Imagine you are lying in the garden of your house on a wonderfully bright day with flowers of multiple colors around in full bloom. The next thing you know, you are conscious that you suddenly happen to lose your footing and hit the ground.
You feel your energy leaving you, and your body reacts by making your vision unclear. Then what if no one comes over to help you get up? This occurrence is a daily experience for many older people living by themselves.
Most people fear being alone during an emergency. But this trembling fear could be a blessing with the proper medical alert system. With Canada’s ever-growing aging population, these systems have gained more respect and importance.
They deliver a sense of security and allow seniors to lead their lives without the unending fear of emergencies. This article will walk you through the main points when picking a medical alert system personalized for Canadian seniors.
Understand Different Types of Medical Alerts
1. Personal Emergency Response Systems
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are lifesavers one can reach by pressing a button. These tools allow people to call for emergency help in a much shorter time than they would call a friend or a relative.
PERS devices come in various models, such as necklaces, wristbands, mobile units, and home-based settings. Wearable devices for personal emergency services are beneficial because they can provide the security of both indoors and outdoors.
In times of emergency, we like to have equipment readily available that connects via landline or a network that uses SIM cards. Investing in this medical alert for Canadian seniors increases the likelihood of getting help quickly, regardless of location.
2. Mobile Apps
Nowadays, mobile app-based medical alerts are becoming very trendy and are becoming increasingly widespread because of their accessibility and convenience. These sorts of apps enable those who use them to transmit smartphone notifications.
In addition, they can participate in public meeting spaces and communicate with caregivers. Some even offer to track patients using geolocation services temporarily. The system warns the contacts if the elder has not been in motion for a long time.
This feature is very convenient for individuals who are not pleased to confine themselves to a piece of technology frequently. If older people do not pick up the phone during an emergency, they may not get help on time. In addition to these devices, elders with a deficit in attention or cognition may experience problems.
3. Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection
Fall detection technology is an integral part of current medical alert systems. With advanced algorithms, these systems use sensors to detect and measure movements and speed.
When a fall occurs and the user does not respond within a specified time frame, a warning is sent to emergency services.
This feature significantly improves response times in urgent situations. One-third of the older adult population remains with accidental injuries caused by falling.
Nevertheless, in some cases, these devices are unreliable; therefore, they may provoke a false alarm, interpreting even a minor movement as a fall. Consequently, this might result in fatigue and inconvenience for the involved people.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert
1. Cost
Medical alert systems have various costs to cover, among which are monthly fees and equipment expenses. The primary systems range from $20 to $30 monthly, while the more advanced options may go higher than $50 monthly. In addition, look for any potential subsidies or discounts available through government programs or health insurance policies for seniors.
2. Coverage Area
The medical alert system’s range is essential, especially for seniors living in obscure or remote areas. The element of certainty is guaranteed when you select a tool that serves the area as adequately as they want. Although most devices offer nationwide coverage, some may only be limited to specific regions.
3. Ease of Use
The best medical alert system is one that seniors can operate without problems. Look for units with an easy-to-use interface and a hassle-free activation process. The equipment should have big buttons, easy-to-use instructions, and a few steps to get help.
4. Battery Life
It must be embarrassing for older people to forget to charge their gadgets and suffer from low power. Many devices deliver batteries that last a few days or an entire week. Avoid communication issues by choosing the most reliable battery.
Tips for Choosing the Right Medical Alert System
Check those needs by testing yourself and the ones you love. Determine the specific needs of the older adult population, such as mobility challenges, health conditions, and lifestyle preferences.
Considering the person’s availability and living conditions, an active senior might consider a wearable device; nonetheless, a person who spends most of his time at home may have a home-based system instead.
Contact providers to ask questions and request information: Direct communication with providers is the most helpful way to minimize confusion and get the answers you need to make wise choices.
Conclusion
Selecting a medical alert system is vital. Considering Canadian seniors are the primary beneficiaries, it is necessary to proceed carefully. By getting familiar with the different types of medical alerts and evaluating the needs of seniors, you can pick a system that will ensure their peace of mind and reliability during a crisis. Choosing the best medical alert system will not only protect your loved ones but may also be able to get them the help they need.
Stay in touch to get more news & updates on Ssense!
