Aging in place describes an older adult’s ability to remain in their own home independently and safely. The alternative would be a care home where residents receive round-the-clock care or a visiting nurse or care worker.
While independent living is not an option for everyone, it may suit people who can confidently look after themselves and their daily needs.
Below, you can learn how medical alert systems can help older adults aging in place and see how they might be right for your unique needs.
Keep Your Independence
When you purchase medical alert systems from leading brands like Lifeline. With Lifeline, you may put yourself in the best position to maintain your independence. These systems provide help at the touch of a button, which means you can enjoy life to the fullest while knowing you won’t be without support when you need it.
While you receive peace of mind, so does your family. They may feel comfortable enough with such a system that they don’t yet look at alternatives like live-in caregivers or care home facilities.
Easy Functionality
Nearly every industry has benefited from technology somehow, and it’s present in most of our homes. While the younger generation has adapted quickly, older adults can be daunted by the prospect of new technology that may be complicated for them to understand.
Medical alert systems may be technologically advanced, but they are easy to set up and use. They come with easy-to-follow instructions and can be promptly registered to a network for emergency responder help at the touch of a button.
Knowing that you don’t have to do anything other than set it up and push a button if you need assistance, you may be more inclined to welcome such technology with open arms.
24-Hour Help
Accidents don’t just happen during the day when care services are available. They can happen at any time. When you install a medical alert system in your home, you gain access to 24/7 support.
As a result, if you experience a fall or accident, as many millions of older adults do, you will always be able to connect to emergency responders for assistance as soon as possible, even if it’s in the middle of the night.
Fall Detection
Many of the most superior medical alert systems boast fall detection. This feature is present on wearable devices like pendants and watches and allows you to access help without pressing a button.
Savings
Hiring a caregiver or nurse can cost hundreds of dollars per week to help you maintain your independence, but medical alert systems are a cost-effective alternative. When you are competent but fall into the at-risk age group, these systems can function as a ‘just in case’ measure at a fraction of the cost of a carer.
Fast Help
Medical alert systems have monitored or unmonitored alert systems. Monitored alert systems connect you to a response centre, with an operator confirming your need for assistance before alerting the appropriate services, such as an ambulance.
In contrast, an unmonitored alert system will dial emergency services or a pre-programmed contact number. While monitored systems reduce the number of false dispatches, both allow you to quickly access help.
Studies show that emergency medical service units can arrive on the scene in seven minutes from when they receive a call. However, rural wait times can be longer, with a median time of more than 14 minutes.
App Functionality
Older adults have a consistently low rate of technology adoption, but a growing number of seniors are now purchasing smartphones. With these, you can download medical alert system apps and ensure your loved ones can keep track of your medical alert system when they can’t be there in person.
Even if you aren’t confident or competent with apps and new technology, your family and friends can be alerted to your medical alert request, allowing them to take action on your behalf if necessary.
As soon as you enter the at-risk age group, you may think you’re no longer able to remain in your own home. However, there are ways to maintain your independence for as long as possible. Medical alert systems can assist many older adults aging in place, and you may be surprised by the sheer number of features they have to offer you peace of mind.
