When is a Monitored Medical Alert System Necessary?

Monitored medical alert systems are the Swiss Army knives of a senior’s safety toolkit. But many users think that medical alert systems are only for imminent emergencies, like heart attacks, strokes, and dangerous falls. In reality, they’re much more than that. A monitored system can get you help in a variety of situations, each with their own degree of severity. Whether you’re having a true medical emergency or need assistance for a situation experienced while aging in place, a monitored alert system is always your best option.

There are two types of medical alert systems: Monitored and unmonitored.

Monitored medical alert systems connect the user to a call operator who can help them decide what type of support they need.

Unmonitored systems are a direct line to 911.

Unmonitored alert systems are useful in several situations, but you’ll find that monitored systems are more widely-functional. To have greater use of your device, and to ensure you get the help you need, we urge potential members to invest in monitored devices.

We want to illustrate this difference. Below, we’ve detailed situations for which a monitored or unmonitored system might be sufficient.

 

Monitored

Unmonitored

· You’ve experienced a fender bender and are safe, but you want to let your loved ones know. · You’re having an allergic reaction and are unsure whether you need medical attention. · You think there may be an intruder in your home, but you’re not sure. · You fell in your home and think you may have sprained your wrist. You don’t need an ambulance, but you’ll need a ride to urgent care. · You woke up feeling unwell but don’t need medical assistance. You want to ask your neighbor to bring over some soup and medicine.

· You’ve experienced a car accident and don’t know the extent of your injuries. · You’re having a serious allergic reaction and need immediate medical attention. · You know for a fact that there is an intruder in your home. · You fell in your home and experienced a dangerous injury. You need an ambulance.

 

 As you can see, a monitored system addresses uncertainty. With these devices, you should feel comfortable asking for help even if you’re not sure you need it. You won’t have that freedom with an unmonitored alert system. 

While unmonitored medical alerts are sufficient in some situations, monitored devices will always prove helpful. When you press your Alert1 monitored medical alert system, you’ll immediately reach a person at our call center. At that point, you and the operator will decide the best person to contact. If you are unresponsive when your button is triggered, we will contact emergency services. Otherwise, you will have a say in who is best suited to your specific situation.

We know that not all accidents require an ambulance and a call to 911. These situations demand care and nuance – which is exactly what you’ll get with Alert1 service. An unmonitored alert system can be a good tool in a true emergency, but it’s about as useful as dialing 911 on a cell phone. For truly personal and careful service, choose Alert1.