Chances of falling and accidents increase with age. Senior adults are more susceptible to accidents and this is what forces their loved ones to hire full-time caregivers for the elderly or send them to nursing homes. Studies show that if one can receive medical attention within an hour of an emergency, there is a 90 percent chance that the person survives and the treatment is successful.
Advancements in technology have made it easier to provide round-the-clock care to seniors without having to hire professionals or provide constant attention. Medical alert systems are essential tools that make it possible to keep seniors safe in their own homes. They ensure that the loved one gets help when it is needed the most. These devices are safe, and secure and offer numerous benefits promoting independent living for elderly seniors.
What are Wireless Medical Alert Systems?
Also known as personal emergency response systems or medical alert systems, wireless medical Alert Systems offer an easy and quick way for elderly people, living alone or suffering from health problems, to get assistance in an emergency.
The situation can be a fall, fire, medical issue, or any other event that requires immediate attention. These systems essentially contain a help button that dials up and connects to an emergency response center or signals the caregivers and family members that the loved one needs instant assistance.
Types of Wireless Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems generally provide help through a wireless pendant which works in collaboration with a base station to call an emergency center. There are different types of medical alert systems with their own features, pros and cons.
In-Home Medical Alert Systems
These are traditional medical Alert Systems that consist of a wireless pendant signaling the base station to call an emergency monitoring center. These are the most common type and are designed to suit homes and apartments, working within a specific range.
The base station is generally a speakerphone which calls the monitoring center. The speakerphone and microphone are quite sensitive and loud to facilitate communication from anywhere in the house.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems
These are GPS-enabled systems designed for active seniors. Mobile medical alert devices don’t have a base station. The pendant itself facilitates the communication. The pendants are bigger but allow connecting to operators from anywhere you go. Mobile systems provide better monitoring and safety than in-home systems. Range and communication are better. These pendants often contain fall detection features which are quite reliable.
Benefits of Wireless Medical Alert Systems
The benefits of medical alert systems are widespread and include:
24-Hour Monitoring
Almost all medical alert systems offer 24-hour monitoring which not only helps keep track of the person’s activities but also alerts in case of emergency.
These systems alert the user and the contact in case the medication dose is missed or doubled. This keeps the senior person always safe and secure.
Emergency Assistance
In case there is an accident at home, wireless medical Systems alert relevant professional emergency care services and relatives. These devices are generally equipped with wearable buttons which, when pressed, send out alerts for medical assistance.
If the user faints, falls, or needs any help, the medical alert system notifies suitable people easily and fast so that timely assistance can be offered.
Affordability
As the costs of in-home caregivers, assisted living centers, and nursing homes keep on increasing each year, wireless medical alarms continue gaining popularity as an affordable care option for seniors.
Considering the features, benefits, and safety these devices offer, they are certainly more affordable.
Privacy, Comfort, and Independence
Medical alert systems enable elderly seniors living alone at home to maintain their independence and live comfortably and safely in their homes without the need for friends and relatives to check on them regularly.
An emergency response system helps senior adults lead a more private life by staying in their homes for longer.
Additional Features
Wireless medical Alert Systems are not only great for ensuring the safety and security of the elderly in homes, but they also come equipped with amazing features that make their lives easier.
With features like carbon monoxide detectors, check-ins, and wake-up calls, these devices have become highly advanced with time, making elderly care easier and better.
Responsiveness and Availability
With a medical Alert System, monitoring is available 24/7. Whenever the person needs emergency assistance, he/she can speak to trained emergency personnel at the push of a button through a two-way communication device.
Most emergency response centers employ trained, certified healthcare representatives with the required knowledge and experience to respond well to emergency medical conditions.
Peace of Mind
The most important benefit of these systems is the peace of mind they provide to the seniors and their families. With a wireless medical Alert System, the family members feel better knowing that the loved one is safe when alone at home. They feel reassured that the elderly are in caring hands and have access to help no matter what time of the day.
Expansive and Functional
Medical Alert Systems are available in a great variety to cater to individual preferences and requirements. While some of these offer waterproof pendants suitable for use in swimming pools and bathrooms, others come with a broader range to monitor individuals on the go. Medical alert systems like
MedicSignal also works to detect falls and some others even detect fire, smoke, carbon dioxide, and medication compliance.
Ease of Setup and Use
Wireless medical Alert Systems are easy to set up and use with just a button press. Most units contain a base unit placed in the home and a personal help button worn by the person to be monitored. In case of an emergency, the user just has to press the button to alert the response center or caregiver to avail appropriate assistance with the situation.
We hope this post has helped you understand the excellent benefits of wireless medical Alert Systems for seniors. They not only offer 24/7 monitoring and support but also keep the elderly loved ones safe, comfortable, and independent in their homes.
