List of Best Life Alert Systems for Seniors
Life Alert Systems for Seniors: What You Need to Know
Elder care is expensive, and it’s only going to get more so as the population ages. But it doesn’t have to be quite as costly if you set up an elder care alert system for your parent or grandparent — and sooner rather than later, if you want to keep costs down. An life alert systems for seniors can mean several different things. The most common types involve home monitoring technologies that detect changes in your loved one’s vitals; other systems allow you to manage their finances or even record video footage of them for family members who don’t live nearby. Even better, many of these services are designed with the end user in mind — specifically older adults who may not be able to read or write but still understand what’s going on around them and those they love. Here we take a look at what you need to know about using an elder care alert system, how they can help save money, and which type is best for your situation.
How a life alert system can save your life
If you’re a parent caring for an elderly loved one, you’re probably more than a little aware of the financial challenges you face. Between health concerns, medications, and other costs, it can be difficult to stay afloat. A life alert system, on the other hand, can both reduce and prevent elder care costs. Simply put, it acts as a kind of insurance policy. If a medical alert system detects that a senior is in distress and needs assistance, the system will automatically call or text their caretakers. If you’re home and able to respond quickly, you can assist your parent or spouse and help them get to a hospital or doctor’s office to receive treatment. Ideally, you’ll get them situated and taken care of before they’re too injured or too weak to help themselves.
I Pushed My Life Alert Button and Nothing Happened
Understandably, you’d be worried if you pushed the “send message” button on your life alert system. The technology is meant to automatically send a message to nearby family members or 911 if it detects a serious medical emergency. But even if you’ve tested and confirmed the system works, there’s no need to panic. The first and most important step is to confirm your life alert button is connected to the system you’re using. Many systems come with a smartphone app that you can use to confirm the button is connected to the device and working properly. Other potential issues you should consider are whether your loved one understands the system and how they interact with it. How many times have you (or your loved ones) pushed the button, only to find out they misinterpreted the system or simply don’t understand how it works? Confirming your loved one’s understanding is also important. If they push the button but don’t get the message, or if they push the button when they don’t understand it, they may accidentally set off false alarms. This could lead you to call 911 unnecessarily or send family members the wrong information.
How Medical Alert Fall Detection Works
Medical alert fall detection typically contain the same components fall detection systems do — a sensor, a transmitter, and an app that communicates via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The sensors are typically large, unobtrusive devices that can be placed on the wall, inside a piece of furniture, or worn around the wrist like a watch. The transmitter is what you connect to the system using your phone. It’s usually smaller than your phone and looks a little like a USB port. The transmitter transmits signals to the sensor and to your phone, which usually operates on a similar network as the system itself. The app on your phone can then display the sensor’s exact location. This can be extremely helpful to caregivers and family members. If you aren’t home and they aren’t aware of your loved one’s medical alert system, they can use the app to tell them, “I’m downstairs,” or “I’m in the kitchen.” Likewise, if you’re not home, you can use the app to let your loved one know you’re safe and nearby.
Can Fall Detection Devices Save Your Life?
This is a pretty big claim, so let’s explore it a bit. First, let’s be clear — there is no medical device that can save your life if you are in cardiac arrest. However, many fall detection systems can detect that a senior has fallen, helped them to their feet (if they have fallen too far), and contact their caretakers. Yes, many fall detection systems are designed to automatically call 911 if they detect a fall, but you can disable this function if you aren’t comfortable with it. Of course, this is only one way a fall detection system can help. If you push the button on your life alert system, fall detection devices can also detect your loved one’s vital signs and provide information to 911 dispatchers so that respondents can send help. These systems can also be an asset if you need to leave town and don’t want family members to drive your loved one to the hospital and then leave them there. With a fall detection system, you can push the button, alert your loved one, and then take off without worrying about how you’ll get home or how you’ll get them to the doctor’s office or emergency room.
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