Facts About Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

As people age, they become more susceptible to a range of health and well-being risks. From the possibility of a heart attack or stroke to the risk of a serious fall or other injury, there are numerous concerns that may arise among seniors and their loved ones. Unfortunately, these concerns sometimes lead to undesirable choices such as moving seniors to assisted living facilities or requiring expensive and possibly intrusive round-the-clock caregiving. One of the most exciting and effective responses to these problems is the medical alert system for seniors. Providing the elderly with a way to get help in the event of an accident or injury even when they're home alone, this type of system may be a wise choice for some families. Medical alert systems aren't perfect, however, and considering some of the most prominent facts about the systems before purchase can make any decision more confident and ultimately successful.

An especially useful feature of modern medical alert systems for seniors is the ease of use they typically afford. Most systems consist simply of a base unit similar to an answering machine; this is plugged into an electrical outlet and a phone line. The only other piece of necessary equipment is the wearable remote that the user can employ to make contact with the base unit, thereby alerting the monitoring service to an emergency. These remotes are usually encased in a small plastic object that can be worn around the neck or wrist, and a button typically functions as the alert mechanism. While this basic system is highly effective if properly used, it's important to note that keeping the remote on at all times is essential; if the button is out of reach, the system won't work, effectively nullifying the system's purpose.

Keeping the remote button on at all times is central to the effective use of a senior medical alert system, but when a user is away from their residence, other safety measures will need to be considered and put into place. The range of a given base unit will vary from one system to the next. While some are limited to a fairly small area, others are intended to reach through every room in a house, as well as some or all of the surrounding grounds. Knowing how far a remote button wearer can venture from the base unit and still be covered is important for making a wise purchasing decision, as is keeping in mind that no system can protect a senior once they've left the service area.

The equipment used in a medical alert system is crucial in determining the system's overall ability to perform as desired. Quality equipment should always be used, and while it may not always be easy to discern which units are more or less proficient, checking whether the equipment meets general standards, including those from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), can help identify worthwhile models. Just as critical to the success of an alert system, however, is the quality of service that's activated whenever the equipment is actually used.

Medical alert companies may perform the necessary services of an alert system in-house, or they might outsource the service to another company, often in an effort to save money. Buyers should always be aware of whether an offered service is conducted by the same company that sends out equipment and collects payments, as in-house service usually indicates a company is fully committed to providing a quality product. Great services should also offer a range of options to medical alert system users. Sometimes, these services merely route calls to local emergency personnel, which can result in legal problems or may even cause emergency departments to block known alert numbers. When seniors are able to first connect with an alert system operator, they can convey whether they're truly in need of emergency assistance, or would simply like their family member, neighbor, or other pre-arranged contact to be notified.

An especially important fact about medical alert systems is that they're as useful for peace of mind and emotional well-being as they are helpful when accidents actually happen. The stress and worry that seniors and their families may experience when little to no security measures are in place can be exhausting, and may even lead to actual physical symptoms. Choosing a medical alert system wisely and allowing it to take the mind off of possible injuries or other dangerous situations can help family's support independent living and its many benefits without feeling vulnerable or afraid.

Medical alert systems for seniors can be highly effective in providing safety and a sense of comfort to the elderly and their loved ones, but there are many things to know before making a purchase and signing a contract. With the right choices, this method of preserving independence can benefit entire families.