Medical Alert Systems
If you are a caregiver who is caring for someone who is sometimes alone, or regularly living alone, a medical alert system can provide peace of mind for you and more importantly, safety for your loved one. No one expects to fall, or get confused about the route home, but it happens every day. One in four older adults fall every year and for adults 80 years and older, falls are the primary cause of death. If an older adult experiences a fall, they are then twice as likely as the general population to have a second fall within the year. There are several things that a caregiver can do to reduce fall risk but detecting falls and getting help quickly is one of the most important.
Medical alert systems alert the caregiver and the responding company that a fall occurred. The company reaches out to the individual to assess the situation and depending upon the reaction of the person wearing the device they may determine that it was an inadvertent trigger of the response button, or that the person fell but has gotten up and is okay; or that help is needed immediately. Within a very short time period the company arranges to have help arrive at the person’s home to provide assistance.
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Emergency monitoring systems save lives. There are many styles and functions available and you should determine what your particular needs are. Some have GPS devices to track someone outside the home, but if the person you care for no longer leaves the house, that might be an unnecessary feature for you to purchase. The cost of a system varies between companies and there are insurance plans that cover some systems. Veterans are eligible for alert systems if the doctors recommend one. It must be ordered through the VA, from an approved provider. It covers the installation and monthly fee. Although the cost of medial alert systems varies, it is usually in the range of $20-$50 depending on the features selected.
Preventing falls, and having a rapid response plan if falls occur is an essential part of caregiving. Using technology to increase safety is one way caregivers can reduce stress.
