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MEDICAL ALERT DEVICES

Medical alert systems include a wearable device, such as a necklace or bracelet,
and a base station that links to a 24/7 monitoring center. When the button is
pressed, a response team connects with you via two-way speaker and dispatches
help, such as 911 or family members (for less serious matters).

Look for waterproof wearables designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive. Ask
about discounts available for veterans or through membership organizations or
health insurance.
Home-Based Systems

A medical alert system allows you to contact a live operator at a call center
who can dispatch local emergency services or notify your emergency contacts. The
operators are specially trained to assess situations and can help you stay safe
until emergency responders arrive. Home-based systems connect to a base station
through a landline or cellular network and typically include wearable buttons
that can be pressed in the event of an emergency. Some systems even offer
automatic fall detection to help prevent falls.

The best medical alert devices feature two-way voice built into the base station
and can work in your home or while you're on the go. Many also have GPS tracking
technology that can communicate your location to emergency responders. They
often use a cell phone connection and are compatible with most smartphone apps.
They're especially helpful for people with limited mobility or for anyone who
spends a lot of time at home, where they may be more likely to fall or need
assistance.

Some at-home systems also allow caregivers to monitor a user's movements through
a linked app or activity sensors. These sensors can alert caregivers if a person
doesn't follow their usual activities or leaves the house at unusual times.
Others are equipped with home air and temperature sensors that can detect
dangerous conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or indoor temperatures
that are too low or high.

Medical alert companies usually offer different packages that range in price and
features. The most basic system is a pendant-style device that sends an
emergency call when a button is pushed. The device can be worn around the neck
or wrist, is waterproof, and comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for
months. Some systems even come with Bella Charms accessories that make the
wearable help buttons look like jewelry. Many systems also have optional
features, such as automatic fall detection or a base station that attaches to a
wall for better coverage in certain areas, such as bathrooms or staircases.

Before purchasing a medical alert system, check the company's pricing plans to
see if they have any contracts or hidden fees. Some offer month-to-month
service, while others require a long-term contract with early termination fees.
You should also check the company's return and cancellation policies.
Mobile Systems

A mobile system works in the same way as a home-based medical alert device, but
it allows users to summon help while away from home. It’s a popular choice for
seniors who want to maintain their independence and continue to go about their
daily lives, such as visiting friends and family members or shopping in the
neighborhood.

Most mobile systems use cellular coverage to communicate with an emergency call
center. This means the wearable button, which can be worn around the neck or
wrist, is always ready to connect with a medical alarm company’s network. Some
mobile devices also use GPS tracking to provide the user’s location to the
emergency response team, which may allow them to be sent more quickly to assist
the person in need of assistance.

Many of the same features you’ll find with a home-based system can be found in
the more portable mobile devices, including automatic fall detection and
activity tracking. Some mobile systems can even monitor a patient’s heart rate
through the use of a chest strap or other monitoring sensor, which can be useful
for those at risk of falls or who have trouble breathing.

These cellular-based personal emergency response systems (PERS) work nationwide
and offer 24/7 service, so they’re an excellent option for people who don’t want
to be confined to their homes. Like their home-based counterparts, they usually
connect via cellular signals to an emergency call center and include a help
button that users can press to speak with a live operator. These types of
cellular systems typically require a monthly fee.

The most common type of medical alert system is a monitored one. When you push
the help button, it’s connected to a central monitoring station that has access
to the user’s basic medical information and emergency contacts. It can also
transmit their current GPS location, which allows the call center to dispatch
local emergency response teams quickly and accurately. This type of system
generally requires a monthly fee and additional charges for some add-on
features, such as medication reminders or location tracking.
In-Vehicle Systems

Medical alert systems can help you avoid a dangerous situation and stay safe in
your home or on the go. However, finding the right system for you can be
difficult with so many different options available. It’s important to evaluate
your needs, research the pros and cons of each device, and compare prices.
Choosing the best medical alert system can provide peace of mind and can even
save your life.

Most of the top rated medical alert systems have a cellular connection and can
communicate with a monitoring center over AT&T or Verizon’s cellular network,
which covers most of the country. Some also use Wi-Fi to connect or have a
built-in fall detector. Some systems are unmonitored and only call a
preprogrammed contact or 911 when triggered, while others are monitored and come
with a monthly fee. The CR experts recommend considering both types of devices
to find which makes the most sense for your lifestyle and budget.

Mobile systems that offer GPS tracking can be especially useful for those with
high risk of falls, as they will allow a response team to pinpoint your
location. Some companies, such as Bay Alarm Medical and LifeStation, include
this technology in their mobile devices and monitors.


Using an in-vehicle system can also reduce the amount of time it takes for
someone to respond to a call, as they won’t have to find your home. If you need
to leave your vehicle, just press the button on the unit and someone will be on
their way.

The CR experts suggest evaluating a device’s range to see how far away you can
be from your home and still have a reliable signal. You can use AT&T’s and
Verizon’s coverage maps to check your area.

In addition to a device with a fall detection, look for systems that have
additional features that can be beneficial to you or your loved one, such as
medication reminders and weather notifications. Some companies, such as QMedic,
even have a dashboard for caregivers to keep track of billing and activity.

Lastly, be sure to check whether your insurance plan provides coverage for a
medical alert system. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and long-term care
policies do, and if not, you can still purchase one for yourself or your loved
ones. Some systems also have referral programs, which can give you a free month
of service or another discount if you refer someone who ends up signing up for a
subscription.
Medication Reminders and Alarms

If your aging parent is reticent about getting a medical alert system, try to
approach the subject with compassion and understanding. They may feel
uncomfortable about wearing something that makes them seem old, or they may be
worried about accidentally calling the monitoring center. It might help to
explain that the devices are lightweight and discreet, so they won’t draw
attention from others in public.

Some medical alert systems can provide medication reminders and alarms, which
can improve adherence to medications. Studies show that electronic reminders can
increase adherence to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and
reduce the number of missed doses.17

A medication reminder can take many forms, from a pillbox with an electric timer
to a smartphone app that reminds you to take your medications. A smartphone app
is more convenient than a traditional pillbox because it can connect to other
devices, such as hearing aids or pacemakers, and automatically adjust to
different schedules.

The apps can also be programmed to send you notifications when it’s time for
your medications, or if you’ve forgotten to take them. Some even include a
feature that lets you record a message for yourself or someone else to read to
you.

Most medical alert systems come with a button that you can press if you fall or
otherwise need assistance. Some offer additional features such as ambient
sensors that detect movement, which can alert the user to a possible fall even
if the system isn’t activated. The devices can be worn on the neck or wrist,
clipped to a belt, or placed in a purse or pocket. medical alert systems Some
also have GPS and a battery backup for use in emergencies away from home.

Make sure the device you choose has a good response time, which is how long it
takes for a monitoring center to respond when you push the emergency button. The
response time should be listed on the company’s website, and you can also call
to ask about it. Some companies will also list their prices and offer discounts
for veterans, or through membership organizations or health insurance.

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Pub: 04 Feb 2024 14:37 UTC
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