How Can a Medical Alert Device Help Your Adult Parents?

If your senior parent lives alone, you already know how distressing it can be. As they age, they face a higher risk of falls and health issues. So, the prospect of them being on their own during an emergency can plague you day and night.

We understand the anxiety of having a vulnerable parent at home alone. Fortunately, family members can get peace of mind with a medical alert device (such as a bracelet or necklace). These medical monitoring systems can help ensure that assistance is on its way in the event of a fall or accident.

In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of medical alert bracelets. You’ll learn everything you need to know when looking to use this type of device. Read on to learn how medical alert bracelets can help mom or dad stay at home, safe and sound.

Promoting Independence for Seniors

These days, technology can help aging parents and loved ones stay out of assisted living. Medical alert bracelets provide a safety net that can alert emergency staff and family members if a parent falls (if the device has fall detection add-ons) or suffers certain other emergency incidents.

Knowing help is available around-the-clock reduces much of the anxiety. It’s a win-win for both you and your parent. They can continue their typical activities with less fear, and you don’t need to constantly check on them.

Encouraging Activity

Medical alert bracelets give back independence to seniors, ensuring they can continue their day to day activities safely. With the back up of two-way communication, fall alerts, and instant contact with emergency services, your senior loved one can have peace of mind continuing to do things like being alone at home, going shopping, and certain other activities that they like!

Quick Medical Assistance

The control centers that connect to the medical alert bracelet are manned by trained staff. So, if mom or dad suddenly feels unwell, they can press the button and speak to a human dedicated to their wellbeing.

If you’re dealing with a particularly confused parent prone to accidents, you’ll need the fall detection option. This type of bracelet will alert the medical center whether your parent is aware or not. Someone will appear on the two-way system right away.

Increased Confidence and Less Fear

Providing an emergency backup system helps mom or dad feel secure and supported in case of an accident. It can help keep them out of assisted living, and they can remain comfortably at home, living independently. Plus, you gain the confidence knowing that backup is on its way if needed.

Providing Immediate Access to Assistance

Medical alert bracelets provide fast access to help during medical events. If someone collapses, gets trapped, or disappears wandering, help can be called up straight away.

Example of How A Medical Alert System Can Help

89-year-old widow, Mrs Wells lives alone. She uses a medical alert bracelet service that her son arranged. She was in assisted living after a nasty fall but was not happy there. So her son found a solution for her to return home. She had to agree on regular home care and a medical alert bracelet. This arrangement worked for Mrs Wells and her family.

Just recently, she walked to the bathroom. When she turned to enter, she let go of her walker, lost her balance, and fell. Her medical alert bracelet (using automatic fall detection) triggered a call instantly from the contact center. A warm calming voice immediately came on the two-way system. “It’s ok Mrs Wells, the paramedics are on the way,” and “Mrs Wells, are you in any pain at all? Don’t worry, the paramedics will check you over once they get there.” This gentle reassurance through the two-way system helped to keep Mrs Wells from panicking.

The benefit of a fall detection system like this is that it works whether your loved one is aware or not. If they have an accident or fall, the emergency center may be able to send assistance without delay.

Reducing Caregiver Anxiety

Providing your loved one a medical alert bracelet saves the stress of worrying about your senior loved ones. Instead, you can monitor their health remotely and ensure they are safe. Like Mrs Wells’ son, who gained peace of mind knowing that she will get help in a fall, or if she feels ill and presses the device’s button.

Choosing the Right Medical Alert Bracelet

Medical alert bracelets can help give you and your family a safety net in the event of an accident or injury at home. It can help relieve the days of stressing about a vulnerable parent home alone. So, how do you know the right system for your mom or dad? It depends on a variety of factors, such as the senior’s mobility, lifestyle, and budget. Consider the following when choosing the right medical alert system for your elderly loved one.

Your Parent’s Mobility Level

If they still like to get out and about but have dementia, you’ll want a cellular system with GPS tracking. You can log in to an app and track their location. For a housebound parent, a landline device will probably suffice. If they’re prone to falls, like Mrs Wells, a fall-detection system is crucial. You’ll find that pretty much most devices offer fall detection for an extra fee.

Your Parent’s Cognitive Condition

If they’re not suffering with dementia or confusion, a pendant with a push button can work well if they need help. But, if they’re confused or have advanced dementia, they might need a bracelet with automatic fall detection or GPS. And, if they’re nervous and need emotional support, the two-way communication system enables contact with a trained representative at the contact center.

Living Environment

Where they live will also dictate the type of device you decide on. If they’re at home alone with few visitors, they'll need a landline device with fall detection. But if they’re already in assisted living with plenty of help to hand, they may just need a push-button pendant. In Mrs Wells' case, fall detection and two-way communication were vital for quick help.

Connection Type

If your parent wanders, consider a GPS-enabled system with a cellular connection. This option works for those without a landline, just like a mobile phone connection. A landline device suits a housebound parent.

Key Features of The Medical Alert Bracelet

When shopping around for the best medical alert systems, you’ll come across a range of features available. Explore the following bracelet features and consider which makes sense for your family’s situation.

Two-way Communication

This feature helps the contact center support and communicate with seniors during emergencies. It was helpful when Mrs Wells fell, as the operative reassured her that help was coming.

Fall Detection

If your parent is at risk of falls, this feature is crucial. The bracelet alerts the control center, ensuring swift help. Many providers offer fall detection for an extra monthly fee, giving you peace of mind.

24/7 Monitoring

All providers offer round-the-clock monitoring. It’s wise to research their services. Check reviews on reliability, response speed, and usability before committing.

GPS Monitoring

GPS-enabled bracelets are great for active parents who might wander. This feature allows operators to locate them at any time, reducing stress.

Water Resistance

Accidents can happen while showering or washing up. Ensure the medical alert bracelet is water-resistant.

Additional Medical Alert Features to Consider

You’re seeking a smooth, functioning service that relieves the burden, not adds to it. You also want value for your buck. For the optimum choice for your parent, we suggest you consider the following:

Contract

Will you be tied into a long contract? Is there a cool-off period? Do customers renew their contracts with this provider? What do others say about the contract terms? What if you no longer wish to use the service?

Reliability

Reliability is crucial for your peace of mind. Does the company provide the level of service they claim to offer? Do they make you feel confident about using their service? Are you sure they will step up in a crisis?

Responsiveness

Is emergency help instantaneous? Does the equipment synchronize with the company effectively? Before signing a contract, it's wise to check how it handles complaints and questions.

Customer Service

How is the bedside manner of the contact center staff? Are they well-trained and knowledgeable? Will they treat you and your loved one with respect? The last thing you need right now is poor service. No getting trapped in chatbot loops or endless calls listening to on-hold music. You need responsive, helpful humans.

Equipment Quality

Does the equipment work? Is it effective? Is it easy to use? How is the connectivity? Will the company replace any faulty equipment without delay?

Price

Prices can vary between providers and will cost extra if you opt for fall detection. It’s always worth looking out for sign-up deals on comparison sites.

Medical alert bracelets are a game-changer. Knowing help is available 24/7helps ease the worry of not being there with your parent. However, you need it to be effective. Selecting the right medical alert bracelet can be tricky.

Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, it's time to decide. Before committing, do a final sense check. Examine the terms and conditions in more detail and make your purchase.

We hope you find this guide helpful. Review our medical alert bracelet comparison chart to help find the right option for your situation.

Disclaimer: The author of this article has been paid by Better Impressions to write this article. Neither the author nor Better Impressions provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.