Medical alert devices for seniors

 Most seniors would like to keep their independence throughout their lives.  With that independence comes some isolation.  Many seniors have lived in their homes for many years and the thought of moving in with family members or assisted living communities is not an attractive idea.  To ensure your ability to remain in your beloved home and keep your independence many seniors will find comfort and security in attaining medical alert devices. These devices are designed to provide a quick and easy way to communicate to the outside world, family members, or emergency medical professionals in the case of a threatening medical emergency, such as a fall, heart attack, or home invasion.  In these times of need it is important that the wearer of the medical alert device get immediate response, and these medical devices can provide that care with a simple touch of a button.  That kind of security is not only provides mental security but can prolong a senior’s independence allowing the senior to remain in the family home.  Most of these medical alert devices are really simplistic, and are devices composed of two major components, a home console and a pendant or small device which can be carried on the wrist or waist with an emergency button. If the wearer falls, become injured, or suffers any type of medical emergency they can press the button on their pendant. The button will send an alert to the home console which then sends a call to a customer services representative who will contact a family member or medical responder.  The user can create a list of emergence contacts and set an order of importance to be contacted in the case a situation where to occur.

Range is one of the most important attributes for any user of a medical alert device to look for when shopping for a medical alert device.  The range is the distance the wearer can travel away from the home console, and still have the device communication.  Many of the best medical alert devices will have ranges up to 1000 feet.  At this distance the wearer can safely travel about the distance of one typical city block.  So the wearer can visit local friends and neighbors and still be in contact with their safety contacts and home console.  Other devices have more limited ranges but most will have at least a150 foot range.  The range of the device should match the mobility and life style of the intended wearer.  If the wearer is still very mobile and enjoys walks and visits with neighbors they may need a longer range, for those who never leave the home or are bed ridden may not need an extended range.  All home medical devices should come with an included base station.  Make sure your medical alert device has this included in the package and the home console is not an additional purchase.  The pendant is what the user will wear and take with them.  All medical alert devices will include this device, though how that device is attached to the wearer may vary.  Find out what is the most comfortable and easy way for the wearer to carry the pendant device.  Some options of attachment are wristband, waistband, or necklace.  Most pendants are waterproof or at least water resistant, but make sure.  Time in the bathroom, shower or any exposure to wet surfaces can be very dangerous, you want to ensure that the device can be worn and will be safe if exposed to wet conditions.  Make sure that the device has a battery backup included.  You never want a situation where you may have loss of power to any part of the home alert device.  Some units will include a wall mounted button.   This option is not standard, so if that is an important aspect is to be sure to check if that is included.  Most home medical alert systems have two way communications, that is the both wearer and the medical response professionals can speak to each other in the case of an emergency.  Be sure this option is included it can be very important for the response team to be able to speak to the wearer to ascertain the problem and be sure to send the proper responders in the right amount of time.  Some units will have included a check-in service; with this service the responders will regularly check-in with the wearer to ensure that they are o.k.  This can be important for patients who may be immobile, or are experiencing mental problems.  Some home medical alerts devices will include lock boxes, these are secured external boxes in which keys, identification, or other important items can be stored and accessed by the responders.   Some units may also include voice extenders and microphones to ensure clear communication.