Although medical alert systems have been around for decades, you may not know how valuable they are to older adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of every four (25%) seniors fall every year. Twenty percent of those falls are severe, resulting in head trauma, broken bones, or similar injuries. Once an older adult falls, their chances double of experiencing another fall in the future.
Unfortunately, falls can’t be prevented entirely. Therefore, the senior who’s fallen must receive immediate help when a fall happens. Medical alert systems are invaluable for older adults when a fall occurs.
And medical alert systems don’t only benefit someone who has fallen. These systems are also vital for people with potentially dangerous or life-threatening medical conditions—every second counts for someone in distress.
What Is a Medical Alert System?
Sometimes referred to as “personal emergency response systems,” medical alert systems are wearable devices that seniors use to quickly get help if they fall or are experiencing another type of medical emergency. There are two basic types of systems: in-home units and mobile units.
In-home units provide emergency protection within a limited range of your home and yard. They include a stationary base and a wearable component.
The stationary base contains a speakerphone that allows someone to speak with an operator at the monitoring center.
The wearable component is a small button that is typically worn around the neck or wrist. When the button is pushed, it notifies the stationary base that help is needed. If the senior can’t communicate with the operator for any reason, the operator will set their emergency plan into action. This plan can include calling loved ones or sending EMS to their address.
Mobile units provide older adults with access to emergency help anywhere there is cell service. These units connect directly with the monitoring center. GPS notify family or operators of the senior’s exact location if there is an emergency. Mobile units don’t require any extra fees as the monthly fee includes the cell service.
Mobile units are valuable to seniors who are out and about and want to have the security of knowing that they’ll be able to get assistance when needed wherever they are.
A good example of a medical alert system is peace of mind knowing that help is just the push of a button away. They will install a system with a stationary base unit within a day and market that there are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts.
A family physician can recommend several systems you can choose from, and many systems are reviewed online.
Assisting Hands Help Alert
Whether it results in an injury or not, any fall impacts a senior’s quality of life. Many aging adults have a fear of falling, which results in them limiting their activities and social engagements. The National Council on Aging has said that this fear can result in depression, social isolation, and further physical decline.
If you have questions about medical alert systems, feel free to contact us at Assisting Hands Home Care – Boston Northwest. We provide seniors living in Bedford, Winchester, and Concord Massachusetts professional in-home health care services allowing our clients to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. We’ve recommended our Assisting Hands Help Alert system to our clients for years, and we’ll be happy to share our experiences with you.
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