A wireless Medical Alert System is an emergency medical device that provides peace of mind to senior adults and their loved ones with emergency help that is just a button press away. It helps seniors pursue their independent lives and active lifestyles confidently and age in their own homes, assured that help is always available, in case they need it.
Anybody who is at risk of falling or having a medical emergency can benefit from such a system. Wireless Medical Alert System puts you in touch with a medical help dispatcher who can provide emergency assistance or contact a family member or friend. You may know that your loved one needs a wireless medical alarm system but the wide variety of service options, models, features and pricing can make it challenging to choose the right one for them.
What is a Wireless Medical Alert System?
Also known as life alarms, wireless Medical Alert Systems are small devices with a help button that, when pressed, sends an emergency alert to a 24-hour monitoring center or pre-set contact numbers. It helps you monitor and communicate with a senior loved one who may require care and attention.
Unlike smartphones, these medical devices are designed to be easy-to-use, handy communication tools for times of anxiety and danger. They come with wearable buttons that elderly seniors can wear all day and use to alert others quickly whenever they require help and attention, especially when they are injured, fallen, or lost.
What are the Different Types of Wireless Medical Alert System?
There are two primary options when choosing a wireless Medical Alert System for your senior loved ones:
- A button that can be worn as a necklace pendant or wristband
- A smartwatch worn on the wrist
Both these types of Medical Alert System systems generally feature:
- A mobile cellular connection
- An SOS button which can be pressed to alert caregivers
- Two-way, hands-free communication
- GPS location capability
- Automatic fall detection that alerts if the user has fallen and is unresponsive
- Geo-fencing alerts if the user goes outside the defined areas
- Contacts lists to make calls and send notifications in case of emergency
While smartwatches provide the same functionality as pendants, they often come with additional features of a watch and a fitness and activity tracker to help seniors carry on their active lifestyle.
What Factors Decide the Right Medical Alert System?
These Factors Decide the Right Medical Alert System
Health
Consider the overall health of the user. Is he/she prone to falling? Do they take medications that influence balance or energy levels? A medical alert device with automatic fall detection is a great option for those who are likely to fall or have a history of falling.
Lifestyle
Think about what activities your loved ones do regularly. Does he/she live alone in the house or stay around the house? Or is he/she active in the community and like going out? The daily routine of the user helps you understand the type of medical alarm you should get. If he/she spends a lot of time away from the house, a mobile alert system should be the best option.
Equipment
To be able to stay in touch with the response center, the user should wear the pendant or wristband all the time. This means that the device is lightweight and comfortable for everyday use. Consider a waterproof device if your loved one needs safety in the bathroom or shower.
What Features Should You Look for In a Wireless Medical Alert System?
Fall Detection
A personal alarm equipped with automatic fall detection technology can detect if the wearer has fallen and alert the response center even if the user is unable to respond. If your loved one has limited mobility and a risk of falling, this feature should be considered when choosing the medical alert system.
Response Center
It is important to assess the ability of the response center to provide the required service. It is essential to check that the response operators can communicate in the language your loved one speaks. Also, check whether the operators are trained and certified. Verify that they are experienced enough to dispatch the right help according to the emergency.
GPS Tracking
This feature is really important for those seniors who spend a lot of time away from home. A GPS-enabled wireless medical alarm is ideal for those who are active, go to fitness classes, take walks, or visit friends. Such a wearable device allows caregivers and response operators to locate the user quickly so that timely help can be dispatched in an emergency.
This feature is specifically important for those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Automatic tracking helps locate the person in case he forgets the way or gets lost.
Continuous Monitoring
Wireless Medical Alarms which are connected to the response center 24/7 are monitored automatically all the time to provide better security to your senior loved ones. Such systems often keep track of the person’s activity and response and can alert the caregivers and response center in case anything goes wrong.
The continuous monitoring feature makes sure the user is protected even when he cannot respond or press the button or if the device is dead. A continuously monitored wireless medical alarm, like MedicSignal, works as a personal alarm and alerts the loved ones when the user is not able to respond. Such systems provide an extra layer of security and make help accessible without the need to press the button.
Having the right wireless medical alarm for your senior loved one can bring you peace of mind knowing that he/she can always access help when needed. The right system easily fits into the routines of senior users and provides the essential features and benefits to help them age independently at home and live freely.
