Independent living is important for aging individuals because it helps them continue having control over their lives, especially their daily activities. As such, promoting independent living among those living in old age should be a top priority.
Growing older comes with challenges, such as increased risk of falls, with 1 in 4 seniors falling every year. This can be attributed to walking challenges, cognitive issues, declining vision and hearing, chronic diseases and unforeseen medical emergencies. These challenges mean that safety is a non-negotiable consideration.
Home medical alert systems are the ultimate solution for peace of mind, comfort, and security while promoting self-sufficiency among seniors. With this, aging loved ones can continue with their daily activities, knowing that immediate assistance will be available if needed.
This article lists the main reasons you must consider home medical alerts for your aging loved ones.
1. Immediate Emergency Assistance
A key benefit of home medical alert for elderly people is that they provide immediate medical help, ensuring that one receives speedy attention in critical times. The devices are linked to emergency responders with just the press of a button.
Quick assistance during emergencies is not only life-saving but also prevents the emergency from escalating into long-term complications while also lowering the chances of prolonged hospitalization, which can be lonely for seniors.
The system is also helpful for non-medical emergencies such as cases of accidentally getting locked inside or outside and home intrusion.
2. Automatic Fall Detection Feature
Some of the systems also provide automatic fall detection, a feature that alerts first responders even when the person is unable to press the emergency button. The feature bypasses the manual button press, especially in case of immediate unconsciousness, making it quite vital.
3. Non-Emergency Assistance
Home medical alert systems provide more than emergency response. The system is also crucial in non-emergency cases as most of them have features such as direct communication with first responders, caregivers of family, medical reminders, and wellness checks.
Such a tool not only helps the elderly to keep track of their health but also helps detect a health challenge early enough. In addition, it allows family members to keep track of their loved one’s health condition.
4. Promotes Independence
Independence is crucial to those living in old age. It allows them to maintain control over their lives, routines, and daily tasks, which keeps them active and helps maintain dignity while boosting their confidence.
Home medical alerts for seniors eliminate the need for constant physical supervision while ensuring safety. In addition, the non-emergency feature promotes day-to-day support, which fosters an independent lifestyle.
5. Cost-Effective Substitute for Assisted Living
Home medical alert systems are a cost-effective option for seniors who want to remain independent compared to the high expenses of in-home caregivers or assisted living. It is a reliable way of ensuring a loved one is safe without the financial strain of traditional caregiver arrangements.
Seniors also get to enjoy the comfort of their homes, which they are used to, without having to move to or have third-party caregivers in their space, which can be uncomfortable for some.
Some insurance companies also cover the cost of the system when recommended by a medical practitioner. Whether or not they are covered, worry not, as the cost of home medical alert systems is often affordable.
6. Enhanced Quality of Life
By providing immediate access to help and enabling the aged to continue with their daily tasks with minimal to no assistance, having this equipment promotes confidence, which ultimately promotes the quality of life.
In addition, the system’s additional features, such as GPS tracking for round-the-clock monitoring and prompt reminders on medication, help manage overall health while enabling those living with old age to stay connected to dear ones. These benefits improve the quality of life.
7. User-friendly
A majority of home medical alerts are easy to use, especially when seeking urgent response. Most are wearable on the wrist, neck, or belt with an easy one-press emergency button, which works quicker and easier than calling for help using a phone or shouting.
In addition, most systems feature a user-friendly interface for effortless use by even those with cognitive challenges.
Features of Best Home Medical Alerts System
Evidently, a home medical alert is a must-have for every senior desiring to continue living an independent life. So, what makes the best home medical alert?
- Fall Detection Technology: This tool automatically sends an alert to the caregivers or responders in case the individual falls, even if they are unable to press the button, making it a must-have consideration.
- 24/7 Emergency Monitoring: Emergencies can occur at any time, any day. A good system should provide monitoring and immediate response by professionals all the time, including holidays.
- Non-Emergency Aid: Wellness checks and medication reminders are some of the features to consider since they enhance the value of a home medical alert.
- Waterproof: With old age, falls are pretty common, and most falls among seniors occur at home. As such, a good system should be waterproof, ensuring that it can be used in the bathroom or shower and other wet high-risk areas in a home.
- Two-sided Communication: A device that allows others to access the system is a plus. For those with this feature, family members can connect with the device through a computer, a monitoring app, or even a smartphone.
Conclusion
Home medical alerts are a vital tool for enhancing the independence, safety, peace of mind, and quality of life of seniors.
Features such as 24/7 monitoring, user-friendly interface, fall detection, and two-way communication enable seniors to have a safe, independent lifestyle with the assurance of help should they need it. Family members also get peace of mind through this affordable solution.
