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|Provide a Safe and Secure Environment While Aging in Place

Time keeps on moving no matter where people live, or what their lifestyle looks like. Some may recognize that they are starting to slow down. Others may notice their mothers are not as clear-headed as they once were, or perhaps their fathers are less steady on their feet than when they used to play sports years ago. Once it is concluded an aging individual either needs help or should not be left home alone, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
Is a Medical Alert Device Cheaper than a Nursing Home?
Can Medical Alert Home Systems Help You Age in Place?
Predominantly, medical alert home systems are used by seniors who wish to age in place. They prefer the idea of spending their golden years in the home in which they raised their families-- the home to which they feel connected. Remaining in their own home can make the difference between seniors feeling anxious and depressed or feeling comfortable and relaxed from day to day. According to a 2016 AARP study, 90% of seniors prefer to age in place because living at home allows them to have more control over their daily routine and activities.[3] According to Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, this added independence and comfort helps seniors to enjoy “better health outcomes on average, despite lower care costs.”[4]
People who use medical alert home systems are free to age in their own homes all while having 24/7/365 monitoring that is unobtrusive. This can be an excellent and safe solution for elderly family members who wish to remain in their own homes rather than move to assisted living or nursing facilities. Many parents and grandparents spend the last years of their lives arguing with their adult children about whether they can stay in their homes as they age. This unpleasantness can be avoided. Medical alert home systems can help to make staying at home, a place filled with memories and love, a realistic and safe option.
For those who wish to age in place, but require an in-home caregiver, these devices can be used either in conjunction with an in-home caregiver, or even as a tool that caregivers can use as well, pressing the alert button if the person in their care has fallen or needs immediate emergency attention. If caregivers are unable to provide round-the-clock aid, Alert 1’s 24/7/365 monitoring center is always at the ready.
Can Medical Alert Home Devices Be Used In Nursing Facilities?
Who Are Medical Alert Home Systems For?
Individuals of all ages wish to feel secure at their homes and workplaces. Especially for those who may live alone, the extra security provided by a medical alert home system could allow police or other kinds of help to arrive quickly in the event of a break in. The monitoring center would already have the device user’s name and address available, streamlining the deployment of assistance. These same security benefits could extend to the workplace. Business owners who pay their employees to work late into the evening, or to work on the premises alone, may want to invest in medical alert systems. By doing so, they would know that if their employees were to feel insecure on the premises, they would have a button they could push to get help right away.
What Medical Alert System Options are Available?
Set Up and Maintenance
Setting up medical alert home systems is a relatively simple process. Selecting the location for the device is key. It is ideal to place the device in an area central to where the device is to be used such as a living room, bedroom, or kitchen. This allows the individual using the device to hear the monitoring center loud and clear though the speakers on the base unit of the system during testing or emergency situations. Likewise, the monitoring center can hear those using the device. All devices have a power cord which must be plugged into a wall outlet. Medical alert home devices can be wireless or connected via a landline. Those who use Alert 1 Medical Alert devices have their necklace pendants and wristbands already programmed before shipping. This makes the Alert 1 Medical Alert System easy to set up and use. As always, Alert 1 members are encouraged to contact Alert 1 Member Support with any questions or concerns about the set up or use of their medical alert home systems.
How are Medical Alert Systems Maintained?
Once medical alert home systems are set up, the pendant can be worn around the house, at night, and in the shower. With a press of a button, the monitoring center is reached in seconds. Alert 1 members and their families are encouraged to verify for themselves that the device is working by testing the device one per month. By pressing the button on a pendant or base unit, they will be able to hear the 24/7/365 monitoring center answer the call and be assured that if a real emergency were to occur, they and their loved ones can get help in minutes.
Why Is It Important to Test a Medical Alert Home System?
It is best not to wait until an emergency occurs to press the alarm button. People with medical alert devices are encouraged to press any and all buttons they have once a month to be sure their devices are functioning at their best. It is during these tests that the monitoring center and customer support can see the battery levels on the buttons and base units. These support representatives are well-trained and can quickly determine if simple adjustments such as adjusting the length of a necklace pendant or moving the base unit will help the system function more effectively, ensuring you the best care if a true emergency should arise.
Should I Add Fall Detection?
How Do I Choose the Best Medical Alert System For Me?
[1] American Council on Aging. (2021 January 14). 2020 Nursing Home Costs by State and Region. American Council on Aging. https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/nursing-home-costs/
[2] Alert 1. (2021). Alert 1 Medical Alert Systems. Home Medical Alerts for Seniors - 24/7 Monitoring (alert-1.com)
[3] Snider, N. (2016 Mar 24). Home Matters: Aging in Place Housing Survey. AARP https://states.aarp.org/virginia/home-matters-survey
[4] Living Assistance Services. (2020). 4 Benefits of Aging in Place. Visiting Angels. https://www.visitingangels.com/knowledge-center/care-options/4-benefits-of-aging-in-place/348
