Today’s medical alert systems have come a long way from a simple button worn around the neck to get help in a medical emergency while at home. While medical alert systems still offer in-home protection, modern devices do much more than that. These devices have evolved to support older adults’ health, communication, and independence.
The right medical alert system can keep older adults independent at home with modern features, including protection anywhere you go, fall detection, connectivity to family through caregiver apps and tools, flexible device options, and other non-emergency services that support seniors’ life tasks.
Below, we’ll explore some of the features of modern medical alert systems and how they help maintain an older adult’s independence as they age in place.
Protection everywhere
Today’s devices offer protection at home, just like the medical alert systems of the past, but modern options protect wearers in many more places. Different devices offer different areas of protection, so older adults can feel confident and safe while moving about their homes and communities freely and independently.
Water-resistant buttons and devices enable wearers to push the button for help, even while in the shower. Some buttons are even fully waterproof, so they can be submerged in water while in the bath.
Many in-home systems have an impressive coverage area, so users can be protected everywhere in their homes. For example, the MobileHelp Classic System has a range of 1,400 feet. It operates using cellular technology rather than a landline telephone jack, and it has a backup battery that lasts over 30 hours, which means users can take it outside and get protection while working in the garden.
Cellular in-home medical alert systems can also be handy for seniors who travel frequently or enjoy staying with loved ones. Because these systems utilize a cellular signal, all the user has to do is plug the system into a power outlet wherever they are and update their location with their medical alert system provider so they know where to send emergency services.
An older adult who wants the freedom to go anywhere anytime should consider an on-the-go system. Most medical alert system providers offer mobile options with GPS and Wi-Fi location capabilities. They can push the button while out shopping, on vacation, or going for a walk, and the device will pinpoint their location so emergency response agents know exactly where to send emergency responders if they require help.
Fall detection and prevention
A fall can ruin a person’s ability to remain independent at home, but even the fear of falling causes some seniors to give up on living independently. A possible fall doesn’t have to ruin their goal of aging in place. A medical alert system with fall detection can offer older adults the peace of mind that they will be protected if they ever experience a fall. This peace of mind can give them the confidence to continue living independently.
Fall-detection-enabled medical alert systems use an accelerometer to monitor the wearer’s speed and orientation. If it detects any sudden changes, it automatically places a call without the wearer having to push the button. Emergency response agents will attempt to speak with the senior, but they will automatically send emergency services to the senior’s location if they can’t respond.
Modern systems go beyond providing immediate care after a fall. Some have features that help prevent falls from happening in the first place. For example, LifeFone, a top medical alert system provider, offers fall detection, but it also has an app that allows users to set daily activity goals and compare activity levels over a seven-day period. The goals and tracking can encourage activity, helping the older adult maintain strength and flexibility, which are important in preventing falls.
Flexible device options
A medical alert system is only helpful if the person wears it. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for seniors to avoid wearing their device because it looks like a medical alert system. Some buttons can be downright ugly, and some might feel embarrassed at the thought of wearing one. Traditional button pendants are still available, but there are so many more options today. With so many flexible device options, older adults are more likely to use a medical alert system, which can help them continue to live independently while having access to help if needed.
Smartwatch medical alert systems can be a great alternative to traditional systems. They appear like regular smartwatches, so it won’t be obvious that the wearer is using a medical alert system. Top brands like LifeFone, Bay Alarm Medical, and Medical Guardian offer dedicated medical alert system smartwatches, and Lively medical alert systems offer emergency services on Apple Watches.
For those who like the idea of a tech-forward medical alert system but don’t want a smartwatch, MobileHelp’s Touch Classic, which utilizes a touchscreen tablet instead of a traditional base station, might be a good choice. Also, Lively’s emergency services can be connected to Amazon Alexa devices.
Older adults who want the convenience of a traditional medical alert system button but prefer more stylish options may like Bay Alarm Medical’s Bella accessories. These accessories clip over traditional emergency buttons to make them look like fashionable pendants or bracelets. Lifefone also offers a vanity pendant that looks more like a stylish necklace than a traditional emergency button.
Non-emergency services
Medical alert systems were designed to help in a medical emergency, but living independently comes with more challenges than just medical emergencies. Today’s medical alert systems offer seniors even more support.
Most medical alert system providers offer assistance in any situation — not just medical emergencies. Users can push the button if there’s a power outage, if they’re worried that someone may be breaking into their home, or if they’re walking to their car in a dark parking lot and want to talk to someone for safety reasons.
Lively medical alert systems offer even more non-emergency services. Their Nurse On-Call service allows users to ask medical questions of licensed nurses and medical doctors. They also offer a service called Care Advocate that enables seniors to get help with financial planning and wellness goals, connect with local health resources, and find a cleaning service to help out around the house, among other types of support.
Apps and tools for caregivers
Today’s medical alert systems do more than ever to help seniors remain independent at home. They also allow family caregivers to support their loved ones in achieving their goal of aging in place. With certain features of modern medical alert systems, caregivers can keep tabs on their loved ones even when they aren’t near, giving both the senior and the caregiver the ability to live independently.
Most medical alert systems offer an app enabling you to manage your billing information and update your address. They also allow you to customize your emergency notifications. Caregivers can be notified whenever emergency services are called and can also be contacted in place of emergency services in non-life-threatening situations.
Most medical alert systems offer unique tools and apps that help caregivers support seniors who are aging in place. Some highlights include:
- The MyGuardian app from Medical Guardian allows users and caregivers to chat with emergency contacts directly in the app. They can also create tasks and enter activity reminders.
- LifeFone’s VIPx Caregiver app allows caregivers to check a device’s battery level, track a loved one’s location and activity, time their first movement of the day, and see if they have pushed their emergency button.
- LifeFone also offers non-app caregiver tools, including text-based location services, daily check-in calls, and a tool called Activity Assurance that requires the loved one to push the button on the base station when it beeps.
- The MobileHelp Connect app enables caregivers to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month and get system status alerts. They can also sign up for additional features like medication reminders, vitals tracking, and activity tracking alerts.
- Bay Alarm Medical’s app offers tools like location tracking, battery updates on devices, and lost-device ringing when you use their SOS Mobile or All-In-One device.
- The Lively Link app allows caregivers to monitor their loved one’s daily activity levels, check the battery life of a Mobile2 device, and locate a loved one on a map.
These apps and tools allow caregivers to monitor their loved one’s safety and well-being without being physically present. These features help not only the older adult to live independently but also the caregiver to have peace of mind while their loved one ages in place in their own home.
Medical alert systems help older adults maintain independence
Most older adults wish to age in place as long as possible while safely maintaining their independence. Many seniors can benefit from a medical alert system to help them remain safe and independent at home. Some may not be aware of the features of modern systems that are especially helpful in this goal. With the right system, they can have protection everywhere they go, get help in the event of a fall, and have access to other tools and services that can give them the confidence they need to continue living independently.
