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As the American population ages, the number of falls is growing exponentially.
In 2018, the number of fatal falls among seniors increased by 11.4%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number has risen in the years since and continues to rise at a fast pace.1 As Baby Boomers reach the age of 65 at the rate of about 10,000 each day, it’s safe to say that this pattern of increased falling will continue as well.
And that’s a very good reason for aging adults to use a fall alert. Though this technology doesn’t prevent falls, it can certainly prevent the serious consequences of lying on the floor injured and unable to get help.
When most people think of medical alerts, the first thing that may come to mind is the old-school pendant. That makes sense, since it’s been reliably saving lives for decades, and users have incredible things to say about it. But what if you prefer something a little sleeker? Perhaps with a more modern feel? Something that looks great but still gives you the strong protection you want?
There’s great news! A new, modern medical alert wristband is now available.
Introducing the Medical Alert Wristband
When you choose an emergency alert system, it’s important to find one that suits your lifestyle. Medical alarms can save lives, and should be worn round the clock—even in the shower. If a pendant isn’t quite your style, perhaps something around your wrist would better suit you.
This attractive wristband is small and very lightweight, weighing only 1.2 ounces. To put that in perspective, some typical lightweight watches weigh over two ounces! The adjustable wristband helps ensure your comfort. The device has an integrated speaker that allows you to communicate with the monitoring center directly through the device. Simply press the button to summon help, 24/7.
Important Features
The medical alert wristband is water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught out in the rain. It’s always a good idea to wear your wristband while you’re in the shower, as so many falls happen in the bathroom. In fact, one of the most common fall injuries is a hip fracture as the result of falling sideways, as can happen while trying to step out of a tub or shower.
In fact, the New York Times reports that about two-thirds of all falls around the tub or shower are serious enough to result in a visit to the emergency room – and about 31% of those falls result in serious head trauma, a significant injury that requires immediate medical attention.2 So don’t hesitate to take these senior life-saving alert systems into the shower with you!
You also don’t have to worry about the wristband alert interfering with pacemakers. This can bring strong peace of mind for those who worry about the frequency of any sort of medical device interfering with the equipment that protects their heart health.
The battery charges up quickly, usually requiring only 2 - 3 hours on the charging cradle. The charged battery can last for up to seven days.
What if you want to wander around the country? This mobile medical alert goes with you and ensures you have coverage in all 50 US states. The device taps into Verizon or AT&T networks, so as long as it can ping a cell phone tower, you can get help whenever you need it. Most of the country is covered between those two carriers. There is also built-in location tracking service.
The Fall Detection Option
The med alert wristband offered by is an on-the-go model, and at Alert1, the equipment is free to use. Alert1’s 24/7 monitoring service fees are the lowest in the industry. Optional fall detection is available for a small fee per month. Activating this option means that tiny fall sensors built into the device can sense if falls occur and send an alert to the monitoring center, even if you cannot press the button for some reason.
But if it turns out that the fall detection feature was activated and you didn’t actually fall, there is the option to cancel the alert to the monitoring center. On the flipside, if you did fall or get hurt and can’t communicate with the professionals at the emergency monitoring center, they will send help anyway – even if you are unable to speak.
The Importance of Wearing a Medical Alert Wristband
If serious medical events or injuries take place, such as a stroke, heart attack, car accident, etc., every minute is precious. The longer it takes to get help, the worse medical outcome you could face.
That’s why medical alert systems for seniors should be worn at all times. The only time the device should be off your body is when it is safely tucked into the charging cradle. That’s why it’s often recommended to charge it at night as you watch tv for a couple of hours. Setting the charger up right next to your bed can also be helpful, as you could reach over and press the button if needed. Otherwise, you should always wear your medical alert wristband or pendant for maximum safety and protection.
A Few Other Points to Ponder
There are some other good reasons to get a medical alert wristband.
Unlike some of the other companies out there, Alert1 doesn’t charge for the equipment or the express shipping of it – you are only charged an affordable monthly fee for the monitoring service (the lowest rates in the industry).
Alert1 never charges for button pushes or talk time. In fact, you should press the button from time to time when there is no emergency, just to test it out and make sure you are comfortable with the process. This can give you strong peace of mind that you really do have the 24/7 protection you need.
If you need to press the button in the event of an emergency, the compassionate professionals at the monitoring center will assess the situation and send the help you need. That might be someone you have designated to help you, such as a neighbor or a close friend. If the situation is more serious, they will call emergency services for you. Then they will stay on the line with you until help arrives on the scene.
As you peruse Alert1’s new wristband alert option, now is also a good time to take the Falls Free CheckUp Assessment from the National Council on Aging. This handy tool can help you gauge your fall risk.3
But keep in mind that even those who are not at a higher risk of falling use medical alerts for safety and protection every day. It’s there for any emergency or accident and easy to use for anyone of any age. The attractive medical alert wristband is great for anyone seeking a modern and stylish way to secure strong protection, peace of mind, and good health.
