Medical Alert Systems

MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS

By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer

One out of every four adults falls every year, and about 20 percent of those falls result in a broken bone, head trauma or similar injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seniors who fall double their chance of experiencing future falls. DO SOME RESEARCH TO CHOOSE THE BEST ONE FOR YOU ASSURES TIMELY ARRIVAL OF ASSISTANCE

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• In-Home • Mobile • Remote-Monitoring 3 Main Types of Systems:

Although there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of falling, a medical alert system (MAS) can ensure assistance will arrive in the event of a fall or other medical emergency. An MAS allows seniors to maintain their independence at home and in their communities while minimizing the risk of further injury or death from falling without receiving immediate assistance. These systems offer more protection than mobile phones. Digital assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home cannot dial 911 even though they can dial landlines and mobile phone numbers. When a call is placed to 911, the operator’s goal is to get help to you as soon as possible. So their job is to send EMS to your home whether you require that level of help or not. They must take other calls so they can’t stay on the line and they don’t have any medical history or emergency contact and medication/allergy information. These are all benefits of an MAS, especially one monitored by a 24/7 call center. A trained medical operator will assess the level of assistance needed and stay on the line until the issue is resolved. They can call neighbors, friends or family members and relay medical history and medication information to someone on your behalf. This is especially helpful if the senior patient loses consciousness.

Since the 1970s, these systems were designed to work in the home with a landline phone. Now they can be used over cellular networks, which is good for those who no longer have a landline. More important, they allow protection outside the home. They can be especially helpful for users who become disoriented or confused because mobile systems utilize GPS services.

There are benefits to monitored systems, but some people prefer to have a call button that connects to a family member, friend or neighbor. This option reduces the cost of a monitored system, which include a monthly fee for a dispatch center, as well as minimum commitments or contracts.

The three main types of systems are In-Home, Mobile and RemoteMonitoring. In-home systems are ideal for people who rarely leave the house, but if you maintain an active lifestyle, consider a mobile MAS. Mobile systems go with you when you leave the house. They use GPS technology to pinpoint your exact location and cellular technology to connect you to a response center. Mobile models are usually somewhat larger and heavier than a standard portable help button but are still small enough to be worn as a pendant. The help button initiates a call to the response center, and there is a speaker and microphone for two-way communication. Mobile pendants can also have a fall detection sensor for an additional fee. Remote-Monitoring allows a family member, friend or neighbor to receive text alerts if a front-door camera spots significant movement or a bed sensor detects the senior gets up in the middle of the night. Different types of monitoring devices are available, such as GPS-enabled shoe inserts and sensors that can tell if a stove is left on and unattended. Best Buy has an Assured Living program, which uses sensors to track activities such as opening a refrigerator or medicine cabinet. Apple Watch Series 4 has watches and pendants that can automatically detect falls and alert emergency responders. Location-tracking devices can monitor movement on foot or in a car to alert a remote monitor that the senior has gone beyond a designated parameter.

Most systems offer no-contract monthly subscriptions, but some require a multi-year commitment. A landline-based in-home system can range in price from around $25 to $35 per month. Cellular in-home subscriptions are $35 to $45 per month. Mobile systems can run as high as $65 to $75 per month. Some services offer daily wellness checks: An agent will call at a specified time to make sure everything is OK and remind you to take your medications.

Visit www.theseniorlist.com/best-medical-alert-systems for a list comparing different systems.

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