Health

Medical alert systems – Things you need to know before you purchase one

Medical alert systems – Things you need to know before you purchase one

Medical alert systems are excellent devices that help in emergency monitoring, both while you’re at home and when you’re outside. These systems transmit a signal in the case of a medical emergency and can be used to notify caregivers or family members. A medical alert system is triggered in the case of an emergency, and a signal is sent to the alarm monitoring system within seconds. This is followed by an immediate assessment of the situation, and action is taken accordingly, which can include contacting the family members or dispatching medical help. Read on to know more about medical alert systems.

Uses

  • Keeps you connected in case you need medical help
    Living alone, even in your golden years, comes with its own perks. You can live as you like and stick to your own schedule, but this independence also comes with a certain amount of risk. So, if ever you fall sick, meet with an accident, or encounter a medical emergency, you’re on your own. With a medical alert system, all you need to do is press a button, and you’ll be immediately connected to an emergency response operator. And some of these systems are designed to provide services even if you’re out of the house.
  • Fall detection feature provides immediate assistance
    If there’s no one around to help you in case you fall, it can be dangerous, even fatal, depending on the severity of the fall. Sounds scary, right? However, with medical alert systems, you can get an added degree of protection by simply adding automatic fall detection to your package. With this setting, an emergency operator is notified in the case of a fall. Additionally, this feature works without you having to push the button, as it automatically detects a fall.
  • You don’t need appointments to get medical help
    If you have a serious health condition, even a small thing might cause panic. Also, a minor ache might not be so minor after all, so it’s better to have medical professionals at your disposal, especially if there’s an underlying chronic health issue. That means no more waiting for hours to secure an appointment with a healthcare professional or trying to reach a hospital in an emergency. Thanks to medical alert systems, professional healthcare is right at your fingertips when you need it.
  • It lets you be independent
    Who says you need to slow down with age? Some people do not want to slow down just due to aging, and medical alert systems come in handy for such active seniors. With GPS location tracking, these systems provide the same level of protection wherever you go. So you can now visit your friend’s house, go for a long walk, and shop freely in the mall, without any worries.
  • Your safety keeps your loved ones stress free
    If you have a medical alert system while staying alone, your loved ones know that you’re safe. This gives them a feeling of relief that you are keeping well even if you’re far from them. This makes spending on a quality medical alert system all the more important, as it keeps you safe and also gives your family and loved ones peace of mind when it comes to your safety.

Benefits
Medical alert systems enable seniors to continue living an independent and active lifestyle. It might seem easier to restrict your day-to-day activities, especially if health issues are bothering you with increasing age. However, getting a medical alert system can make you confident about stepping out and indulging in activities that you love without any worries.

Some of the benefits of using medical alert systems are:

  • Ease of usage
    Irrespective of the type or the brand of the medical alert system, they are easy to use, and the wearable models are the easiest ones to use. After the system is activated, you can contact a call center representative to provide you with all the necessary help.
  • Affordable
    When medical alert systems were expensive, their price made them inaccessible to a lot of people. However, with constant improvement in technology and increasing competition, they have become more affordable now.
  • Easy installation
    For most medical alert systems, all you have to do is install the main unit at home. These systems look fairly similar to answering machines. Then, you can get the system up and running by connecting the unit to a power source and your phone line. Some systems can also be connected to a cell phone, enabling you to use them outside your house.
  • An abundance of options
    Several new and improved medical alert systems are available in the market to cater to seniors. You can find them in the form of bracelets or necklaces that you can wear and use on the go. Some devices also have GPS tracking features, which makes it easy for your loved ones or the healthcare team to locate you in times of an emergency. You can also find medical alert systems that look, and even function, like fitness monitors, to an extent.
  • Assured support during an emergency
    During an emergency, it is time that matters the most. When a senior receives immediate assistance during an emergency, they have better chances of getting through it, and this holds for all types of emergencies. With a medical alert system, assistance is guaranteed within minutes. Most call centers also have a health expert who is equipped to help during such difficult situations until medical help reaches the patient.
  • More than just for emergencies
    Earlier, medical alert systems were only considered to be for emergencies, but the systems do a lot more nowadays. They keep you updated with reminders for your medications throughout the day, and some systems also help monitor the levels of carbon monoxide or other harmful toxins in your vicinity. Others automatically detect falls, smoke, and fires and enable you to reach out for timely help. In any type of emergency, you can rest assured that you’ll be provided with medical support at the earliest.
  • 24-hour support
    It isn’t easy for everyone to have a caregiver, and medical alert systems come in handy to bridge the gap. They provide comfort and assurance that you will get the required help from healthcare professionals, regardless of the time of the incident.

Common types of medical alert systems
You can get medical alert systems in a multitude of shapes and sizes. There are cellular medical alert systems, pendant-style medical alert systems, activity tracker systems, speakerphone systems, and combination systems, which are both a phone and a tracker. The following are the main types of medical alert systems:

  • Cellular medical alert systems
    This type of a medical alert system offers substantial coverage everywhere, depending on your cell carrier, and it only needs a cell phone to work. The functionality of cellular systems is similar to in-house systems, and they connect you to the monitoring center just by pressing a button. These systems are ideal for people who travel a lot, are active, and like to be on the go.
  • At-home medical alert systems
    For connection, the at-home medical alert systems work with or without a landline phone, and the primary requirement is a base station that has to be connected to the electrical unit and a phone line. So, when you press the button on the base station, a call is placed to a professional who can help you during an emergency. These systems are ideal for people who spend the majority of their time at home.

Common mistakes to avoid when buying a medical alert system

There are a few mistakes that should be avoided when buying a medical alert system:

  • Picking the wrong type of medical alert system
    Firstly, you need to decide the type of system that would meet your needs and buy one accordingly. For instance, do you want to wear it as a watch or a pendant? Do you need one with or without a speakerphone? A lot of accidents occur in the bathroom, so do you want a water-resistant medical alert device?
  • Not having substantial coverage
    Most home units have a radius of 400-1500 feet, but the walls can obstruct this range. So, if you wish to step out of your house, you’ll need a system with a cellular option.
  • Contract-binding
    Some medical alert systems come with a contract-binding, but what if you do not need them anymore? It’s advisable to check the refund and return policy and see who will repay for shipping at return. Also, you can check how long you are supposed to pay the monitoring fee.
  • Not checking hidden fees
    Read all the terms and conditions and check whether there are any hidden fees involved. If you are okay with the extra cost, you can make the purchase, or you can skip it otherwise.
  • Choosing a system that’s difficult to install
    You should always opt for a system that you can install on your own. If not, check for systems that include a free visit by a representative for installation.

Must-have features
Regardless of the brand or the type of the medical alert system you opt for, there are a few non-negotiable features that the device should include:

  • Long battery life
    Always opt for a medical alert device with good battery life.
  • Lightweight and comfortable
    You don’t want to invest in a piece of equipment that isn’t lightweight or comfortable. After all, you’ll be wearing it every day, and you don’t want to be uncomfortable due to it.
  • Waterproof
    Most falls happen in the bathroom, so it is good to have a waterproof system that can be used at such times.
  • A good coverage range
    A medical alert system would be next to useless if the transmitter doesn’t have an adequate range. Check the range immediately after installation to verify that the device provides coverage throughout the house.
  • Money-back return policy
    A good medical alert system will come with a guaranteed, no-questions-asked return policy. Also, if you are not satisfied with the functionality of a system, a 100% money-back return policy is beneficial.

Top medical alert systems to choose from
Now that you are aware of what features to look for and what mistakes to avoid when purchasing a medical alert system, you’re ready to explore your options and pick a system that suits your requirements. To help you, we have listed the two top choices of medical alert systems available in the market:

  • Medical Guardian
    Freedom Guardian is a lightweight medical alert watch from Medical Guardian that comes with GPS technology and a button for emergencies. When you press the button, your location will be immediately tracked, and help will be sent to you. The device is equipped with several features, including text-to-speech messaging, low-battery notifications, and reminders for taking medicines and being on time for your doctor’s appointment. Although there is no trial period, you can get free services for a month if you subscribe to the device for a year. You can also choose from other in-house as well as cellular options from Medical Guardian that are equipped with amazing features.
  • Bay Alarm Medical
    One of the incredible features of the in-the-home medical alert system from Bay Alarm Medical is that it has a range of 1000 feet. With this provider, you can pick from 4 options for protection at home, in your car, or on the go, or combine any mobile device with the in-the-home system for a bundle package. All you need is an AT&T 4G LTE connection to stay safe anywhere you go. Furthermore, there is a plethora of devices to choose from, with the basic in-the-home medical alert system available for $19.95 per month. To get help, all you need to do is press the button to connect to a 24/7 medical professional. The devices from Bay Alarm Medical come with a 30-day risk-free trial, and the company also offers complimentary spouse monitoring. Not to mention, the devices have good battery life, and the in-the-home and on-the-go systems are equipped with automatic fall detection.

Editors Choice