Health, whether physical, mental, or emotional, requires undivided attention. It is all the more essential in the case of senior citizens. It can take an unpredictable nosedive at any time. Hence, immediate response and timely assistance are crucial in such situations.
But keeping a vigilant eye open round the clock is practically impossible. So, here comes the need for a comprehensive and real-time solution – medical alert systems.
These advanced devices ensure instant assistance, especially for senior citizens and aged family members. Upon activation, these systems immediately connect to emergency help and medical aid dispatchers.
However, if you want to learn more about medical alert systems, keep reading this guide.
Types of Medical Alert Systems
With technological advancement and the need for easy access, various medical alert systems are available. They are mainly classified into the following.
- Monitored Medical Alert System
These systems usually work through button-based activation. Upon pressing a button, the monitoring center is notified of immediate assistance.
Thus, with its help, you can easily explain the situation to the operator on the other side. Furthermore, it will enable them to gauge the gravity of the incident and provide the required help.
In cases where the presence of a family member or friend is needed, the monitoring center will inform them too.
You can find this type of system on this webpage along with the monthly costs for monitoring.
- Unmonitored Medical Alert System
Activation is button-based in unmonitored medical alert systems too. However, upon pushing the button, it calls your emergency contacts, whether your family, friends, or neighbors; if not, an alert is sent to 911.
Thus, your emergency contacts must be integrated into the system in advance.
Lesser features are offered here, as compared to monitored medical alert systems. As a result, their subscription fee is either too less or non-existent.
Factors to Consider While Selecting a Medical Alert System
While selecting a medical alert system, various aspects must be considered to ensure that a suitable device with the right features is chosen. Some of them are as follows.
- Users of the System
Medical alert systems can be set up in households for many reasons.
Though most commonly used for aged parents or family members, it may also be used for others who require constant care and monitoring.
In any case, the system should be easily operable and accessible to such people.
- Installation Process
Depending on the system chosen, get a rough idea about the installation process. The more advanced the system, the more intricate the setup process.
So, ensure you have prior knowledge of how to go about it. If not, seek assistance from the service provider’s personnel or other professionals.
- Place of Installation of the System
When installing a medical alert system, it has to be at an easily approachable spot in the house.
If the person is homebound for the most part, the living room or kitchen would be the right area. If on bed rest, the bedroom would be the best choice. However, watch or necklace-style alert devices can be chosen in any other case.
- System Attributes
Numerous alert systems are now readily available with tech-savvy features. So not only will it provide medical aid on the go, but it will also keep your family apprised.
Medical alert devices now come with technological features like GPS, WiFi-sync, and fall detection. Some can even be paired with the home security system.
Benefits of a Medical Alert System
Medical alert systems, in all forms, have manifold benefits. The following are some of the advantages of using these systems.
- Renders Speedy Medical Assistance
Every second counts the time of essence when it comes to tendering to health issues.
So, these medical alert systems send rapid information to emergency responders, monitoring agencies, and families. Also, medical help can be sought expeditiously through them.
- Makes You Stress-Free
Many of us often worry about the well-being and overall health of our senior parents and loved ones. There is a constant fear at the back of our minds about catering to their health issues and ailments if any.
So, with these alert systems intimating any issues instantly, fret no more!
- Acts as a Reminder
Modern medical alert systems have been upgraded beyond just alerts to agencies. They also provide reminders for taking medication and doing exercise as prescribed.
In addition, some also provide fire and smoke hazard alerts, making the environment safer for your loved ones.
Common Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems are now offered by a wide range of service providers, with impressive features and other add-ons. The most common ones are as follows.
- In-Home Medical Alert Systems
These are the most popular types of alert systems. It consists of a wall button, a portable device, and a base station.
The portable device is usually a wristband or a pendant that one can keep on their person. It is suitable for homebound people since the device works only if it’s near the base station.
Here, the base station acts as a speaker for clear communication.
- Mobile-Based Alert Systems
These alert systems are for those people who are on the go. Portable by nature, they come with wearable devices too.
These devices have a built-in microphone and speaker, making communication possible from anywhere. GPS is used to track the location via the service provider’s app.
Thus, compared to traditional home-based medical alert systems with a limited communication range, these systems tend to be more beneficial.
Conclusion
The groundwork of happiness is health. And medical alert systems provide security to your older family members and loved ones. So, with constant protection, you can now lead peaceful lives.