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Medical alert systems can offer peace of mind for older loved ones who live alone. However, the prices and fees can add up quickly.

CR members who own monitored devices report shorter hospital stays and less time in emergency rooms. They also say that their devices help them feel more confident about living independently.

1. Automatic Fall Detection

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in the home among seniors and often lead to a lot of pain and suffering. This is why medical alert devices with automatic fall detection are a good option for many families. This feature works by measuring the acceleration of movements and determining whether they are inconsistent with falling patterns. Some models also include two-way communication to reassure the individual that they have not fallen and help is on its way.

The accelerometer of a fall detection device looks for a rapid downward acceleration that is characteristic of most falls. When this occurs, the system will send an emergency alert to a monitoring center or a loved one. Depending on the user’s preferences, the monitoring center professional will call EMS or follow a plan established with the user and their emergency contacts.

A major advantage of the best medical alert systems with fall detection is that they will not fine users for false alarms. This is because the devices are designed to avoid triggering by small motions. Some of the top medical alert system providers offer cellular monitoring and mobile help buttons, which allow seniors to get help when they are out and about. Some of these systems also support a wide range of languages, which is great for families with non-English speaking elders.

2. Seizure Alert

For 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy, a seizure could occur at any time. Unlike medical ID jewelry, which simply indicates that a person has a serious medical condition, medical alert systems allow seniors to press a button and directly connect with an emergency monitoring center. fall alarm These centers are staffed with associates who know how to quickly and efficiently problem solve, identifying your location and sending emergency services to your home. Most systems also include a lockbox (boxes attached to the exterior of the user’s home near the front door that contain spare key codes) that can be used to give emergency responders quick access to the house without damaging windows or doors.

fall alarms for seniors Seizure alert devices can help prevent injuries and deaths caused by seizures by notifying caregivers when a seizure is detected. They can notify caregivers through alarms, phone calls or text alerts, depending on the device. Caregivers can then use the information to reposition the individual during and after the seizure, call 911 or give rescue medications.

There are many options for medical alert systems, including systems geared towards night-time monitoring and ones that can detect absence and focal motor seizures*. If you’re interested in a particular type of system, talk to your neurologist about which device is best for you. personal medical alarm You can also ask your neurologist about grant programs or insurance providers that may help cover the cost of a medical alert system.

3. Medication Reminders

Medications are important for keeping your elderly loved ones healthy and feeling good, but they can sometimes be forgotten or a dose may be accidentally missed. A mobile app can help by offering reminders and medication dispensing options, as well as helpful features like progress reports and refill reminders. Some of these apps work hand-in-hand with smart pill dispensers, which lock when it’s time to take a dose and unlock with a beep and a prerecorded voice for extra assurance that the person has taken their medications.





Some systems even have an option to monitor a senior’s blood pressure and heart rate. The iHealth Feel Wireless Monitor, for example, can track vitals and send results to a smartphone. For older adults who prefer to stick with traditional paper methods, a master checklist that lists all their daily medications and dosages is also an effective tool.

Most at-home medical alert system base units and wearable devices have a button that can be pressed in case of an emergency, or if a user falls or becomes disoriented. When the button is pressed, a monitoring center professional will connect with the user and evaluate the situation. If they determine that a user needs assistance, they will contact the appropriate caregivers and/or EMS, depending on the device’s preset plan. Some systems also have GPS tracking so that caregivers can follow their location if they are unable to reach the senior.

4. GPS Tracking

A personal alarm can give older adults and their caregivers peace of mind, regardless of whether they live at home or in a senior living community. It gives them a way to contact emergency services or family members with just one push of a button, even if they can't talk or are in too much pain to do it themselves.

Depending on the system you choose, it may also be able to connect with other smart devices, like a glucose monitor or a smart TV, as well as window and door sensors. This can help if your loved one is prone to wandering and could potentially get lost. In addition, some systems offer a mobile app that allows caregivers to track their loved ones' location and activity remotely.

The key feature of any medical alert system is its 24/7 monitoring center, which is where a call will go when the emergency button is pushed. It's important to make sure the company you're choosing has a highly trained team of professionals who are available and able to handle these calls quickly and accurately.

You should also ask the company if they have a plan that offers nationwide cellular coverage, which can be beneficial for seniors who travel or live in multiple places during the year, says Gross. You can also find systems that include a GPS wearable, which will keep an eye on your loved ones' locations and notify you of any unusual activity.