If you have an older loved one living at home, you've probably heard of medical alert systems. These devices connect older adults with emergency services, giving them independence and you peace of mind. But how do medical alert systems work, and what do you need to know before you start looking for one?
Overall, there are two types of medical alert systems: at-home and GPS.
When you think of a medical alert device, a certain commercial from the '80s might come to mind: "I've fallen, and I can't get up." The device in those old ads are an example of an at-home system. They're usually made of two components: a base station and a wearable button.
The base station is the heart of the system. That's the part that connects to your landline or a cellular signal. When mom or dad presses the button, they'll be connected with a trained operator who can contact you or emergency services, depending on the situation.
These at-home systems come with personal buttons worn on lanyards or wristbands. They're small enough not to get in the way of things like cooking or bathing or gardening, but powerful enough to connect with the base station up to fourteen hundred feet away.
If your loved one can't reach the base station when they need help, they can use these buttons to call an emergency operator. Generally, they need to stay within range of the base station to call for help, so at-home systems are usually best for older adults who stay home or don't go out alone.
GPS medical alerts give your loved one a little more freedom in and out of the house. Just like their at-home cousins, these GPS devices connect to a trained operator whenever your loved one calls for help. This operator will stand by and talk them through the situation until help arrives.
The big difference is that GPS systems don't need a base station to work. Your mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, or any older loved one can go about their day in and out of the house and still call for assistance if they need it.
Some of the best GPS devices come with companion apps for caregivers. You can find mom anywhere in the world and get notifications for whenever she presses the emergency button. The only downside is these devices tend to be bulkier than at-home wearables. But you can find met alert smart watches and similar devices for a little more money.
And there you have it, that's the basics of medical alert systems. We'd love to hear your own feedback, whether you've bought one or worn one yourself. Go ahead and leave your story in the comments. We'd love to hear it. And also like and subscribe to SafeWise for more videos like this one
