As your elderly loved one age, it becomes paramount that more care, like medical alert devices, should be directed toward them. The first thing to do is ensure their health and safety.
So, choosing a medical alert system can be quite beneficial for you. Medical alert systems provide your senior loved ones with access to aid when they need it, are always available, are not obtrusive, and allow them to remain independent in their home for a little longer while providing you peace of mind while they are alone.
Are you looking for a medical alert device that might be the finest answer for your elderly loved one? While deciding on the finest medical alert device for your loved one, consider the user’s activity level, budget, house size, and health hazards.
It’s recommended you take your time and explore your options when you are starting the process. The finest medical alert devices are always flexible and can fit most lifestyles.
Read on to learn more about the medical alert device and things you should know before buying one for your senior loved ones.
What Exactly are Medical Alert Devices?
A medical alert device is an in-home or wearable electronic device that allows your senior loved ones to summon assistance if they fall, become confused, are hurt, or have a medical or healthcare emergency.
Rather than dialing 911, the medical alert device connects seniors to a 24-hour monitoring center staffed by care specialists who assess their status, notify their loved ones, and deploy emergency medical assistance to their houses if required.
What Are the Various Types of Medical Alert Devices?
There are two types of medical alert devices. They are as follows:
An in-home medical alert device
In-home medical alter devices are based on an electronic base unit that remains stationary and connects to an outlet.
If your senior loved ones have an emergency, they may press the assistance button on the base unit, which also features a speaker and microphone so they can interact directly with the monitoring center personnel.
On-the-go medical alert devices
These medical alert devices are also known as mobile devices. If your senior loved ones like going out and about, an on-the-go medical alert gadget can keep them safe in an emergency.
This device employs modern location-tracking technologies such as GPS and is available in many sizes and configurations.
They all have rechargeable batteries and a charging station that connects to a wall socket. They can take the shape of a wearable gadget and are often lighter and smaller in size than a cell phone.
What Are the Features of a Medical Alter Device?
Medical alter devices have various features to them. Listed below are some of the features of medical alert devices:
- Provide real-time 24/7 monitoring.
- Track activities with the help of GPS location services.
- Offers automatic fall detection options.
- The device and the help button are waterproof.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- An ultra-fast response.
- Covers a long distance.
Things to Know Before Buying a Medical Alert Device for Your Seniors
There is a wide variety of options available for your senior loved ones regarding medical alter devices. Listed below are a few questions that you can ask before buying a medical alert system.
Where will the device be installed?
First and foremost, you must choose where the system’s base unit will be located. This will not only help you prepare for the installation procedure, but it may also influence the device you select.
If your senior loved one spends at least 80% of the day at home and only departs for appointments and errands, they may benefit from a medical alert device with a base system.
This home base unit might be put in the living room or kitchen, which are often located in the center of the home, or the bedroom if your loved one spends most of their time there.
If your loved one is active and on the go, you may not require a gadget with a base station. Alternatively, you can utilize a GPS and Wi-Fi-enabled pendant or watch-style gadget.
What is the budget for a medical alert device?
With monitored medical alert devices, the cost is a significant concern. Some demand a one-time equipment price in addition to monthly monitoring fees ranging from $20 to $40 on average.
Some features may also be charged separately, while others may be included in the monthly fee. Choose the gadget you want to purchase based on your budget.
Will the Seniors wear the medical alert device?
Your loved one must commit to wearing a medical alert system for it to be successful. While the majority of medical alert companies provide pendants or watch-style choices, some seniors refuse to wear one. In such instances, a gadget with real-time monitoring via home sensors on the wall can be found.
Seniors with a history of falling and those with chronic diseases are more likely to use a medical alert device. Active seniors with no history of falling or chronic diseases, on the other hand, may avoid wearing a device and prefer to call 911 in an emergency.
Do your seniors need fall detection features or not?
The name implies it all: automatic fall detection. Using an accelerometer, it detects a sudden fall and instantly contacts the monitoring center.
The monitoring center will next attempt to communicate with the patient via the two-way speaker, and if no answer is received, emergency response professionals will be dispatched to the site.
However, many individuals who fall hit their heads and are knocked unconscious, or they fall because they black out, suffer a heart attack, stroke, or seizure, and are unable to click their rescue button.
In such cases, your elders require a method to call support without having to touch the help button themselves. This is where automated fall detection comes in.
How often should the medical alert device be tested?
Reliable medical alert device manufacturers have frequent testing cycles. The device’s communication with the monitoring center is part of the test.
For example, some businesses may test their devices monthly, while others may test them frequently. Your elderly loved ones can test their buttons to verify they work with any system or provider.
Check with the service provider how frequently the device is tested. It is also worthwhile to compare different medical alert systems so that you can choose which system is the greatest match for your seniors.
Related: 8 Tips on How to Take Care of Your Elderly Parents Properly
Last Verdict
For seniors who seek peace of mind and protection when at home or on the move, medical alert systems are a better option.
You must, however, check that your loved one’s device fulfills their requirements and preferences. When purchasing a medical alert system, do your homework on price, use, and safety.