A medical alert system is usually referred to as a MERS (Medical Emergency Response System) or PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) or the basic term, fall monitor. It is used to provide safety and independence to loved ones, which extends a peace of mind to the rest of the family and also to the family caregivers.
But with the range of medical alert systems available, how can one choose the best solution for a loved one’s situation?
The process can be complicated because of the advance in technology which brings about new products. Currently, there are wearable devices that have a button to call an emergency response center. Additionally, the systems also have fall prevention and detection, in-home well-being monitors, movement sensors and so much more.
When choosing a medical alert system, begin by evaluating the specific short term and long term needs of the loved one. For instance, if the loved one is mentally disabled, there is a huge chance that he or she might not operate the device. Also, check if an automatic device is an appropriate necessity. If the patient has any sort of disorder, it might be hard communicating with a call center.
To check the options available, below are the different types of medical alert systems to choose from.
Types of Medical Alert Systems
In-home Medical Alert Systems
This is a traditional medical alert system that has been used for decades. It is a common device that has a wireless pendant to tell a substation to contact the emergency center. This device is designed for apartments and homes. It is also a reliable system that shares a signal with the pendant and the emergency center.
One limitation of this device is its limited range. For instance, most systems have 600 feet range. The in-home systems can also connect to your cell phone network and the landline, with the latter being the most convenient option.
The base station located at home is a speakerphone that dials one number, which is the emergency monitory center. The microphone is highly sensitive to pick voices anywhere in the room, and the speaker is also loud enough, making the communication clear enough.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems
The mobile medical alert devices have been on the market for around a decade. They are commonly referred to as GPS or On-the-Go systems designed for seniors who are active. These mobile systems communicate with the operators at the monitoring center through a pendant that is worn by the patient. In this setup, a base station does not exist.
A mobile medical system can be thought of as simple cell phone that is worn either on a belt or on a clip around the neck. The device has one button that calls the emergency number, although some devices call 911 when the button is held down.
The pendants are big, and they allow someone to speak directly to the operators regardless of where their location is. Mobile systems offer a safety net compared to in-house alert systems. It is not limited to space, and the microphone and the speaker are close to someone at all times.
Medical Alert Apps
There are very few medical alert systems that have branched out to the smartphone environment, but as time goes by, more will come on board. A medical alert app offers a one-call button that connects directly to a monitoring station. Since smartphones are carried almost everywhere, it provides the same safety net as mobile medical alert systems, but at a much cheaper rate since the only cost is on the monitoring service.
Medical Alert Tracking Systems
Medical alert tracking systems are a new entry in the medical alert market. They behave like traditional in-home systems, but they have sensors and mobile apps to track and monitor a patient. Families are the beneficiaries of these devices especially if the patient suffers from mental disorders.
For instance, it is possible for a family to track a loved one and get alerts when routines are broken. There are also tracking systems designed to help seniors live well in an assisted living community, where family members can contact their loved ones.
Automatic Fall Detection Pendants
This device was introduced in the market in 2010. With only a $10 a month subscription to home systems, automatic fall detection is gaining ground in the market. Although some people experience false alarms because of the sensitivity of the device, it is a concern that is being worked on.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Alert
Q: What does one need to look out for when purchasing a medical alert system?
A: A medical alert system needs to be highly reliable, easy to install and use. It has to come with backup batteries, and it should be UL-tested. Confirmation needs to be done on the qualifications of the emergency response personnel who is supposed to be available 24 hours a day.
Q: How doe the Medical Alert devices work?
A: The process is really simple. The medical Medical Alert button is worn by the patients as a bracelet or a necklace depending on its use. If an emergency is required, the patient or the caregiver needs to only push the button. A signal is sent to the in-home base which connects to the emergency response team operator. A call is connected where the base unit calls to assess the situation and send an emergency response needed.
Q: Are the medical alert systems trustworthy?
A: Yes. These products save lives because of their convenience and the fast response of the emergency response team.
Q: What kind of help does someone get?
Answer: It all depends on the emergency at hand, if a minor situation is at hand, then, a loved one or a neighbor is contacted to help ease up the situation. The numbers of the people who can be contacted are usually picked by the service providers for such cases. If there is a serious emergency, then a dispatch team is sent with an ambulance. It could also be a fire station or police service that are contacted, depending on the needs.
