Caring for aging people becomes challenging as younger relatives juggle work and personal responsibilities. This is why many elderly people live alone, making them vulnerable to accidents, especially falls. About 14 million adults over 65 report falling yearly, leading to other health complications.
For that reason, a system that provides immediate emergency response for the elderly is crucial. Medical alert devices were introduced to dispatch timely assistance day and night. They are gadgets that signal distress during an emergency. Thus, securing this device could be the key to safeguarding your loved ones when you’re not around.
Here’s all you need to know about medical alert devices and how they work for elderly care.
1. Device Activation
In an emergency, you must activate medical care alert devices to keep seniors safe. However, activating the device depends on the type you acquire. There are two main types of medical alert devices: manual and automatic.
Manual medical alert devices come with an activation button. Pushing the button connects you to a designated line, usually a monitoring unit, that facilitates help. It is ideal for relatively healthy elderly people with no serious mobility or cognitive issues.
On the other hand, you don’t have to press a button to activate the automatic alert device. This technology has a fall detection feature that detects accidents and automatically sends signals to the monitoring unit.
The fall detection feature is ideal for people with mobility and other physical and psychological health challenges. That way, the inability to press a button when unconscious would not result in adverse health outcomes.
Some of the best medical alert devices combine the features of both device types. They also use cellular and GPS technology that makes it easy to send help to your location.
2. Distress Signal Reception and Monitoring
Once the device is activated, the medical alert company’s monitoring unit will receive the signal. These signals, whether manually or automatically activated, get to the agents instantly. Within seconds, they will get in touch with you.
Such agents are well trained with high interpersonal skills and knowledge of emergency response for sudden occurrences. Moreover, these professionals are usually available 24/7, all year round to ensure the elderly are secure day and night.
They can also determine the seriousness of the incident and, if necessary, send emergency responders. This short response time might be critical in keeping minor concerns from becoming life-threatening catastrophes.
3. Situation Assessment
Upon receiving the alert, the monitoring center carefully assesses the situation to determine your current health situation and type of emergency.
Some cases may only require an acquaintance’s intervention. For instance, a stray animal invasion may scare old people. In this case, the monitoring team may call the next of kin, emergency contact, or caregiver to eject the animal from the property.
Calling the fire service or the police is unnecessary in these cases. Monitoring the situation before dispatching professional assistance can help avoid false alarms that negatively impact police department effectiveness. Thus, learning the emergency type is essential to dispatch the ideal response team.
4. First Responders Team Dispatch
As soon as the monitoring team confirms the emergency, they will contact the ideal team for your urgent needs first. For instance, if you have a fire emergency, they send the fire department to your location. On the other hand, a fall in the bathroom or a heart attack in the living room will be handled by the paramedics.
They may communicate with you through the two-way channel for first-hand information. With the information you provide, they can streamline their emergency response options for urgent help.
These professionals understand that waiting for help can be difficult and lonely. Thus, they act as your companion throughout the process. They will continue to communicate with you through the device to support and keep you calm until first responders arrive.
While first responders attend to your medical needs, the monitoring agents may also contact your emergency contact. They will update loved ones on your situation, giving them the opportunity to be by your side in difficult times.
Final Thoughts
The importance of medical alert devices for the elderly can not be overstated. They are crucial to the safety and well-being of the aging population. Not only do they help elderly people get instant medical attention but they also help ease stress on caregivers. Also, loved ones will be at ease knowing their aging relatives will be cared for with or without them.
Medical alert devices deserve all the plaudits for functionality. Unlike modern technological devices, they are handy and easy to use. They are also durable. Make sure the device is charged, and wear it around your neck or wrist at all times, including when taking a shower.
If you have issues with the gadget, call the medical device service for assistance in using or maintaining it.
