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If you believe that you or your loved one could use the added security of a medical alert system for seniors from Alert1, you are not alone. According to the Washington Post, “More than 3 million (mostly senior) consumers own medical-alert devices — panic buttons worn on the wrist, or a pendant.”(1) As the world’s population ages, this number will continue to increase rapidly.
Every senior has a different lifestyle. With this comes various needs and special circumstances. As you age in place, you will want to consider what your medical alert button options are and choose the one that best fits your specific needs. There are a variety of options to consider.
Why Should I Get a Medical Alert Device?
A fall alarm system for seniors can be useful for multiple reasons.
- If You Are Aging in Place
If you are aging in place and happen to fall, it is important to have a way to contact someone for help. Whether you are having trouble getting up or are injured and need medical attention, you need a fast way to contact someone who can aid you. A medical alert pendant can accomplish this task. When you press the button, your device will automatically connect you to a 24/7/365 Command Center, where a certified emergency response agent will ask you questions, assess the situation, and immediately send the help required.
- You‘ve Experienced Your First Fall
Unfortunately, one fall can lead to another, especially if you don't use fall prevention strategies to reduce your risk of falling. According to a study done by the National Library of Medicine which analyzed re-admission frequency of seniors who fell at least one time, “there is a 6.06% risk of repeat fall-related admission.”(2) Therefore, if you fall one time, an emergency fall prevention alarm for the elderly can help you ensure that you can get assistance if you fall again.
- You Feel Weak
According to Harvard Health, “Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, is a natural part of aging. After age 30, you begin to lose as much as 3% to 5% per decade.”(3) If you have been feeling weaker while aging at home, a medical alert necklace is a great tool to have. If your muscles give out and you fall, you can be rest assured that you have a quick and easy way to attain immediate assistance.
- You Are Worried About Falling
Falling can be a nerve-wracking experience. If you worry that you might fall when no one is around to assist you, a senior fall alert device can ensure that help is always available at any time. All you have to do is press your emergency button alarm and be connected to Alert1’s 24/7 Command Center, who will quickly get you whatever help you need.
- You Have Medications with Side-Effects
If you are taking any medications with side effects that impair your vision, ability to think clearly, or your balance, then they can increase your risk of falling. In this case, an Alert1 medical alarm button can provide you with some security. If your medication causes a fall, you will have a simple and reliable way to attain immediate help at any time you may need it.
- You Have Poor Vision
Vision loss is a common symptom of old age. According to a study from the American Foundation for the Blind, “Americans 65-74 years of age were more than twice as likely to report vision loss, and Americans 75 years of age and over were nearly three times as likely to report vision loss.” (4) When your vision is poor, you can experience trouble seeing obstacles in your path or the edges of stairs. This can increase your risk of falling.
If you have poor eyesight and desire a wireless medical alert system with fall detection, it can automatically contact Alert1’s 24/7 Command Center for assistance when it registers a fall.
- You Have Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is another common symptom of old age. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:
o 8.5 percent of adults aged 55-64 have hearing loss.
o 25 percent of those aged 65-74 have hearing loss.
o 50 percent of senior who are 75+ have hearing loss. (5)
If you have hearing loss, your body will devote energy to your other senses to compensate and can decrease the energy you put toward balancing. This increases your risk of falling as you age in place. If you do happen to lose your balance and fall, an Alert1 senior life-saving alert system can immediately put you in contact with a certified emergency response agent.
Choosing the Best Device for You
When you look for a medical alert device for the elderly, you have multiple options to choose from. Each system has its own set of advantages.
In-Home Medical Alert Technology for Seniors
- Simple and Most Affordable
If you are on a tight budget or simply want a basic model, an in-home button alarm system can cover those needs. It comes with a base unit and your choice of necklace or bracelet that has up to a 600-foot range. When you press the button, you will be connected to an emergency response agent who can help get you whatever assistance you need. They can contact your Circle of Care, which is a predetermined list of contacts that you choose when you first purchase the device, or a medical professional/emergency services personnel if you need it. If you do not have a landline, the Alert1 in-home medical alert system for seniors can still accommodate you.
- Unlimited Button Push and Talk Time
An Alert1 medical alert bracelet or pendant system offers unlimited talk time as well as unlimited button presses. When you press your button, the monitoring agent will stay on the line with you until someone from your Circle of Care or a medical professional arrives.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems
- Best for Active Seniors
If you like to go out during the day, a mobile medical alert wireless device can allow you to contact our 24/7 Command Center, no matter where you roam. If you fall or need help while doing daily errands or visiting friends, the GPS within the device will pinpoint your location.
- Get Help If You Wander
GPS tracking is a useful feature for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s or memory loss who may wander out of their homes. If you are concerned that your loved one may get confused and leave their home, a mobile emergency alert system can give you some peace of mind. If your loved one wanders off while you are not around, the button alarm with GPS tracker can help ensure that they have someone to contact no matter where they are.
On-the-Go Emergency Alert Wrist Watch
- Latest Technology
If you want medical alert technology that comes with bonus features, then the on-the-go wrist watch is your best option. In addition to an emergency alarm button, the wrist watch also features a weather app and a pedometer. By glancing at your watch, you can figure out what to wear to protect yourself from the weather and see how close you are to meeting your fitness goals.
- Stylish Emergency Alert Device
If you are a style savvy senior, you will appreciate that the on-the-go wrist watch is a sleeker emergency alarm device that looks just like a normal wrist watch. You can also choose between 3-time styles: analog, digital, and date/time.
Medical Alarm Systems with Fall Detection
- Contact Alert1’s 24/7 Command Center without Pressing a Button
Both the in-home and mobile medical alert systems offer optional fall detection technology. These systems include a fall detection sensor. When the sensor registers a fall, it can automatically contact an emergency response agent. This is convenient if you suffer from an injury that prevents you from pressing the button, or if you are knocked unconscious.
- Peace of Mind for Those with Medical Conditions
If you or your loved one has a physical or mental condition that prevents them from pressing an alarm button, you can have peace of mind that a fall alert system for the elderly can contact Alert1’s 24/7 Command Center for them. Even if your loved one is not communicative, an agent will get assistance to them immediately.
All-In-One Medical Alert Unit
- Highest Level of Protection
If you want all the benefits of medical alert technology and the highest level of protection, then the in-home + on-the-go + fall detection personal alarm button is for you. This package comes with two showerproof buttons and a base station. Whether you are at home, away, or have a condition that requires fall detection, you will have the tools you need to reach out for help.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing the Best Medical Alert Device for You
You can help determine what Alert1 emergency medical alert system for seniors would work best for your situation by asking yourself a few questions.
- Do I travel? – If you do, you will likely want a mobile medical alarm button.
- Do I have any conditions that would require fall detection? – If you suffer injuries, have physical conditions, mental conditions, or are taking medications, a medical alert system with fall detection can provide you with some extra protection. The device can automatically contact Alert1’s 24/7 Command Center when it registers a fall.
- Do I want extra features? – If you are an active senior and want to track your steps or would like the added benefit of knowing the weather whenever you wear your watch, then the on-the-go wrist watch is for you.
Once you know what your needs and wants are, you can help determine which medical alert system is right for you. If you have any questions, an Alert1 new member specialist can assist you when you call to order your emergency alarm device for seniors.
1 Byskal, Jeff. Feb. 2019. Wellness. Washington Post. Considering a Medical Alert Device? Here’s What You Should Know Before Buying.
2 Prabhakaran, Kartik. March. 2020. PubMed.gov. National Library of Medicine. Falling Again? Falls in Geriatric Adults-Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated With Recidivism.
3 Harvard Health Publishing staff. Feb. 2016. Staying Healthy. Harvard Health Publishing. Preserve Your Muscle Mass.
4 American Foundation for the Blind staff. Jan. 2013. Aging. American Foundation for the Blind. Special Report on Aging and Vision Loss.
5 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders staff. n.d. Statistics and Epidemiology. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick Statistics About Hearing.