A medical alert system can really be a godsend for many people, giving them back lost independence, and providing them with a sense of security when living alone. Many seniors, or individuals with specific health concerns, find it unnerving to live on their own, and risk having no one available to help if they should need assistance. This is a primary reason why alert systems have become so popular in recent years.
The technology involved in the systems had developed immensely over the years. The newest systems take advantage of progressing Internet and wireless technology, in order to keep the individual safe in and around their home.
But for many people, the biggest advantage of medical alert systems is that they instill a sense of confidence in the individual, and allow them to avoid any type of assisted living situation. Remaining independent and confident is important because our physical health is also directly related to our state of mind, and anything that improves our sense of personal empowerment to live as we choose also benefits our physical health.
Technically, an alert system is normally comprised of a wrist band transmitter — resembling a wrist watch — or a necklace-type transmitter that is worn at all times. If the individual should have a medical problem or accident, they can simply press a button on the worn transmitter to communicate with the medical alert monitoring center.
Besides the worn transmitter, there is also a household “base unit” that will usually be stationed somewhere near the center of your home. The worn transmitter will send a signal to this base unit when the button is pressed, and the base unit will in turn contact the monitoring center.
Both the transmitter and base unit will also have battery backup power to ensure that the individual is protected, even if there should be a power failure. The transmitter is also waterproof, so there is no danger of being “unconnected” while taking a bath or shower.
The base units connect to a standard phone jack inside your home, and are designed to facilitate immediate communication with the monitoring center, which can often be located many miles away. Upon pressing the help button, you will immediately be in verbal communication with a monitoring center specialist, and your medical records and specific circumstances will be available to the specialist on a computer screen automatically whenever you contact them.
This helps the monitoring center specialist to better advise you in case of a medical emergency, and they may also send emergency medical help if required. Optionally, the monitoring center can be instructed to also contact one or more of your relatives whenever the help button is pressed.
When first signing up with the medical alert center, you will be required to submit complete information about all medications you are taking, any physical conditions and disabilities, and your preferences in regard to notifying relatives, doctors or other health-care specialists if you should have an emergency.
Many medical alert centers will also offer a premium service, where a health care provider can be dispatched to your home whenever the help button is activated. This offers the individual personalized attention at a moments notice.
The price of a medical alert system can vary according to the level of service you require, but in general they are a very reasonably-priced alternative to assisted living centers.
