10 Key Benefits of Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

As we age, we all want to maintain our independence while staying safe. The great news? Technology has made growing older more convenient and safer with medical alert systems. These devices designed with seniors in mind offer a potential safety net in the event of an emergency. Today’s systems offer discreet, wearable options with high-tech sensors that can help detect emergencies and send assistance right when it's needed most.

Whether it’s a fall, a sudden health scare, or the need for a quick check-in, these systems offer more than just peace of mind for seniors. They provide security for families too, ensuring that help is never far away. Let’s take a look at the key benefits of medical alert systems and how they can help you or your loved ones live with greater independence and safety.

Immediate Emergency Assistance

Medical alert systems may be able to provide immediate emergency assistance when you or your loved one need it the most. These devices can detect an incident and send for emergency services within minutes. This feature is designed to help facilitate quick access to emergency assistance, which can be important in critical situations.

Consider this theoretical story about Margaret, an 82-year-old widow who lives alone. She slipped getting out of the shower and fractured her hip. Luckily, her medical alert bracelet (which included the fall detection add-on) notified the medical control center instantly. The emergency responders got to her within the hour. The rapid response prevented a delay in Margaret’s care, which could have made her injuries worse. Critical help arrived right away, helping to protect her health and safety.

24/7 Monitoring

It can be scary having a vulnerable senior loved one home alone. You worry they will fall and knock themselves unconscious, fracture a hip, or worse. Or, you may have to put out a search party if they wander and go missing.

Round-the-clock monitoring removes the need for constant check-ins. 24/7 monitoring also makes a person feel safer to move around in their home. This standard feature offered by medical alert systems provides peace of mind, ensuring that your loved ones stay safe while living independently.

Fall Detection Technology

According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls are a leading cause of injury in adults over 65, and as many as 1 in 4 senior adults experience a fall.

So, how does fall detection technology work? Wearable fall detection devices use sensors to monitor a person’s movement. Sensors called ‘accelerometers’ detect sudden rapid changes in the speed someone moves. And, gyroscopes detect the direction a person falls. The device uses specific algorithms that analyze the speed, angle, and force of a fall, followed by a period of inactivity. When the device recognizes a fall, it instantly sends an alert to the control center.

Peace of Mind for Family and Caregivers

A medical alert system can’t replace regular physical check-ins, but they can help reassure you that your loved one is safe. In the event of an accident, you know that help may be immediately available. Features like GPS monitoring and fall detection keep track of your loved one. The devices can help assure that your loved one has potential access to critical help, when they need it most.

Encourages Independent Living

Medical alert devices empower your senior loved one to continue living independently. Knowing that help is at hand if necessary can give them a confidence boost.

Here’s a theoretical example - Mrs Wells, an 89-year-old widow, was very unhappy about moving into assisted living. Her family worried about her home alone as she was at risk of falling. So, they offered a proposal. She could return home provided she wore a medical alert bracelet with a walking frame. Mrs Wells agreed.

Mrs Wells still had a fall at home recently. Fortunately, the medical alert bracelet alerted the emergency services, and they arrived within minutes.

Mrs Wells continues to live at home despite her fall. It is important for Mrs Wells’ to maintain her independence in her home environment. Without the medical alert bracelet and the fall detection service, this would not be possible.

GPS Tracking and Location Services

GPS medical alert systems help lost seniors on a daily basis. This technology keeps tabs on your wandering loved one. Here’s another theoretical example, Roger, aged 82, is a senior man with Alzheimer’s. One day, he wandered away from home. Luckily, his family could track his location by connecting with his GPS medical alert system. They managed to locate him right away. Without this GPS alert system, Roger may have been lost for much longer with a higher likelihood of a worse case scenario.

Cost-Effective Safety

Medical alert devices may provide timely access to assistance in an emergency, which could be beneficial in situations where delayed care might otherwise lead to additional medical expenses.

These systems typically involve a set-up cost, followed by a monthly fee. In some cases, you may even qualify for coverage by insurance. Although Medicare won’t cover medical alert systems, some long-term care insurance policies and private insurers might provide partial or full coverage. It's essential to review your specific policy and consult your insurance provider to determine eligibility and coverage options.​

Customizable Options

Medical alert systems today come with a range of customizable features to meet the needs of your situation. Your senior loved one can choose whether they would prefers:

• Push-button pendant
• Bracelet/wristwatch
• Voice-activated buttons
• GPS monitoring
• Fall detection

When choosing customizations, consider the user’s mobility, lifestyle, and physical capabilities. Use our medical alert comparison tool to guide you on the best option.

No Contracts or Long-Term Commitments

With a medical alert system, you don’t need to worry about getting locked into a long-term contract. Instead, most providers offer the flexibility to change the terms of your agreement to reflect your senior loved one’s fluctuating needs.

Always check the terms of your agreement, in case you wish to switch providers or decide to stop the service. Typically, medical alert system providers require a set-up fee then charge a monthly amount thereafter. Make sure to sign up for a flexible month-to-monthly rolling agreement, not a long-term contract.

Peace of Mind for Seniors Themselves

Seniors living at home alone may benefit from medical assist devices for confidence and peace of mind. Knowing that there is always assistance at the press of a button, they feel safer. In the event of an accident or emergency, they gain confidence knowing that help is standing by.

Medical alert systems can support senior safety and independence. They may help facilitate quicker access to emergency assistance, potentially reducing the risk of delayed care and providing peace of mind for families. While not a replacement for human connection, they serve as a valuable tool in enhancing safety. If you're considering one, it's important to research your options. Look for reliable devices, strong customer support, and transparent pricing. Use our medical alert system comparison tool to explore options that best fit your family’s needs.

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.