Medical alert technologies have grown in popularity in recent years, with many people investing in the devices to care for elderly or ill family members. They are good systems to have in place as they allow people to keep a sense of independence while maintaining a level of safety.
While medical alert systems are mainly marketed to elderly people, there are other demographics that can benefit from them. For example, a person with a health condition that can cause them to get lost or confused can benefit from the devices.
In other words, these systems can be used for anyone who has a medical condition that could endanger their health or well-being.
What are Medical Alert Systems?
Medical alert devices allow people to get assistance in the event that they need it. There are many different types out there, but in general, they will require the use of a device.
Some of them are wearable, while others are not. The wearable devices can be watches, pendants, or even necklaces. They have a button or a pendant that the user can press and hold down to contact emergency responders. The non-wearable devices can be in the form of a button that is placed on a table or wall or a special button that is attached to a phone; they work the same way as the wearable devices, with the user being able to press and hold them down to contact emergency responders.
These devices do not require a contract, and they are usually inexpensive to buy. They can be useful for anyone who has a health condition that could endanger them if they are unable to get help.
Are Medical Alert Systems Necessary?
Medical alert systems are not necessary for everyone. If a person is healthy and able to get help when they need it, then there is no need to invest in a personal medical alert system.
However, there are people who will find personal emergency response systems useful. For example, if an older person with dementia is prone to wandering, then they may be in danger of getting lost or even being injured if they cannot find their way home.
The same can be said for anyone who has a condition that could lead to confusion. If a person’s health is deteriorating, then it may be difficult for them to make their own way home or even find their way to the hospital or their doctor’s office.
In addition, if a person has a chronic health condition, then they may find that a medical alert system could help them get the assistance that they need during an emergency.
What Are the Benefits?
Medical alert systems offer a lot of benefits to the people who use them. For example, they provide added security for the user. Sometimes, family members worry that a loved one may wander off and get lost when they are left alone. A medical alert system can help to alleviate that worry.
In addition, medical alert systems are useful for people who may have a health condition that could cause them to lose consciousness or have trouble speaking.
If a person has a condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s, then they may have a difficult time asking for or getting help when they need it. A medical alert system will allow the user to summon help even if they cannot get it themselves.
How Do You to Choose a System?
There are so many different types of medical alert systems out there, and they can be purchased from a variety of sources. The first step is to choose the type of system that will work best for the user.
For example, if a person is going to be in the same place all of the time and is not likely to need to contact emergency responders, then they may be able to get away with a simple button that the user can press to contact emergency responders.
If the user will likely be in different places, then a portable, non-wearable medical alert system that allows the user to press a button on a wall or a phone may be better.
Another consideration is the cost. If a person does not have a lot of money to spend on a medical alert system, then they may have to settle for a less expensive option.
To Sum Up
There are many different types of medical alert systems available, and it is important to find one that will work for the user’s needs.
A person who needs one of these systems may be hesitant to use one at first. However, most people who have a medical alert system find that they are happy they have one. They can make life easier for the user and can help them stay independent when they otherwise may not be able to do so.
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.
