An aging population requires certain assistance that we generally don’t need when we’re younger. Take medical alert home systems for seniors for example. As we age, the chances that we live alone and need assistance tends to go up especially if we don’t have immediate family nearby but still want an independent lifestyle for as long as possible.
Medical alert systems for seniors enable elderly people to live alone and still have protection in case of an emergency. When you add fall detection and GPS monitoring you can ensure around the clock protection wherever you are.
Medical Alert Systems For Seniors
Modern medical alert systems for seniors can be both wireless and landline-based depending on what you choose and what suits you. Many options exist to protect against:
- Medical emergencies
- Medical conditions that require monitoring
- Slips and falls
- Allergic reactions
- Bone fractures
- Fire emergencies
- Home security
Specific features available include:
- 24/7 around-the-clock monitoring from a central station to respond to your emergencies.
- 2-way voice functionality so you can speak with the monitoring center and they can communicate with you in an emergency.
- Phone app to monitor your system on your cellphone.
- GPS alert when you’re on the go away from home to help locate you wherever you are if you get lost or need help.
- Smartwatch to request emergency help wherever you are and to offer health-related benefits.
- In-car alert when you’re driving and need assistance.
- Auto fall detection that automatically alerts your monitoring company if you fall down and don’t move.
The great thing about modern medical alert systems is that they come with a wide variety of options including the style of the actual alert device itself to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Medical Alert Systems With GPS
A pocket-sized GPS is a portable way to stay secure. A GPS tracker enables you to be out of your home on the go and not only request help in an emergency but also allows your monitoring company to locate where you are. So if you are lost or have an emergency of some kind the GPS tracker will help the monitoring company figure out quickly and with accuracy where you are, so that they can send help.
This sort of option typically involves a small pocket-sized or wrist-worn device with an emergency button and 2-way speaker so you can communicate with the monitoring company.
Medical Alert Systems With Smartwatch
If you like wearing a wristwatch, a medical alert Smartwatch is a great choice. It should come with a GPS option to locate you should you be lost or so that the monitoring center knows where to send help. They also come with 2-way communication so you and the monitoring center can speak with one another while waiting for help to arrive.
Some come with other smart fun features like a step counter and other health-related options to help keep you active and enable you to monitor your own progress.
Medical Alert Systems In-Car Detection
An in-car alert system plugs into your lighter or other electrical outlet. It offers emergency assistance when you’re driving. Not only does it provide GPS and 2-way communication like the Smartwatch but may also offer crash detection. If you are in a car accident, the device can summon help on your behalf automatically.
Additionally, higher end services also offer personal health information such as blood type and medical history so that your critical health info is available to first responders if you’re injured in an accident.
Plus you can track your trip in real time on your phone app along with a detailed trip breakdown with route information.
Medical Alert Systems Fall Detection
One of the bigger concerns for elderly people – and anyone who might live alone – is the risk of a fall. If you fall and are unconscious or otherwise incapacitated, how will you call for help? An auto fall detection option is usually a device that you wear on your body. If you fall and don’t move afterwards, it recognizes the activity and will call for help on your behalf.
There will also be a button for you to manually request help if you need it.
Are Medical Alert Systems Covered By Medicare
Normally a medical alert system is not covered by traditional medicare. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and private health insurance plans may cover a system so it’s best to check to be sure.
If you have Medicaid, you may qualify for support for some medical alert systems. Medicaid is a bit more complicated that Medicare coverage so it’s best to check on your personal situation to see what if any coverage you might be entitled to.
Don’t just stop at health insurance coverage either. When searching for a specific medical alert system, check to see if they have specific discounts for any organization you belong to ie. AARP offers a 15% discount on the monthly monitoring fee to members on the Philips Lifeline service. And individual medical alert systems often have sales and discounts throughout the year so it’s best to shop around.
Check with your home insurance provider to see if they offer a discount for anyone who has a monitored medical alert system in place.
Do I Need A Landline To Use A Medical Alert System?
While older alert systems and home security systems used a landline in your home to operate, newer medical alert systems utilize a cellphone or Internet connection so a landline is not needed.
Systems are also compatible with many cable companies and VOIP providers. In general terms most medical alert systems run off of cellular and Internet connections these days making their coverage widely and nationally available.
Do Senior’s Organizations Recommend Medical Alert Systems?
AARP
(formerly known as American Association of Retired Persons) offers discounts for the Philips Life medical alert system. Their website also offers advice to help you choose the right system so it’s clear that they believe that medical alert systems for seniors makes sense.
AARP membership is available for those 50 years of age and over and each members gets a secondary card for someone in their household. So while medical alert home systems might traditionally be seen as being used by seniors in the 65+ range, younger people can easily benefit from the service too.