A Medical Alert System Might Save Your Senior’s Life
Are you concerned that your mom or dad might fall and not be able to call for help? Or what if they have a heart attack or other medical emergency and there’s no one around to call 911?
You probably want to consider a medical alert system, also called an emergency response system, or a senior medical alert. These are usually devices worn either around the neck or on the wrist that bring medical help at the touch of a button.
You may have heard of such systems as Bay Alarm Medical, MobileHelp, or Medical Guardian. These are all well-regarded systems, but there are others as well.
Smart Phone?
If you think your cell phone is enough, consider that the phone is often left on other surfaces, such as a counter or table, and may not be available when your senior falls.
And if you think that your Amazon Alexa or Google Home device will serve the purpose, these digital assistants might not have the features that you need. These two systems can dial landline and mobile phone numbers. But as of this writing neither can call 911, which medical alerts can do.
Medical Alert System Technologies
Medical alert systems can work as they have done traditionally, with a landline. Others will work on their own cellular network, which is handy for those who don’t have a landline. These networks are separate from that of your cell phone.
The cellular systems operate with GPS technology and thus are helpful for active seniors who leave the home and get lost.
Monitored Vs. Non-monitored System
What do you want to happen when you press the call button? With a monitored system, when you press the button it will be answered by a 24/7 dispatching center. But with a non-monitored system, when you press the alert button, the device dials a friend or family member whom you have chosen.
These products can often be set up to call more than one person and to contact emergency services if you don’t get an answer from someone on your list.
Prices for these systems vary. A monitored system will have a cost for the device as well as a monthly fee. A non-monitored system can often be purchased for only the cost of the device. Monitored systems can also have other fees, such as an activation fee and a contract for a period of time.
Fall Detection
Modern technology has come to the point where a safety device can detect falls. The makers of these devices say they will automatically contact a dispatch center when you fall, just as if you had pressed the call button.
But the technology hasn’t been perfected at this point. It might be triggered if you drop the device, or if you stagger but don’t hit the floor, according to the Consumer Report article, “How to Choose a Medical Alert System.” There will be an additional fee for fall detection that might be $15 or less per month.
Home Care
While medical alert systems are good for many seniors, those who have known to have fallen might be also helped with in-home care service. Services such as those of Destiny Senior Care can provide a caregiver four or more hours per day, or even on a 24/7 basis.
To find out if Destiny Senior Care can meet your needs, call us at the number at the top of this page, or fill out the form on our contact page, or click here to set up a phone appointment.
