Understanding the features of medical alert systems
Health

Understanding the features of medical alert systems

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has revolutionized every industry, one of the significant results of which has turned out to be professional medical alert systems. The medical alert works by alarming the emergency healthcare personnel of any hazard or fall that can affect one’s health. It is also known as a personal emergency response system or PERS. The devices implemented with this system come in handy for those who can’t call for help instantly in need.

How does the medical alert system work?
The system provides a button one can push for any health emergency. The help button generally looks like a pendant or bracelet – something one can carry anywhere, anytime. A call is initiated and routed to the family member or 911 or any healthcare monitoring center once the button is pressed. Some devices come equipped with a speaker and microphone for conversation. Over the past few years, the medical alert system for seniors has grown exponentially for monitoring and improving their health.

The types of medical alert systems
This alert system comes in two different types – monitored and unmonitored.

  • Monitored alert system
    The monitoring companies connect instantly once they get an alert from a person. They will assess the condition and take the following steps – calling 911 or connecting to emergency contacts.
    Whether at home or on the move, this alert system will provide one with an easy way to avail of emergency healthcare help. However, professional medical alert system brands charge a monthly or annual fee for a monitored alarm system.
  • Unmonitored alert system
    Unmonitored alert systems can be an ideal choice for those who look for basic protection and want to avoid any additional fees. This system connects the user’s call to 911 emergency services directly.

Tips for purchasing a reliable healthcare alert system
When buying such a system, one must ensure to look into the medical alert system features.

  • The medical alert system must have a communicator device connected to a home communication system like a landline. One can set it up in any room – bedroom, living room, bathroom, or garage- so anyone can ask for help anytime at home.
  • A basic alert system can also work as a charging station for the portable device one might wear. However, such a feature can vary from brand to brand.
  • Many home and portable medical systems feature in wearable devices such as wristbands, watches, bracelets, or necklaces. This way, one can push the alert button irrespective of the location.
  • The system must come equipped with automatic fall detection. This feature works with a combination of accelerometer and barometric sensors of the wearable device. The monitoring companies will first try to reach you in the event of fall detection. They will alert the emergency medical response team in the area if they remain unsuccessful.
  • If you travel a lot, consider buying a smartwatch that can serve a dual purpose.
  • The GPS locator can be a great feature in the alert system. If the medical team or emergency dispatch can’t communicate with you, they can use the GPS coordinates to find you. Most modern alert systems come with this built-in feature because of this convenience.

Besides these features, consider the price of the medical alert system. The average price of any device can start from $19.95 and may go up depending on the feature. Since the brands facilitate monitoring services at home and outside, one must be ready to shell out extra as a monthly fee.