In recent years, various technological advancements have emerged to improve elderly care. Even if seniors are not placed in a care facility, there are innovations that can be tapped to improve the quality of their life, promote their best health, and make sure that someone is immediately available when help is needed. In the case of the latter, a medical alert system will surely be able to extend a helping hand.
What is a Medical Alert System?
Before anything else, let us first define what exactly is this system, which will be a precursor in understanding how it works and how it can benefit the elderly.
Basically, it is a system that allows seniors to ask for help with a touch of a button. This provides immediate attention to the elderly, making sure that any problem is addressed as soon as possible, especially if it is life-threatening.
For those who are on the lookout for some of the top options for medical alert systems, this article will help to evaluate some of the possibilities.
How Does a Medical Alert System Work?
While there are many options for a medical alert system, the truth is, they basically work in almost the same way. The aesthetics of the device may differ, but they follow the same principles to save the lives of the elderly.
1. When there is an emergency, the senior will push the alert button. In most products, the button is designed to be large enough so that it can be easily seen and pushed. It is also often positioned near the bed or in any other area where it can be easily accessed by the person asking for help.
2. Once the button is pushed, the transmitter sends a signal on the other end. Usually, there is an operator at the end of the line. The medical alert system can be connected to a customer support center where someone will be immediately available to learn more about the emergency.
3. In some kinds of alert systems, specifically those that are non-monitored, there are pre-programmed phone numbers that will be immediately called, including the family members.
4. An operator will speak to the senior at the base station. From here, the pertinent details will be retrieved. The severity of the situation will also be assessed.
5. The operator, on the other hand, will transmit the message to the concerned authorities, such as a hospital when medical attention or an ambulance is sought by the caller.
6. At this point, all that the patient needs to do is to wait and help will soon be on its way.
The Benefits of Having a Medical Alert System
A medical alert system is one of the perfect examples of technologies that can help the elderly who are living in isolation. Among others, the best benefit of this technology is speed or response. From the moment the button has been pushed, someone will be immediately available to assess the problem and to send help.
Affordability is another benefit of using a medical alert system. Buyers will be confronted with a plethora of options, each claiming to be the best. The competition has forced manufacturers to bring the price of their systems down. Good thing, there is no need to spend a fortune to enjoy such a service in emergency situations.
It is also known for delivering utmost simplicity. The setup can be completed in a snap. There is no need for technical expertise. Once the system has been installed, there is no need for further configurations. Best of all, it only takes a single push or tap of the button before the elderly can have access to the assistance that they seek.
Medical Alert System in the Form of a Bracelet
Not all systems will work in the same way. This will depend on the specific type that will be chosen. Among others, one of the most popular that exists is in the form of a bracelet. In one article from Forbes, it has been highlighted that falls are some of the leading cause of death of seniors in the U.S. With this, a bracelet medical alert system will be helpful. It is always on their wrist, and hence, when they can no longer get up after falling, they can access it easily to ask for help. In some cases, the user does not even need to push the button in the bracelet. It will be automatically activated when the user falls.
Choosing the Right Medical Alert System
While the choices will be overwhelming, this does not mean that one can decide in haste. To end up with the right choice, it is critical to consider a number of factors.
Cost is at the top of the considerations of most people. Generally, it is affordable, especially when compared to its benefits. Nonetheless, at all times, do not choose a system only because it is cheap. At the end of the day, quality is a more important consideration.
Ease of use is also important, making sure that the elderly will be able to use it in a manner that is almost effortless. It will be useless if the system is complicated.
Look for the possible add-on features that will come in handy to make sure to the safety of the user. For instance, some systems have built-in GPS to accurately determine the location of the person who needs help.
There are also some manufacturers offering a money-back guarantee within a certain period. This is a good way to make the purchase risk-free. If the user is unhappy, within a specified period, the system can be returned, and a refund will be issued.
Wrap Up
Indeed, a medical alert system can save lives in a flash! It is a simple system wherein the elderly just needs to push a button to ask for help. Any senior living alone should have this system in place at home to ensure a speedy response in case of an emergency!
