Medical Alert System

Just because you’re growing older, doesn’t mean you have to give up your independence. While age comes with certain risks, living in fear is not an option. Luckily, continuing advances in technology allow you to have the support you need if there’s an emergency, without having to live your life as if an emergency is immanent.

This is where devices like a medical alert system come into play. These systems allow elderly or those with medical conditions to keep their independence while also providing their caretakers with some reassurance of their safety and well-being.

Overview

Medical alert systems allow you to automatically contact medical aid and family members in the case of an emergency with just the touch of a button. This is especially important when someone has fallen and can’t reach a phone, or has had a stroke and is unable to talk. Typically, a medical alert device is worn on the person, either around the neck or as a wrist watch, allowing for easy access in any situation.

How They Work

Alert systems work by communicating wirelessly between the device you wear and the base of your installed system. If you fall or need medical assistance in any way, you simply press the button on your device and help is signaled.

In most cases, the device contacts a trained professional at the provider you sign up for your alert service through. That person then contacts the appropriate medical care or family member for immediate assistance. This extra step in the process also helps prevent accidental calls for emergency personnel.

Benefits

The two main benefits of a medical alert system are security and freedom. Your security comes from knowing that no matter where you are, you can reach help immediately if you need it. Unlike a phone call, an alert device connects you with someone who already has your important information, including medical conditions and any allergies you may have.

At the same time, your friends and family have a similar sense of security knowing that if you need help and they’re not there, you can get it. This sense of security leads to a feeling of freedom. With an alert system you can live independently for longer without having to rely as much on others or move to a care facility.

Features

While early models of alert devices were primarily just for contacting help, new strides in technology allow modern devices to be so much more with both basic and advanced features. For example, most devices are now waterproof, allowing you to wear them in the shower. With many falls occurring in the bathroom, this relatively basic improvement can be life saving.

Other potential features vary depending on your brand and model. For example, some alert devices can remind you when it’s time to take your medications. For those with loved ones with diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s, certain models are also equipped with GPS functions, allowing those wearing the device to be precisely tracked. This is an especially important feature for those with loved ones who are prone to wandering off.

It’s not only the elderly who can benefit from a medical alert system. Anyone who is at risk for falls or medical episodes can benefit from these devices. Take your life back and consider investing in the security and freedom that comes with a medical alert device.

If you are considering a medical alert system, Reviews.com researched 69 different systems to help find the right medical alert system. They spent over 100 hours talking to experts, looking into service agreements, features and customer service to find the most reliable and safe options on the market.