Old age is characterized by persistently failing health and a diminished desire for life. Coupled with increased loneliness and greater risks of falling, senior citizens deserve all the assistance they can get.
One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to your elderly family members is to connect them to a medical alert system.
Medical alert systems, also called medical alarm systems or personal emergency response systems (PERS), are equipment designed to detect and signal the occurrence of medical emergencies requiring urgent attention. Investing in these emergency warning devices can ease the task of monitoring the health condition of our vulnerable family members, particularly the elderly.
The significant role that medical alert systems play in aiding senior care is undeniable, considering that geriatric trauma accounts for nearly 300 deaths per 100,000 seniors aged 75 – 85 years.
Earlier iterations of medical alert systems were used primarily to summon emergency medical personnel after the fact. But thanks to technological advancements, modern alarm systems can detect imminent hazards and relay signals to emergency responders in the nick of time.
Key Benefits of Medical Alert Systems for Seniors
Old age causes a gradual decline in gross motor skills, which is due to the diminished functionality of muscles and bones. Continued muscle and bone degeneration can lead to frequent accidents, including falls.
During such hazards, investing in a medical alert system can make a significant difference. Here’s why;
1. Improved Response Time
With a reliable personal emergency response system like Life Assure, you can track the medical condition of your vulnerable family members wherever they are.
Medical alert systems automatically signal for assistance upon detecting imminent danger, facilitating prompt emergency intervention.
2. Enhanced Independence
Medical alert systems have also enhanced independence for seniors, allowing them to pursue active lifestyles without fearing accidental falls.
Some alarm systems support remote monitoring via GPS tracking. Whether your elderly folks are shopping for groceries, walking their dog, or teeing off at the local golf club, you can actively track their medical condition.
3. Peace of Mind
Medical alert systems provide peace of mind for caregivers and their vulnerable family members.
Seniors can choose to stay home or venture into the streets with a solid assurance that someone will come to their rescue if accidents occur.
How Medical Alert Systems Work
Medical alert systems comprise three principal components – a small radio transmitter equipped with a wearable help button, a base station, and a monitoring center.
Originally, medical alert systems were mostly activated by pressing the help button. However, modern alarm systems – particularly those that signal for fall detection – rely on robust sensors that automatically detect imminent hazards.
Here’s a summary of how fall detection systems function;
1. Picking Of Signals
Fall alarms typically contain two types of sensors – accelerometers and gyroscopes.
The sensors also feature sophisticated algorithms designed to respond to sudden changes in physical orientation or gait abnormalities.
Fall detection algorithms in medical alert systems can be either ambient-based or vision-based.
Ambient-based sensors activate when ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity, exceed a preset point. Meanwhile, vision-based algorithms are meant to pick up the subtlest changes in image orientation within their surroundings.
2. Summoning Assistance
After picking up the threat, medical alert systems immediately send signals to a dedicated monitoring center through a wireless or landline means.
An agent at the monitoring center may establish a connection with the wearer (for two-way systems) or summon medical assistance immediately by calling the people on the user’s contact list. Common contact persons include family members, neighbors, professional caregivers, and first responders.
For enhanced tracking capabilities, medical alert systems like Life Assure are equipped with GPS devices.
Case Studies of Lives Saved Using Medical Alert Systems
Personal emergency response systems aren’t merely a hype. If anecdotal reports are anything to go by, these devices truly deliver on their claims.
Testimonials on the efficacy of medical alarm systems are available on Trustpilot and other credible review websites. Life Assure has notably racked up impressive reviews on Trustpilot.
One of Life Assure clients, Jan Eagan, swears by the company’s reliable medical alarm systems. Eagan notes that the provider has consistently responded to her medical emergencies regardless of where they happen. She particularly lauds the company for their swift and well-coordinated response.
Bonita Irwin, another vulnerable senior, is also happy to heap praises on Life Assure medical alert systems. Irwin observes that the company has been responsive even when she accidentally taps on her help button. She further notes that all the agents have been polite and reassuring, even if it’s only a false alarm.
By coordinating swift response, medical alert providers like Life Assure play a significant role in mitigating the impacts of health hazards among the senior population. Statistics indicate that over 6,500 Canadians aged 65 years and older succumbed to falls in 2021, underscoring the imperative of swift medical intervention.
The Role of Life Assure in Senior Safety
As evidenced by the above reviews, numerous reasons make Life Assure the go-to personal emergency response provider in Canada.
For starters, Life Assure medical alert systems support two-way communication. The 2-way communication technology allows agents at the monitoring center to establish communication with the patient and coordinate appropriate responses.
Life Assure’s alarm systems are also GPS-enabled, enhancing active monitoring. Users can choose between stationary at-home monitoring systems or wearable devices. Both options are remarkably intuitive, requiring no steep learning curve to master.
Besides, Life Assure stands out in its responsive support, which is available around the clock. Whether your vulnerable family member summons help in the dead of night or during the weekends, the company will be happy to dispatch the required intervention.
Life Assure medical alert systems are water-resistant, too, allowing you to track your loved ones in the shower or the rain.
Coupled with their competitive pricing, it’s understandable why Life Assure medical alert systems enjoy impressive user feedback.
Future of Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems may have evolved tremendously over the decades. However, these devices are yet to reach their golden years.
As we move into the future, we’ll likely witness a widespread adoption of new-frontier technologies like machine learning (ML) and predictive analytics. ML-powered algorithms will enhance the accuracy of medical alarm systems by identifying subtle changes indicating potential health hazards.
Medical alert providers will deploy ML with predictive models to detect early warning signs of patient deterioration, allowing monitoring centers to summon emergency response before the situation slips out of hand. Both technologies supporting data integration will enhance remote tracking by facilitating personalized monitoring.
As a pacesetter in the medical alert industry, Life Assure is committed to embracing new technologies to accelerate service delivery. Users can expect sweeping upgrades intended to enhance patient tracking and emergency response time.
Life Assure Medical Alert: Empowering Senior Generations
Medical alert systems have transformed how caregivers respond to medical hazards encountered by seniors under their watch. By facilitating swift response, these systems can save lives and mitigate the financial implications associated with medical emergencies.
If you’re looking for a medical alert system that surpasses expectations, you may want to search in the direction of Life Assure.
Life Assure has a plan for seniors with different lifestyles. Choose the Classic Home package and monitor your loved ones for up to 600 feet within the home environment, or opt for the Premium Mobile Plus for remote tracking.