The health and safety of senior loved ones is important. Whether the senior in your life lives alone, with family, or in a care home, a medical alert system can give everyone peace of mind. Here’s what you should consider when choosing a medical alert system for seniors.

Types of Medical Alert Systems

There are medical alert systems that are designed solely for in-home use and others that can offer security for seniors who are on the go. What they all have in common is that they provide reassurance to people who are medically vulnerable, as well as their loved ones.

Many medical alert systems are wearable, either as a pendant, necklace, or wristband. Portable medical alert systems can be activated by pressing a button on the device. There are medical alert systems that can be placed along the walls and floors of living spaces to be pushed when help is needed. Your choice of system will depend on the senior’s lifestyle.

Features and Benefits

According to The Senior List, approximately 1 in 10 Americans ages 65 or older use medical alert systems. After age 75, these devices become even more popular. As technology advances, the features included with medical alert systems are growing. Again, the needs of each individual will depend on their lifestyle.

Some of the features that may come with medical alert devices include:

• Automatic fall detection: this feature can be especially important if a senior lives independently or in a home with stairs. Fall detection is built into many medical alert devices and will automatically detect falls either due to loss of balance or slipping and falling. When a fall is detected, the emergency contact list for the senior will be informed immediately. CBS News states that according to the CDC, approximately 36 million falls are reported by elderly Americans each year. 32,000 of those falls result in death.
• GPS locator: this feature allows you to locate your loved one if they have wandered off or taken a fall and you need to inform emergency services.
• Voice-activation: this alternative to wall buttons is more versatile. The user doesn’t have to be within reach in order to activate it.
• Medical monitoring: If your loved one has a medical condition, the device can be programmed to monitor vital signs and provide reminders when medication should be taken.

Monitored vs. Non-Monitored

Monitoring can be an important component when it comes to an individual’s medical alert device. A trained professional will be available to connect quickly when the emergency button is pressed. If the alert system package has a package that includes GPS, the staff will be able to call emergency services so they can be sent to help your loved one immediately.

To put your mind at ease, large medical alert service companies typically have two monitoring centers in the event of power outages or other issues that may hinder service.

With unmonitored systems, emergency services are not directly connected. When they arrive at the senior’s home, they may do so without important information about the situation and the senior’s unique needs.

Keep your senior loved one safe by providing them with a medical alert system that suits their personal needs, health concerns, and lifestyle.

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