Many of us will live to an old age, and we will naturally become less able and perhaps infirm. Furthermore, illness and other conditions can lead to people – especially those living alone – being vulnerable in the home. The mobile phone has been a great boost for people in these situations, but what if a frail or ill person has a fall, and cannot get up to make a call?
That’s where medical alert systems come into the picture, and they are useful and increasingly popular devices. What are they, how do they work, and what are they used for? These are questions we will answer in the following article.
What are medical alert systems?
Medical alert systems are offered by a variety of manufacturers and brands. They aim to ensure a frail or ill person has a way of contacting the emergency services. They are usually supplied on a lanyard and worn around the neck in the form of a small, waterproof, device that has button to press. They are connected to a base unit in the home that is in itself connected to a monitoring station staffed by trained professionals. Let’s have a closer look at how medical alerts work and why they are important for individuals in certain situations.
How do medical alert systems work?
Medical Alert Systems are usually assigned or used by persons who are potentially in danger from conditions that may render them immobile, but can also be used for those with common medical conditions that can become inflamed or hinder their movement. These devices owe a lot to the development of wireless communications.
The base unit will be connected directly by a phone line – either mobile or fixed – to a call station which is manned by professionally trained personnel who work for the company managing the system. The one we have linked to above is a good example called Life Assure and is among the most popular.
The patient or user wears a small pendant around their neck. This pendant features a button. Let’s say a wheelchair-bound individual has a fall in the home and cannot get up. They press the button which connects to the base unit wirelessly. Immediately contact is made with the monitoring station, and a trained person will speak to the patient and organise for the emergency services to attend.
One further bonus of these devices is that should the patient not be able to communicate, the emergency services will be despatched automatically. Who uses these systems? We’ve touched on that already, but let’s have a quick recap.
Who uses medical alert systems?
Anyone who may need to contact the emergency services having experienced a fall in the home or a worsening condition will benefit from one of the many Medical Alert Systems available right now. They are simple to use and are often given to patients who are receiving home care, those who are disabled with limited movement, and others with potentially serious and life-threatening conditions who may need fast attention. But, as the title asks, are they worth it? Let’s conclude by answering.
Takeaway
The simple answer to are medical alert systems worth it is this: yes, most definitely. They are a lifeline not only to the wearer, but also a source of assurance and peace of mind for their loved ones and friends. Being able to get in touch with professional help at the press of a button is something that is more than convenient. Quite simply, these systems are life savers, and if you have a relative who may benefit, we strongly recommend you check them out further.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
