We’re at a stage in life when we tend to become our parent’s caregiver. A role reversal takes place where we provide support to them. Medical alert systems are a smart way to prepare for the unexpected. The systems provide an extra layer of home safety and security for those elderly loved ones who might find themselves in situations where they will need immediate assistance. Most medical alert systems are designed so that help can be requested by simply pressing a button.
Medical alert systems can keep an aging adult independent and in their home for a longer period of time. If you’re on the fence about getting a medical alert system for your elderly loved ones, or you don’t think they’re ready for one, you might want to reconsider:
They have medical issues
If your parents have medical conditions like diabetes, coronary heart disease, or a disabling condition like multiple sclerosis, then having a medical alert system on hand can provide immediate help should they experience an unforeseen episode that can endanger their lives.
There have been robberies in the neighborhood
Many people only associate medical alert systems with health issues or falls, but these devices can also serve as a kind of safety net especially for elderly folks who live alone. Should an intruder break into a home, using a medical alert system is an effective security system where law enforcement can be notified immediately.
They’ve fallen and can’t get up
About one-third of the elderly population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of all seniors fall annually. Those who fall are two to three times more likely to fall again. Falls are the leading cause of death due to injury among seniors, and 87% of all fractures seen in them are due to falls. A fall is often inevitable and having a medical alert system will guarantee a senior access to immediate help.
They can’t rely on a cell phone in an emergency
Smartphones are not always a safe and sure bet. A senior might not have access to a cell phone if an emergency strikes. Many seniors have difficulty operating their cell under normal conditions and if faced with an emergency, will struggle even harder trying to dial a simple number like 9-1-1. Medical alert systems with “automatic fall detection” are designed to automatically send an alert to a monitoring center if a senior falls and is unable to press a button, including situations where they are unconscious, or unable to move.
Medical alert systems were created to improve the lives of seniors so that they can continue to live their lives to the fullest.
Here are a few medical alert system companies you can check out:
- Medical Guardian–medicalguardian.com; 800-668-9200
- Bay Alarm Medical–bayalarmmedical.com; 877-522-9633
- MobileHelp–buymobilehelp.com; 800-992-0079
- LifeStation-–lifestation.com; 844-890-0466
- MedicalAlert–medicalalert.com; 800-800-2537
- Lifeline–Lifeline.com; 866-605-3976
- ADT–ADT.com; 844-431-5012
