Notes

Medical Alert Systems for Seniors and Their Families
Many seniors desire independence, yet falling poses a significant threat to their health and wellbeing. Implementing safety features into the home as well as seeking medical assistance are effective measures for preventing falls.

One way to mitigate risk is through the use of a personal emergency response system (PERS), an increasingly popular technology innovation in community care.
What is a medical alert system?

Medical alert systems are designed to quickly connect emergency services or a personal care professional when someone presses the button, such as emergency services or their personal caregiver. Medical alert systems come in the form of wearable pendants or bracelets as well as home devices that plug directly into your landline connection; many offer extra features like fall detection.

Medical alert systems that offer reliable service with responsive call centers should be prioritized over those requiring contracts or month-to-month service contracts, due to hidden fees.

Private health insurers such as long-term care insurance may cover costs associated with top medical alert systems. Medicare Advantage Part C also may provide partial coverage. Charities or organizations may also help provide assistance. Medical alert systems help individuals feel safer and more independent while giving family members peace of mind that their loved ones are safe.
How does a medical alert system work?

Medical alert systems typically include a wearable button (such as pendant or wristwatch) which you can activate whenever help is necessary. The button connects with a base unit which plugs into your home or, for mobile systems, with an activated SIM in the wearable device or base unit. Once pressed, a trained operator at the monitoring center will communicate directly with you through two-way speaker technology in both components and dispatch help as required.

Monitoring centers are highly reliable, with their representatives following established protocol when it comes to making decisions on whether to call your emergency contacts, local emergency medical services or both. Some medical alert systems feature fall detection capabilities which automatically alert a monitoring center when someone falls over.

Medical alert systems typically cost $20-30 per month and often come with contracts that span 12 months or more, though some providers provide contract-free service with cancel-anytime options as well as extra benefits such as free spouse coverage or medication alerts.
What are the benefits of a medical alert system?

Medical alert system users want the security of knowing they can call for assistance at any time and retain as much independence as possible, while their families need assurances that their loved one can quickly seek assistance if there's an accident or serious fall risk.

An alert system offers several advantages, including:

Continuous monitoring from a company employing trained call handlers.

Automatic fall detection can send a signal directly to the response center even when users cannot press a button themselves.

Safe-Life Cellular or landline phone connections allow it to work from any room of your home.

Check that your device is waterproof - particularly important in bathrooms where falls are most likely. Also inquire as to what equipment may be included with the monthly fee such as wall buttons that can be placed throughout your home or GPS devices which function outside.
What are the disadvantages of a medical alert system?

An alert system can bring peace of mind for seniors who live independently as they age in place and their caregivers, but it's essential that families carefully consider all its potential advantages and disadvantages before making their choice.

Medical alert systems can be expensive and often require monthly fees as well as extra charges for equipment, activation and optional features. Furthermore, there may be range restrictions that require base unit to be within range of wearable help button; and in some instances the battery needs to be charged first before being activated.

Medical alert systems, like any electronic system, are susceptible to technical malfunctions and false alarms that could put emergency services under strain and cause users or their loved ones to worry. Furthermore, some devices might have a stigmatization factor which discourages users from using them; and usually aren't covered by insurance plans.
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