There are times when seniors need help but are not willing to do so. Due to this, they suffer from various mishaps like falls or sudden medical emergencies that can lead to life-threatening situations. According to a report from CDC 1https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html., about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. The report also goes on to state that each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
One of the most crucial components in managing severe medical situations is a quick reaction. A medical alert system offers the timely attention needed to obtain adequate emergency treatment and hospitalization when seniors are vulnerable and maybe alone.
Read on to learn more about medical alert systems and how they are essential for seniors.
What Are Medical Alert Devices for Seniors?
When attempting to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable elders, medical alert devices enable emergency monitoring both inside and outside the house. They are intended to signify an emergency that requires immediate care and to summon emergency medical services.
They can also notify relatives and caregivers at a moment’s notice. A signal is transmitted to an alarm monitoring system when the medical alert system is activated. The situation is then examined, and if necessary, medical personnel or family members are called.
How Do Medical Alert Devices for Seniors Work?
Some medical alert devices integrate countrywide wireless voice, data, and GPS technologies, enabling real-time monitoring, location tracking, and accelerated personal emergency help across the United States.
The help button is an essential key component of any medical alert system: a single push of the assistance button should immediately transmit an alarm to a 24-hour, U.S.-based emergency call center where an operator will have rapid access to the user's basic medical history and emergency contacts. Help buttons are often worn as a necklace or on the wrist; they should be waterproof to enable showering and pleasant to wear at all times.
GPS technology is used by several mobile Medical Alert Systems. GPS technology is a radio navigation system based on a "constellation" of almost 30 well-positioned satellites that circle the Earth and allow anyone with receivers to determine geographic location. This space-based navigation system delivers the exact life-saving position and timing information by communicating with the senior’s medical alert device which is critical for senior home safety.
Reasons Why Medical Alert Devices Are Essential for Seniors
1. Fall detection
When it comes to medical alert systems for seniors, the first issue that comes to mind is the possibility of a serious fall. This isn't only a cliche. Falling is a danger for elders if live alone or are alone at home without access to a phone. Medical alert devices can help in this situation. Seniors who have this device on them that summons aid at the press of a button are less likely to suffer as severely as those who must wait for care for injuries.
2. Monitoring available 24/7
A staff of operators is ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer calls and provide assistance at the touch of a button. If a senior has a medical emergency, they can push the medical alert help button to be routed to a contact center, where someone will ask them questions, assess the situation, and determine what type of assistance they require. If they cannot communicate, the operator will dispatch an emergency medical team to your area.
3. Caregivers can have peace of mind
It is not simple to care for a Senior. You will experience various problems that may have an emotional impact on you. Caregivers will have peace of mind and fewer anxieties with a medical alert device that provides 24-hour protection. Caregivers require relaxation as well, so they cannot be with elders 24 hours a day. They may rest easy knowing that their loved ones are safe with a senior alert device.
4. Provides GPS tracking
Most gadgets have GPS tracking, which allows family members and emergency medical services to readily locate someone in the case of an emergency. This is especially important for any elderly person suffering from dementia. According to the most recent CDC data 2https://www.cdc.gov/dotw/alzheimers/index.html, an estimated 6.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, making it the leading cause of dementia among the elderly.
There are several wearable devices with wireless connection and GPS to select from, ranging from watches to necklaces. In the case of an emergency, seniors can push a button and their device operators, emergency contacts, and emergency medical services will be able to quickly locate them and help them.
5. Allows seniors to be independent
Medical alert devices are not only an excellent safety precaution for a senior's health, but they also provide a deeper, emotional benefit. They can, in particular, provide independence. When the time comes to accept that elders no longer have the freedom they once had, it may be distressing and disappointing, to say the least.
However, with the advancement of technology, several things can assist elders in maintaining their independence. One of the most significant issues is the employment of medical alert technologies. Seniors who have a medical alert system are more safeguarded against the potential of things going wrong when they live on their own.
6. Medical alert devices are affordable
No matter how vital something is, many of us are concerned about its affordability. As a result, you may be relieved to learn that many medical alert systems are reasonably priced. Many of these systems operate on a monthly payment cycle, with some charging as little as $1-$2 per day.
7. Easy to use
When someone is in distress, the last thing they want to think about is how to get help. This is why medical alert devices are designed to be user-friendly. They aren't usually designed to be sophisticated, and even those that do have a lot of functions usually work with the push of a button. Thus, they are perfect for seniors who might find advanced devices hard to use.
8. These devices are reliable
There is frequent apprehension about what may happen if the device fails. What if the batteries run out? What if it fails? These devices have been studied and upgraded since their inception. For the most part, this implies that extended warranties and backup power systems serve to keep seniors safe at all times.
Conclusion
Medical alert systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they provide several advantages to many seniors who want to feel protected while living independently. They are worth considering.
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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Additional resources and citations
- 1https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html.
- 2https://www.cdc.gov/dotw/alzheimers/index.html
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 to interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.