Elderly adults are vulnerable to injuries and emergencies that may be fatal if they fail to receive immediate assistance. These people may not have a way of quickly reaching out for help in case of emergencies, especially when left alone at home. You can choose to have a full-time caregiver, but that would be very expensive. Even with the caregiver, you still need medical alert systems to alert you or the caregiver in case of emergencies. Emergencies such as falling off the stairs, slipping in the bathroom or and some other medical emergencies may go unnoticed if there is no way for the elderly to alert their caregivers. It is for this reason that you need life alert devices that they can use to call out for quick help. Here is how you use these devices and how they help you take care of the elderly.
Know their Medical Conditions
There are so many life alert systems in the market. You need to know the medical condition of your loved one before settling for a particular device. For instance, if the elderly person you are taking care of has a pacemaker, some devices could pose a risk to your loved one. These devices can trigger electromagnetic waves that can alter the proper functioning of the device in their heart. The best approach is to provide as much medical information as possible to the company you intend to buy the device from to ensure that you buy a safe and functional product.
Where to Wear the Device
There are a variety of medical alert products that you can buy. Some come in the form of wristbands, others as necklaces to be worn around the neck. Some devices come with buttons that the elderly person is supposed to press to alert the relevant authorities to get help. Others detect falls even without pressing any buttons. In case of an emergency, the devices send signals to a central location who then contact the relevant individuals to assist. Some devices are fitted with speakers and phones that the elderly can communicate with the help center. The ease in communications ensures that the elderly can comfortably live alone in their homes for longer and without fear.
Mobile Alert Systems
Mobile alert systems help the elderly to remain mobile and still get assistance when they need it. These systems don’t need a base station like the bracelets and the necklaces. You can use these devices anywhere as long as there is reliable cell coverage. These devices are fitted with GPS tracking software that helps track the movement of the elderly when they wander off. You can sit comfortably and allow the elderly to take walks while you monitor them at the comfort of your home. In case they get lost, you can easily find them using the GPS tracker.
Cell Service Alert System
As mentioned before, the elderly must have a way to communicate easily if they need help. Some of these systems feature a cellular service that works in the same manner as your mobile phone. The cellular service has its connection independent from the mainstream cellular services. In case of an emergency, the elderly can quickly send a distress signal and then communicate with the monitoring center to get assistance as quickly as possible.
Fall Detection
Another important feature is the fall detection application. Most elderly people get injuries from slips in bathrooms or stairs. In some cases, the elderly can pass out and be unable to press the distress button, or be in an awkward position that prevents them from reaching that button. In such a situation, this application automatically detects when the victim is falling and sends signals to the monitoring center whether or not the victims press the distress button. It is a life-saving application that ensures the elderly get immediate medical attention in case of such accidents.
Security from Attacks
The alert devices are not just about bodily harm and injuries; they are also about the security of the elderly from external attacks. Elderly people that are still healthy prefer their privacy to have caregivers monitoring their every move. This means that they can expose themselves to external attacks from thieves and burglars at home or even when they are out and about carrying out their businesses. Just as they use these devices to call for emergency medical assistance, they can as well call for help in case of such external attacks.
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