As our aging population grows, the need for extra support and care becomes an increasing area of focus. For families with a senior relative or loved one in their lives, this means careful research and evaluation of the resources available to improve the quality of life for their family members. One common option to provide that support is using medical alert devices. These small devices usually consist of a small button hung around the neck or placed near vulnerable areas such as bedsides or bathrooms; in an emergency, simply press the button to send a signal for help.
As simple and non-invasive as these systems are, they come with pros and cons. If you're considering installing a medical alert device like Medical Guardian or LifeFone for your loved one in New York City, read on for more information.
What Are Medical Alert Devices?
Medical alert devices are typically simple, one-size-fits-all systems that come with a base station or hub. The hub is plugged into the wall and usually has panic buttons placed in various areas of the home and carries any additional service features such as fall detection or automatic call texting for a certain set of predetermined numbers. When the button is pressed, it sends a signal to the base unit which then connects to an emergency response center staffed 24 hours per day. From there, one of their representatives will communicate with whoever activated the system through an inbuilt speakerphone. Following that evaluation, the provider will decide on further action considering factors like location, access, and severity of the situation.
Originally developed in the early 70s, medical alert systems have since seen multiple improvements thanks to technological advancements. A simple online search for "medical alert device" will deliver more than a dozen well-known companies as well as comparison articles that compare one to the other. Putting aside specialty features and contract terms, medical alert devices are pretty much the same. So how do you evaluate whether installing a system (any system) is right for you? Let's look at the pros and cons that any system will bring with it.
Pros of Installing Medical Alert Devices
There are several reasons why installing a medical alert system can be beneficial for seniors and their families. First, they add an extra layer of safety and security, allowing your senior relatives to send signals out in an emergency or if they feel threatened. Coupled with access to 24/7 response centers, these systems offer peace of mind that a senior loved one will be cared for if they are in imminent danger.
Alert systems provide quick responses when it matters the most. Many life alert companies will answer within seconds which is crucially important in cases like falls or medical emergencies where every second counts. Additionally, having the convenience of being able to ask for help at any time gives seniors a sense of independence, potentially improving their quality of life as their confidence increases.
It's also an incredibly flexible system. Medical alert devices are usually waterproof and, more recently, can connect directly to mobile apps, meaning the system isn't necessarily limited to the home.
Cons of Installing Medical Alert Devices
On the flip side, medical alert systems do have some cons. Privacy and security are two major areas of concern when it comes to connecting a device to home internet networks or pairing it with other devices in more high-tech setups. While there are no major privacy violation cases or studies connected to medical alert devices, Forbes reports that about 53% of people surveyed feel that such a system would invade their privacy.
As for cost, some companies base their contract terms on availability rather than overall usage (i.e., you can expect monthly charges regardless if your senior loved one ever presses the button). Regardless of how the contract is designed, these systems always have an associated cost with setup, for the system itself, and for special features like fall detection. Depending on your budget, this may not be an investment you are able or willing to make.
Lastly, there's always a risk of false alarms. These lead to extra fees and unnecessary team responses, as well as heightened stress for family members.
A Personal Decision
In the end, choosing to install a medical alert system is a highly personal decision and will rely on research and communication. Speak openly with family members that will be using the service as well as those responsible for managing it to weigh all the pros and cons as they apply to your specific situation.
If you need help evaluating the level of care that may be best for your senior family member, call on Senior Helpers of New York City. We specialize in senior home care in New York City, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and the surrounding areas. We've interacted with most medical alert systems and have the knowledge and experience to help steer you toward the appropriate solution.