Choosing the right medical alert system is an important decision to make. However, with a wide range of selection, choosing the device that is right for you can be very challenging, especially if you are looking for something that is less complicated, easy to use, can automatically detect falls; can track movements, and more. If you are selecting medical alert system for you or for your loved one, here are some tips that you need to consider.
- Try to evaluate the user's specific needs and capability to operate.
Primarily, selecting the best medical alert system should be based on the user's specific needs and their capability to operate. For instance, is the user suffering from Alzheimer, Dementia, or any cognitive disability? Is he or she able to remember how to operate the device? Or is he or she suffers from a speech disorder, like apraxia? Is he or she able to communicate or express his or her emergency situation to the medical representative? These basic, but essential, questions can save your life or your loved ones' during the most crucial situation.
- What are the basics that your medical alert system should do?
Every company has their own different protocols, but, each should have at least the following:
- It is easy to call for emergency assistance.
Emergency personnel such as medical emergency rescue team, police, fire department, and more are easily alarmed using a wearable device.
o Can effectively prevent falls.
Statistics show that seniors are prone to accidents, especially falls and trips, this is why they need more than a home security system when living alone - they need a device that can easily detect fall or monitor each senior's movement, especially when home alone.
o Can monitor current vital signs and remind medications.
This selection is almost impossible, but some medical alert companies offer this option. Effective medical monitoring will ensure the user's health at any cost.
o How portable is it?
o Is your wearable device comfortable?
Wearable devices can be in the form of wristbands or a necklace. If it is a wristband, is the user comfortable wearing rubber strap? And if it is a necklace, is the user comfortable wearing a device all day long? Choosing the right device should also be based on the user's preferences, so you should learn more about it.
o Is it waterproof?
Can it be worn even in the shower? With over hundreds of reported falls, involving seniors, the bathroom is the common area where most accidents take place. So, wearing one even in the shower can reduce further injuries or save the seniors' lives.
o How far can it go? What is the range of the device's connectivity? Can it go far outside your yard or is it just on your home premises?
o How efficient is the company when responding?
o You should ask the average time when responding emergency cases. What are their protocols? Do they have trained and efficient customer service? These questions are important basics that can save your life or your loved ones' life.