What is a Medical Alert and Who Should Get One?
What is a Medical Alert?
A medical alert or Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) is an emergency system that provides medical monitoring in or out of the home. It is used to indicate that there is an emergency that requires immediate attention. It can also alert family members or caregivers of the emergency. With the push of a button a signal is sent to the alarm system, which then notifies trained medical personnel.
Having a medical alert system in place can help seniors live more independently and gives family members peace of mind.
What types of devices are available for medical alert?
- In Home Medical Alert System- This is a device that is connected to either the telephone line or to a cellular service. It has a detection option that will call for assistance if needed.
- Fall Detection Devices- The technology in fall detection automatically senses a sudden downward movement or responds to sudden jolts. The device is wearable and will signal for assistance due to a fall even if the person can’t speak.
- Portable Devices- These are small wearable devices that travel with you. They can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Health Monitoring Service- With this type of medical alert, your health is tracked and documented.
PERS system are also customizable so you can get the service you want for your health needs.
Who should get a medical alert system?
If you are a senior living alone, a medical alert system can provide security to you and family members. Here are some ways to determine if you or a loved one needs a PERS device:
- Past or frequent falls
- Trouble getting around or weakness from an injury
- Constant worry about being alone
- No one nearby that can help in an emergency
- There are side effects from medication you are taking
As people age their muscles and bones are not as strong. This can cause them to be wobbly and fall.
According to the National Counsel for the Aging, falls are the leading cause of most fatal injuries in seniors and the number one reason elderly are admitted to the hospital. Not only do falls cause injury, but they impact the quality of life for seniors, studies show that falls cause serious problems for seniors and increase admissions to nursing homes.
Aside from medical emergencies a medical alert system allows you to call for help other types of emergencies as well. If a fire breaks out in your home, you can contact the fire department from the alert system. Some systems will even detect smoke and carbon monoxide. A medical alert system can also call the police if someone is breaking into your home.
How do I know what medical alert system to choose?
Easy to use- When looking for a medical alert system, make sure you find one you think will be easy to use. Keep in mind you may also need to purchase a service to go with it.
Portable Devices- To use a portable device, you will need to wear it 24 hours a day. Portables usually come in the form of pendants/necklaces or wrist wearables such as a bracelet. They are discrete and blend in with your wardrobe.
Water-resistant- Look for wearables that are waterproof or water resistant. Many falls happen in the bathroom due to moist conditions on tile, shower or bathtub so you want to make sure you are wearing one when you bathe.
Battery Life- Most devices have a battery life between one week and one month before they need to be recharged. Some devices however need to be charged daily. Make sure you know the battery life of any device you are thinking of purchasing.
Signal Range- Another consideration when purchasing a device is its signal range. Alert systems operate on either a landline or through a cellular service. Evaluate the size of your home and where you will be going such as the garage, garden or taking walks. Regular telephone line systems work within 400-1,000 feet so if you are outside, the system may not get a signal. With cellular service, the alert system will get a signal wherever there is cell service.
Around the clock assistance- When choosing a monitoring service, make sure there are medically trained personnel available 24 hours a day- 7 days a week.
Fall Detection- Check for fall detection in the device. The device you choose should come with fall detection. If a fall occurs you will not have to do anything to get help, someone will be called automatically.
GPS tracking- GPS tracking is a great feature to have if you are independent and mobile. First responders will be able to find you wherever you are in case of an emergency.
How Medihill® Can Help
Medihill® specializes in providing Personal Emergency Response Systems and Remote Patient Monitoring. We have many products to help seniors live longer independently in their homes.
This state-of-the-art PERS landline model is compact and can be placed on a tabletop. Due to its ability to be customized, it’s perfect for anyone needing extra security.
This model does not require a landline because it works like a cellular phone. It has all the same features as the Medihill® Home PERS landline model.
In addition to our tabletop models, we also carry mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems. This allows users to take the medical alert device with them wherever they go in and outside of the home.
Additional features include:
Fall Detection Technology
Pendant/Wrist Convertible Transmitter
Fall Detection Pendant
For more information about all our landline, cellular, and mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems devices and their features, contact us now at 1-855-633-4445 or Order Online. We would love to help you feel safer everywhere you are.