Medical alert devices can be life-saving for the most vulnerable members of our society. Older adults living independently can feel confident knowing that if they experience an accident at home, such as a fall, they can press a button and receive assistance.
Without a medical alert device, they may not be within reach of a phone and may not be able to get the help they need in a timely fashion. If you’re new to wearing medical alert devices, it can take some time to learn their intricacies and know how to use them to their full potential. Here are a few tips to help you become acquainted with this new piece of technology.
Understand How They Work
Before purchasing senior medical alert systems , it’s crucial to understand how they function. When you realise how each component works, you may feel more confident to make a purchasing decision. Regardless of the brand, all medical alert systems have three parts: electronic hardware, an emergency response center, and emergency assistance dispatch.
The electronic hardware is usually an emergency response button on a wearable device and may also be on a wall device. They should be within arm’s reach at all times so that you can access them from anywhere in your house.
The emergency response center is often staffed by the manufacturer of the system or outsourced to another company. Lastly, the emergency assistance dispatch consists of a component that can connect the person needing emergency help, such as an ambulance.
Buy a Pendant
When you begin looking at medical alert systems online, you may discover myriad different wearable options. Pendants are one such option, and are essentially necklaces with a button.
When you require emergency assistance, you can reach up to your neck and press the button, and help shoud arrive soon after. You can wear your pendant over the top of your clothing or underneath it if you don’t like how it looks. Some people also purchase stylish lanyards so that their pendant medical alert device can function as both a life-saving device and a fashion accessory.
The pendant is one of the most popular options for those in need of medical alert devices. People love being able to tuck it away out of sight and not having to remove it to take a bath or shower. After all, when bathroom falls are than those in a living room, you want to have your medical alert device as close as possible.
Wear a Wristband
If you rarely wear necklaces or don’t like the idea of having a pendant hanging around your neck, then you may not want your medical alert device to be a necklace. Fortunately, you have other options.
Most medical alert companies offer wristbands that look and are worn much like watches, but with a convenient button you can press in an emergency. They feature comfortable straps, and a discreet design. No one even has to know that you’re not wearing a timepiece.
Both men and women can enjoy wearing a secure wristband, and they are even waterproof. As a result, you don’t need to remove them to take a shower or bath.
Purchase a Belt Clip Unit
While there is a risk that a belt clip medical alert device can fall off your belt, it can be a preferred option for people who don’t wear watches or necklaces. You can simply clip the device onto your belt and go about your day without being about accessing the help you need. If you need to use it, it’s within arm’s reach at all times.
However, it’s essential to read through the fine print of each belt clip supplier. If you’ve purchased a GPS system, you may still need to wear a wristband or neck pendant along with the belt clip. You may be able to combat this problem by specifically searching for all-in-one units.
Place It in Your Purse
Many medical alert devices can function from anywhere you are, as long as you carry the GPS device with you at all times. If you’re heading to the shops, on a walk, or even just to visit a friend, you may like to put your GPS device in your purse or pocket and carry it with you. If you leave it home, you may be too far from it to access the help you need if you end up in an accident.
However, it’s important to think about easy access, should you need to press the button for help. If you use your handbag to store all manner of things, you may not find your GPS device when you need it. If you’re opting for handbag or purse storage, make sure you keep your bag with you at all times and keep the GPS device within its own easy-to-access pocket.
Get Wall Buttons
When you’re an active person who doesn’t like to wear jewelry or accessories, adapting to life with a medical alert device can be challenging. You may not live alone and, as a result, don’t see the need to have something hanging off your body just yet.
There are medical alert devices and systems available without wearable devices, and these may be recommended to you and others in unique circumstances. Typically, they don’t even require landlines and operate with 4G.
While these specific companies may offer wearable devices as extras, they often come with voice-activated wall buttons that you can use to call for help. However, the buttons are activated by voice or touch, so they don’t come with a crucial automatic fall detection feature that many would prefer to have.
Don’t Underestimate Their Importance
You might be a confident, independent person living quite comfortably on your own and seeing no need for a medical alert device. However, it’s important not to underestimate their importance when a simple wearable device might just save your life.
A number of high-risk groups could benefit from wearing a wristwatch, pendant, or belt clip, such as older adults living by themselves, people with a medical history of falling, those with poor vision, and people with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
If you’d like to talk to schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss medical alert devices for yourself or a loved one, or would like to get recommendations as to the sort of devices that may be appropriate, don’t hesitate. The fastest and easiest way to search for and book healthcare appointments online is with MyHealth1st.