Seniors may be encouraged to use portable monitors by their doctors to monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, and other conditions. These devices come in smartwatches as well as blood pressure cuffs or glucose monitors.
This method is sometimes known as “automated hovering” and allows doctors to remotely monitor patients. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, this helps fill a gap of 5,000 hours that patients have to go to for care.
Seniors also face another danger: falling. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 36 million cases of older adults fall each year. Around 20% of these falls result in broken bones, head injuries, or other trauma.
Senior citizens can use personal medical alert systems to quickly notify authorities of any accidents, injuries, or falls. According to the Washington Post, over 3 million people have wearable medical alert devices.
Learn more about senior medical alarm systems. Find out which one is best for seniors and how to get one free.
Why seniors should consider alert systems
Seniors who live alone can be seriously injured or even killed if they are unable to reach help or get the phone ringing quickly. Alarm systems can offer safety, security, comfort, and peace of mind.
Here are some reasons seniors should consider medical alert systems.
They are convenient and easy to use
These alert systems can be worn on bracelets or pendants, or as smartwatches. They are less bulky and obvious and have discreet designs that make them easier to use and less embarrassing. They are a quick way to reach a phone or remember phone numbers and can be pressed multiple times.
They are easy to install
Senior medical alert devices typically have a main unit that looks like an answering machine or smart speaker. Two-way speakers are also included to enable communication with companies who monitor them. They can be used as soon as they have power and a phone line.
They monitor your living space
Some systems include environmental sensors that will notify you of high levels of carbon monoxide or fire. They may alert first responders or monitoring centers depending on which system they are.
You have a variety of options
Monitoring systems can now be configured in many ways, even though they were once bulky and obvious. These systems can be disguised as activity or fitness monitors to make them more easily recognizable. These models can be equipped with GPS to aid family members and loved ones in tracking seniors who wander.
They provide peace of mind for loved ones
Family members can feel more relaxed knowing that loved ones are being watched over constantly. You can also send or text family members notifications when certain events occur, such as opening your front door or any other important information.
They promote independence
Seniors can set alarms whenever they want. You can shower, sleep or work in your yard as long as you know that help is just a button away. Seniors can live independently knowing that they are safe and secure.
They will get immediate help
Medical alert systems can be accessed 24/7 to dispatch first responders or family members as required. Even if you don’t need medical attention, you can still get the help that you need.
What should you look for in a senior monitoring system?
You should ensure that your monitoring system has certain features. Here are the top features you should include, according to AARP
- Is it possible to pair it with a home alarm system? Ask your home security provider if an additional charge is required.
- Are other devices possible to connect? Some machines let families connect to the system through an app on a smartphone or computer.
- Is it equipped with a lockbox? Some companies offer a lockbox for medical staff to have access to the home in case of an emergency.
- How long is the battery life? Make sure you know how to charge your device and how to tell if it is dead.
- How do you put it together? Do you need multiple consoles or base units to cover your yard and home? Consider whether landlines are necessary or whether cellular data is possible.
- Does it have waterproofing? This feature is essential because falls can occur in the bath and shower.
- Is it comfortable? It should be comfortable to use and not intrusive enough to encourage it.
- Is the speaker sufficiently loud? A hearing loss can make it difficult for people to reach you.
- Is the system mobile? Some providers of medical-alert services do not offer nationwide coverage. You should check to see if your system is able to move with you.
- How far is the range? Find out the range of an in-home system. It should be able to reach all areas of the home, including the outdoors.
- Are there any updates required? Ask if updates are downloaded automatically or manually and ensure you have the ability to manage them.
Our commitment, at Grande Cypress, is to provide non-institutional community retirement living. We believe this commitment allows our residents to age in place with dignity, purpose, and meaning. Call us today for more information.
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