The medical alarm is a device that tells the central unit or urgent care center, the alarming condition a wearer is facing. It helps in rescuing the wearer from a hazardous situation.
Medical alarms for seniors (1)
Medical alarms help seniors to summon for help in an emergency. Old people, who are disabled and live alone need to use a medical alarm. The medical alarm is also known as Medical Alert or Personal Emergency Response System (PERS).
Working of a medical alarm
The base unit contains a button that is pressed in an emergency to call for help. The device connects with the response center, which is linked with the medical alarm company. During this, the wearer will hear loud beeps. Once the connection sets up, the live agent asks for the problem. The base unit has the feature of a hands-free speakerphone. Using this feature, a wearer can easily communicate with the agent and tell whether the situation is actually alarming or he accidentally pressed the button or was testing the device.
Upon requesting help, the agent calls 911 and directs the emergency team towards the address of the wearer. He may also contact his family members or friends, who are already registered in the initial form. Many services may ask the person to give additional information in the form such as allergies, physician contacts, medications, and any medical condition. This information helps emergency responders to provide required aid spontaneously.
Installation of medical alert system
A standard medical alert system needs a landline phone connection. It has a base unit with a portable button. The installation of a medical alarm system is incredibly easy. The base unit is plugged into the phone jack through the phone cord. The phone is then plugged into the secondary jack or base unit. Once the power cord is plugged in, the LED turns green and the system gets started. Proper working of the device can be checked by pressing the button and connecting to the agent. The agent will verify the name of the wearer and ensure the appropriate working of the medical alert system.
Which medical alert system to select?
Cost, service options, variety of features make it difficult to figure out an appropriate medical alert system. Before purchasing a system, answers to 3 questions must be considered.
- Which type of medical alert system is needed?
Medical alert systems were originally Home-based, which means they were designed to connect with a landline phone and to run only inside the home. But now many companies provide Mobile-based systems that run inside as well as outside the home. The one who mostly stays at home might not need this system.
- Whether the monitored or unmonitored system is needed?
Some systems are monitored, which means the wearer stays connected with the live agent at a 24/7 response center. In unmonitored systems, the device connects the wearer directly to the registered family members or friends. The main difference between both systems is price. In monitored systems, a purchaser has to pay a monthly fee along with the cost of the device. In an unmonitored system, a purchaser pays for the device only.
- Is a fall-detection feature needed?
Some companies charge extra and provide a feature of fall detection. In this feature, the device senses the fall and automatically connects to the response center. It seems great but this option does not function accurately every time. The additional cost of fall detection is $15 per month so it does not make a huge difference in the cost. A person who is more prone to falls must ensure that the required option is flawless.
Top medical alert systems (2)
The medical alarm gives a sense of peace and comfort knowing the aid is just a button-press away. Some top medical alert systems are as follows.
- Bay Alarm Medical In-Home Medical Alert
Installation of this system is incredibly convenient. It offers an abrupt response, hands-free and loud communications, and pendants with good range.
Prose
- Convenient installation
- Quick response
Cons
- Extra charges for spouse pendant
- Tiny rest button
Cost
- Its cost is $19.95.
- Bay Alarm Medical Splitsecnd In-Car Medical Alert
It is plugged in the car and provides a single-touch approach to the live response agent. With the help of GPS and Crash detection, the emergency team can easily locate a person without even contacting him.
Pros
- Easy to use and install
- Web and mobile tracking app
- Uses cellular technology, GPS, and crash detectors
- Quick response
Cons
- Costly
- Poor audio
Cost
- Its cost is $29.95.
- MobileHelp Classic
It is an In-Home medical alert system. It needs cellular connectivity to work appropriately.
Pros
- Quick response
- Convenient installation
- Status LCD
- Colorful and prominent buttons
- Services for medical reminders are available
- Free mobile and web apps
Cons
- Cannot fade backlit buttons
Cost
- Its cost is $19.95.
- Aloe Care Health
It is one of the versatile Medical Alert Systems. It offers hands-free communication between caregivers and wearers.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Quick response
- Voice activation
Cons
- No optional medical devices
Cost
- Its cost is $29.99 per month
- GreatCall Lively Mobile Plus
This medical alert system is wearable and connects the wearer with the online agent upon pressing the button.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Quick response
- Lightweight and small design
- Waterproof
- Availability of urgent care and mobile apps
Cons
- Extra charges on mobile apps
Cost
- Its cost is roughly $24.99.
- LifeFone At-Home and On-the-Go GPS Voice-in-Necklace
It is a pendant form of a medical alert system and calls for help in few seconds. It pinpoints the location of the wearer by using Wi-Fi and GPS.
Pros
- Quick response
- Durable battery
- Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular technologies
Cons
- Extra features make it costly.
Cost
- Its cost is around $48.95.
- Philips Lifeline GoSafe 2
It is a portable medical device using several technologies to pinpoint the location.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Quick response
- Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and audio beconingtechnologies
- Free fall detection feature
Cons
- Costly
- Lacks tracking portal app
- No additional client services
Cost
- Its cost is $44.95.
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