We’re at a stage in life when we tend to become our parent’s keeper, and a role reversal takes place where we provide advice and support to them. Many of us are caregivers to ailing parents as well. Accidents happen every single day involving seniors and often, the results are not good.
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 parents who might find themselves in situations where they will need immediate assistance. The system is a simple, wearable device that, at the push of a button, can alert a trained team of responders who can save lives.
The bottom line is that medical alert devices 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 parents, or you don’t think they’re ready for it, perhaps you might want to reconsider:
They have medical issues
If your parents have medical conditions like diabetes, coronary heart issues like a stroke, or a disabling disease like multiple sclerosis, then having a medical alert device 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 devices with health issues or falls, but these devices can also serve as a kind of safety net especially for those parents who live alone. Using a medical alert device as a direct line to safety should an intruder break into your parent’s home is an effective security system where law enforcement can be notified if need be.
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 device will guarantee a senior that they will have access to immediate help which can result in quicker access to medical help if required and a minimized recovery time.
They can’t count on a cell phone in an emergency
Smartphones are not always a safe and sure bet; cell service is unreliable, or batteries may not always be charged. A senior might not have a cell phone on them if an emergency strikes. Many seniors have difficulty operating a smartphone under normal conditions and if faced with an emergency, will struggle even harder trying to dial a simple number like 9-1-1. Some medical alert systems that work automatically if a senior falls and is rendered unconscious, or is unable to move; the system will still call for help.
Medical alert devices were created to improve the lives of seniors so that they can continue to live their lives to the fullest. So go ahead and discuss the devices with your parents and help them understand that help, if needed, is just a mere push button away.
Here are a few medical alert device companies you can check out:
- Medical Guardian–www.medicalguardian.com; 888-756-1475
- Bay Alarm Medical–www.bayalarmmedical.com; 844-778-3895
- MobileHelp–www.buymobilehelp.com; 800-803-4078
- LifeStation–brochure.lifestation.com; 855-727-2962
- Medical Alert–www.medicalalert.com; 800-833-0850
- Philips Lifeline–www.PhilipsLifeline.com; 855-651-7015
- ADT–www.adtmedicalalert.com; 888-824-1572