Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

One of the major concerns in deciding between an assisted care facility and an independent living community is whether or not there are services in place for a fall or medical emergency. Since independent living facilities are aimed at older adults who need little or no assistance with activities of daily living, most do not offer medical care or nursing staff.

Many seniors would prefer the freedom of an independent living community, but they worry about what may happen if they have a medical emergency while they are living alone. Even those seniors who have no mobility concerns, and their loved ones, may worry about what might happen if they slip and fall while taking a shower and cannot get up or reach a phone.

It is concerns like these that may lead to choosing an assisted living option earlier than may be really necessary. If you would prefer to choose an independent living community, but share this concern, there is an option to help prepare yourself, or your loved one, for a fall or medical emergency.

What are Medical Alert Systems?

Medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems, have been helping seniors and others with mobility concerns keep their independence for more than 30 years. These low-cost, easy to use alert systems provide the peace of mind needed to be able to live alone and independent. With just the push of a button, the wearer is connected to a professionally trained emergency operator that can provide the help needed for the situation including contacting family, neighbors, or other members of your personalized action plan.

Some independent living facilities offer this service as part of their package of amenities, but you should not worry if it isn’t included. Medical alert services are inexpensive and often cost less than a dollar a day.

Tips for Using Medical Alert Systems

One Call Alert, the leader in the medical alert industry, provides a few helpful hints for people that choose a medical alert system to help provide added care to their independent living choice.

 

  • Choose a medical alert company that doesn’t have a contract. Your living situation may change and if you need to cancel the service, you should be able to without argument.

 

 

  • Make sure the bracelet or pendant included with the system is waterproof and has a long battery life. What good is it if you can’t wear it in the shower or have to plug it in at night to charge?

 

 

  • Include the office or staff at your independent living community as an emergency contact for your medical alert. They usually can respond quickly and provide basic care if necessary.

 

 

  • Get to know your neighbors and, if they are alright with it, include them as emergency contacts. The more local emergency contacts that can be reached the better. Most incidents do not actually need EMS response, but they do need a helpful hand.

 

 

  • Choose a medical alert company that offers easy updating of information through a dedicated customer care representative. You will need to change your medical and contact information routinely to make sure it is as up to date as possible.

 

 

  • Some independent living facilities do not have standard phone outlets which are used by most medical alert systems, but don’t worry, there are no-landline options available that will still work for you.

 

 

  • Test your new medical alert system in all of the various places of your new home. It is important to your own peace of mind to know that it will work when and where you may need it.

 

“If you have questions about what a medical alert system can do for you, or your loved one, it is best to just take the time to make a call and ask. There are no dumb questions when it comes to providing this kind of care. You should be comfortable with the company and the service they provide. You trust us with your peace of mind and we understand how important that is,” said Alicia Karim, customer care director at One Call Alert.

To learn more about One Call Alert and medical monitoring systems, check out the infographic below.

Medical Alert Monitoring Infographic

 

Guest Post by Justin Noland

As brand manager at One Call Alert, Justin Noland makes sure that every customers’ expectations are surpassed. Through the years of dedicated customer care, Justin has had the privilege of speaking to hundreds of doctors, physical therapists, and caregivers, each providing insight into the lives of those in their care. He is proud to be able to share the tips, stories, and advice he has been given.

Senior Advisor's knowledgeable writers blog about senior care services, trends and more.

9 Comments

  1. tspinelli March 4, 2014 Reply

    I recently made an app that allows my 5-year old son to alert me in cases of a medical emergency. My retired parents have told me that I should be offering it to the retired community as well.

    The application allows you to set up a group of people that automatically get texted, emailed and called whenever you run the application. After setting it up, simply running the application automatically sends alerts until you stop it.

    It is intended to be a VERY easy emergency alert application. It has no monthly cost, simply the initial application cost of $1.99.

  2. Tonja March 15, 2014 Reply

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  3. tara June 6, 2014 Reply

    I’ve been helping my parents adjust to old age. I want to put them in assisted living soon though. They can only be on their own for so long. I found a beautiful place that I think they would love.

    Tara |

    • Amelia Willson June 9, 2014 Reply

      Hi Tara, is this the community you are considering? Share your thoughts about it by writing a review!

  4. Addison Baby June 9, 2015 Reply

    Great Post..!!

  5. Andrew June 28, 2016 Reply

    Hi Justin

    Nice overview and summary on the available options, systems available, and why one call alert is the best.

    Best!
    Andrew

  6. Randy yan November 16, 2016 Reply

    Figuring out a long-term living solution for your parents, grandparents, or any seniors in your life can be difficult. Assisted living homes are always an option, but are often expensive and are met with hostility by many seniors. Moving them in with family may also be resisted, but might not be the best option if the family is not home during the day, putting seniors at risk. If you are trying to figure out an option for a senior who still wants to live their lives independently, but who needs a backup plan, emergency alert device for seniors might be an option worth investigating.

    Emergency / medical alert device for seniors are popular alternatives to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. These devices allow seniors to regain control of their lives, by living a normal, independent lifestyle, without compromising on their health or safety. If these medical alert system devices sound like something that would benefit the senior in your life, look into Tymin Health Care’s emergency alert systems telephone:

  7. Kerri January 16, 2018 Reply

    Hello and thank you for the great article!

    My mother recently passed away and now my senior father is living alone. He is still capable of doing things around the house, but the other day he went outside to shovel but slipped and fell on the ice. He had to wait 25 minutes in the freezing cold for someone to help him up, thank god for nice neighbors. Once inside he called me up and was completely shaken which brings me to research these Medical Alert Systems.With so many companies and different services in Canada, could someone please tell me what to look for and if anyone had any experiences with Direct Alert or Lifeline? These seem to be the most reputable provider of medical alert systems in Canada. I appreciate any suggestions and have a great day!

  8. Callum Palmer July 16, 2019 Reply

    My grandma should get something like this. That way, she could get help by pushing a button if she couldn’t get up or something similar. We’ll have to talk and go over the options that we have.

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