5 Reasons Why You Need a Medical Alert System

Medical alert systems aren’t just for the elderly. In fact, it’s a Personal Emergency Response System that can help anyone during medical and non-medical emergencies.

A medical alert system is typically made up of a base station and a wireless remote. There are systems that are limited to home use and there are other medical devices that you can take with you wherever you go. In general, these devices immediately send out signals to the connected monitoring station once the emergency button or the wireless remote is pressed. This button is usually integrated into a wearable item, such as a pendant, a bracelet or a belt clip. Most medical alert devices are waterproof which means you can wear them in the shower or while washing your hands. They also work on batteries that can last for several months or even years. The monitoring station, on the other hand, can send proper authorities or even call your enlisted emergency contact numbers in case an urgent situation is verified.

Most people are not aware of how important it is to have, or even consider the idea of having, a medical alert device or system at home. If you are one of these people, then the following list can help change your mind.

• You live alone.

If you’re alone and something unexpected happens to you, then who’ll make the call?

A medical alert system is helpful for people who live by themselves. An elderly person, for one, can benefit from these devices because they encourage independence while allowing his relatives to still keep a tab on his safety. It can help give peace of mind without sacrificing his quality of life. Most cases of accidents involving the senior population are related to fall. Because of their weakening bones, fractures and secondary injuries are almost always possible to happen. A medical alert device can provide assistance in calling for help in case Grandpa can’t pull himself up to make the call.

Your Grandpa isn’t the only one who can benefit from a medical alert system. Because accidents can happen when you least expect it, it’s better if you can always have help available and within easy reach. A high fever, severe stomach pain or even migraine attacks can be debilitating. In such instances, you can use a medical alert device to ask assistance either to get to the hospital or to call a relative to come over. Being independent is a great feeling. However, you should also remember that no man is an island. You’ll need other people’s help from time to time.

• You leave kids by themselves.

Latch-key kids are very common these days. If you have to work overtime or you have to run for some groceries, it can be inevitable for you to leave your kids alone for a certain period of time. Although smart phones can be a good way to stay connected, these devices can run out of batteries or even get misplaced. Medical alert devices, on the other hand, are wireless and work on long lasting batteries. They are also wearable which means there’s a lesser chance for them to be forgotten somewhere.

Panic is a very common reaction during an emergency. This can make it difficult for your children to react right away. Even swiping across their smart phones and dialing your number can be extremely hard to do. In contrast, a medical alert device can call for help with just a single press of a button. There’s no need to memorize any number or unlock any device.

• You have an existing medical condition that needs special attention.

There are several medical conditions where appropriate interventions and timing are very critical for survival. If you have diabetes and your blood sugar levels are constantly unstable, you may need a medical alert system that can give you assistance during emergencies. Aside from diabetic patients, people who have just undergone a medical or surgical procedure can also benefit from a medical alert system.

Certain medications, such as anti-histamines and blood pressure medicines, produce uncomfortable side effects such as light headedness and loss of balance. These effects can directly put your safety at risk, particularly if you live or work alone. If you are taking any of these medications, you’ll need to have access to quick help.

• You want to keep track of a loved one.

Several medical alert systems and devices are now GPS enabled. This means that you’ll be able to track an aging loved one in case he manages to leave the house and wander around the streets unaccompanied. GPS enabled medical alert devices are also helpful for people who like to run or take a walk alone at night. In case an emergency happens, they can press the button and their exact locations are immediately sent to the monitoring station. The monitoring station, after verification, will dispatch help immediately.

• You want extra protection.

Aside from medical safety, keeping a medical alert system can also provide additional security once you use it as a part of your existing home security system.  There are medical alert systems that include a two-way talk feature which you can use in alerting its monitoring station about a possible burglary or intrusion. Other medical alert systems have built in gas leak detectors that can help avoid cases of explosion and even suffocation. Once signals are relayed to the monitoring station, it can contact proper authorities to reach you and assess your situation. This is actually a good addition to your security, particularly if you are using self-monitored system. This type of security system can send you notifications in case your sensors have been tripped but it can’t call the police on your behalf.

A medical alert system can do more than just monitor your health and safety. It can give you peace of mind and make you feel more secured. Most importantly, a medical alert system can help save lives.