same Way?
One of the criticisms of medical alert systems is that they are rendered redundant by smartphones. After all, if you have a smartphone in your possession at all times, you can simply dial a family member, loved one, or emergency services when you need help.
It's true, but there are some problems with this viewpoint.
First, medical alert systems cost around $30 a month on average and many of them don't have initial setup costs. A smartphone, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,200. Additionally, a phone can break, the cheaper ones are not waterproof, and if you're having a heart attack or have suffered a serious fall, it's much easier to push a button than it is to unlock a phone and dial a number.
Smart speakers are a more viable option, but even they have their problems. They are fairly cheap, but if you want complete cover, you will need to place them in every room of your home, make sure they remain connected at all times, and deal with the frustration that comes from not being understood when you’re shouting for help.
Imagine the irritation of trying to tell Alexa to call for help when you're in agony on the floor and she keeps playing The Beatles instead of helping you.
There are alternatives that can complement a medical alert system, but as these alternatives often cost the same (or more) and don't provide the same level of assistance, it's best to stick with an actual medical alert system.