Don’t Use a Cell Phone as a Medical Alert System

We understand that some seniors and their families may be hesitant to invest in a medical alert system. The service adds a recurring expense to already tight budgets, and when combined with a monthly phone bill, this might sound like too much money to spend on emergency communication. This is especially true for those comparing Life Alert costs, which are higher than those offered by Alert1.

But if you’re considering supplementing your cell phone as an emergency alert system, know that seniors should never rely on phones as medical alert devices. While calling a phone number can be a helpful in an emergency, it won’t always be enough to get the help you need. If you’re thinking about using your cell phone as a medical alert system, consider the following risks.

While both cell phones and medical alert devices are used for communication, only a designated emergency system can provide the fast care necessary in an emergency.

• Intentional use – A cell phone won’t automatically contact an emergency operator in the case of a fall. To use a cell phone as a medical alert device, you will need to recognize your medical emergency and act quickly enough to call for help. This can be especially hard for seniors with impaired vision, as navigating a phone screen in an emergency can be an added difficulty. By contrast, medical devices with fall detection will contact an emergency operator without you needing to dial a phone number.

• Voice communication – If your emergency allows you to dial 911 on a smart phone, you’ll then need to communicate the nature of your medical need to the emergency dispatcher. Some emergencies may not allow you to talk, which means you might not get the expedient attention you need. With a medical alert system, you won’t need to say a word to summon medical help.

• Reception – Cell phones rely on cellular signal strength to make phone calls. If you live in a part of the country that does not get good cell phone reception, your emergency call may not make it out. By contrast, our systems can rely on both landline and cellular connections, further broadening your ability to receive care regardless of your location.

While some smart phones have downloadable apps that can provide a medical alert service, they will never be as convenient as pushing a button on a wearable or docked device. Plus, many seniors are not comfortable using smart phones, which can further hinder the use of the device as an emergency tool. 

Medical alert devices from Alert1 are available for every budget and every lifestyle – from basic hardware to full-house communication tools. The systems are easily worn on the body in the form of a pendant. They’re waterproof, which means they can be used in the bathroom, and you won’t need to explain your accident to summon emergency care. Plus, some of our systems are equipped with fall detection, which will help summon medical help.

Alert1 has medical alert systems for every lifestyle. While you can always use a cell phone as a back-up emergency response device, with Alert1, you’ll never need to rely on Plan B.