Medical alert systems have become an essential tool for seniors who want to live independently and remain active. Alert devices can be carried around the house and used to quickly call for help if an emergency occurs. Here are five situations where medical alert devices can make a life-saving difference:
Fire and Smoke
Fires can start unexpectedly and spread quickly, leaving a person trapped in a single room far from the phone or front door. Smoke detectors are an important tool for fire safety and should be installed in every home and in every room. However, if you are unable to reach the phone or escape the fire, a medical alert device can be a lifesaver. According to the National Fire Protection Association, adults over the age of 65 are twice as likely to die in a fire compared to the rest of the population. A medical alert device can be used to call for help from any location in the house. The monitoring center can contact the local fire department to deal with the blaze.
Medical Emergency
An alert system allows a person experiencing a medical emergency to send a call for help with the push of a button. Emergency medical services can be immediately dispatched. For seniors who live alone or have chronic medical conditions, a medical alert device can provide peace of mind and improve their ability to live independently.
Burglary
According to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, there are approximately an average of 419 incidents of break-ins and attempted break-ins per day. Burglars often target seniors because they may be perceived as vulnerable or less able to defend themselves. A medical alert device can be used to report or deter the burglar. Sometimes a medical alert device with a loud speaker can be an effective deterrent to burglars, who may be scared off by the sound of a monitoring agent announcing that police are on the way. The monitoring service can immediately contact the police from anywhere in the house, increasing safety.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no color or odor and can collect in a home without anyone noticing, often called the “silent killer”. Breathing in the gas can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches and can eventually lead to death. A medical alert system can be used to contact help as soon as CO poisoning is suspected, allowing a person to get out of the house and receive treatment before sustaining permanent injuries.
It is important to install specific carbon monoxide detectors in your home to detect and alert you when CO is suspected. Although it is standard practice to install carbon monoxide detectors in new homes, older homes may not be up to newer standards.
Falling Down
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults, according to the CDC. Seniors, people with mobility issues, and those suffering from diseases like osteoporosis must take great care to avoid falling while alone in the home. Falling could result in a broken bone that makes getting up impossible. Medical emergency alert systems can be used to call for help in these situations. The alert device requires a simple key press to contact the monitoring service or local authorities for help after a fall. It is important for seniors who have fallen before or have mobility issues to consider using a medical alert device to quickly call for help if they fall again.
Medical Alert Systems Can Save Lives
Having a medical alert system can provide quick and efficient help during an emergency. The system can be used to call for help in case of a fire, burglary, or to report carbon monoxide poisoning. For individuals who are prone to falls or those who have medical conditions, the system can be used to call for medical assistance. Having a medical alert system can provide peace of mind and increased safety for seniors and others who want to live independently.
