With age, safety becomes more important as a simple fall or sudden health problem can quickly become an emergency. In these moments, getting help fast can make all the difference.
That’s why medical alert systems are so helpful.
They enable an immediate request for assistance with a single button press. Whether at home or outside, they connect to emergency services right away. For seniors, this means they can live independently without worry. For family members, it brings peace of mind knowing their loved one is always protected.
But with all these choices, choosing a proper system can become confusing. Do you opt for one at home, a mobile one, or both? Do you need fall detection? What about additional charges?
The following guide will make it simple for you. It will break down the types of medical alert systems and their capabilities. You will also know how to make a selection for your needs.
What Are Medical Alert Systems?
Medical alert systems are devices that function to allow seniors to summon help during an emergency.
Most medical alert systems have a pendant and a wrist strap, and with a mere press of a button, they can summon medical operators and even contacts for immediate medical care. So, whether it’s a fall, a medical problem, or any form of immediate medical care, medical alert systems become a lifeline between a senior and a medical professional.
Furthermore, medical alert systems have become more advanced, with many providing fall detection, GPS tracking, and even medical monitoring.
All these advancements not only add to the efficiency of the system but also enable seniors to have independence with added confidence in security in daily life.
However, when buying a medical alert system, ensure you choose a reputable local supplier, as they are easily accessible and offer you quality products and services. For example, if you reside in Canada, you should get the best medical alert system available in Canada.
Types of Medical Alert Systems
The following are the three major types of medical alert systems tailored to different lifestyles and needs;
1. In-Home Medical Alert Systems
In-home medical alert systems are for seniors who spend most of their lives at home. These systems have a base unit and a medical alert button, and both use a landline and a cellular network. After a button is pressed, a base unit will contact a monitoring center and, in an emergency, can even call medical professionals and family members.
Furthermore, most in-home medical alert systems have a range of additional options, such as two-way voice, with direct conversations with operators.
2. Mobile Medical Alert Systems
Mobile medical alert systems enable a high degree of independence for active seniors who roam in communities. Besides, most mobile medical alert systems have a wearable form, such as a smartwatch or a pendant, with a feature for cellular connectivity or GPS function.
Therefore, users can then call for assistance anywhere, for instance, when out in public, in a state of chores, in a park, or even when abroad.
3. Fall Detection Medical Alert Systems
The fall detection medical alert systems are equipped with sensors that can detect a fall and have sensors incorporated in them. Hence, such fall detection systems work best for seniors with health conditions and mobility issues.
Consequently, if a fall is detected, an alert will go out to the monitor center automatically, and even when a senior cannot press a button for an alarm, assistance will be sent out.
How to Choose the Right Medical Alert System?
Choosing an ideal medical alert system involves a careful consideration of a variety of factors. Here are some essential steps to guide your decision-making process.
1. Assess Lifestyle Needs
The first step when choosing a medical alert system is to assess the individual’s lifestyle.
Ask yourself, is the individual a homebody and spends most of their days at home, or is an active individual? For a homebody, an in-home system can function well.
Active seniors, in contrast, can utilize mobile systems that allow them added freedom and security when venturing out and about.
2. Compare System Types
Once life needs have been calculated, compare medical alert system types. There are certain capabilities and benefits for each system, and preference must be considered when choosing one.
Some seniors will prefer an in-home system for convenience, while others will enjoy a mobile alert system for its independence. Yet, others will enjoy an added security feature with fall detection technology.
3. Check For a Hidden Fee
Before one enters into a medical alert system, one will have to review a pricing model. There will be additional, unbudgeted costs, such as activation, monthly subscription, and termination, with some companies.
Having a complete picture of one’s cost of ownership will enable one to budget and not have any unbudgeted expenses in the future.
4. Test Customer Support
Good customer service is paramount for any medical alert system. Ensure your service provider offers 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service in case an emergency happens at any part of the day.
Observe their responsiveness first, even with a simple query, before purchasing. Customer-support-priority providers can assure one peace of mind in knowing one can have access to service when one requires it.
Wrapping Up
Medical alert systems are effective tools that enable seniors to maintain independence with increased security and peace of mind.
Therefore, by understanding medical alert types and thoughtful consideration of life needs, one can select an effective medical alert system that promotes peace of mind for seniors. Furthermore, with a proper medical alert system, seniors can move confidently in daily life, knowing immediate care is at their fingertips, a button press away.
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