Home alert systems are one of the most beneficial devices that a senior can have. The technology behind these systems has advanced dramatically over the past 10 years, and seniors that use them have never felt safer or more secure.

What Is a Home Alert System?

A home alert system (also known as a medical alert system) is a wearable device that helps a senior summon emergency assistance when needed. They’re commonly worn by elderly or disabled individuals so help is at their fingertips if they should fall or experience a life-threatening emergency.

Most home alert systems include a wearable button and a base station. When the button is pushed, it sends a signal to the base station. The base station then calls a pre-programmed number that typically connects to a call center. A dispatcher receives the call and can speak to the person in distress over a loudspeaker. After assessing the situation, the dispatcher can send emergency assistance or contact a family member or friend, depending on the nature of the problem.

When Is It Time For a Senior to Have a Home Alert System?

As many seniors get older, there comes a time when they should have a home alert system in place. There are several reasons for this, which include:

  • They live alone. Some seniors wish to live at home longer than others. Medical alert systems can provide them a feeling of security, which is very important to them.
  • They’ve fallen or have a history of falls. Anyone that has a risk of falling can benefit from a home alert system. In the United States, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 falls every year. For a senior that has already suffered a fall, it’s probably the right time for them to have some around-the-clock protection in place.
  • They have an unsteady gait. A senior with mobility issues resulting from a past injury or one that has difficulty getting around the house definitely should consider having a home alert system.
  • There is no one nearby to help. If there aren’t family, friends, or neighbors who can routinely check on a senior or arrive quickly should assistance be needed, a home alert system could be life-saving. Receiving timely help in case of a fall is crucial. Many fall victims that don’t receive aid in the first hour won’t be able to live alone after they’ve recovered.
  • There are side effects from medication. It’s important to know how a drug is affecting a senior’s everyday activities. For example, a medication that causes them to become light-headed or dizzy increases the risk of falling. Dizziness affects coordination and balance, which makes daily activities like walking up and down stairs extremely hazardous.

Additional Benefits of Having a Home Alert System

While home alert systems are used primarily for medical emergencies, their benefits extend beyond falls and other emergency needs. Some of the following uses of a home alert system can allow a senior to live independently and could be life-saving.

  • Fires: If a fire occurs in the home, a senior may not be near a phone, and dialing 911 can be difficult in moments of panic. With a home alert system, an operator can dispatch the nearest fire department in moments.
  • Robbery: If someone breaks into their home, a senior’s alert system is the fastest way to contact authorities. The voice of the operator on the loudspeaker may also be a deterrent for the robbery in progress.
  • Wandering: For seniors with memory problems, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, wandering can be a serious problem. In medical alert systems that are GPS enabled, locating your senior can be as simple as pressing a button.

A home alert system can make a big difference in the life and independence of your senior. They can allow a senior to continue to live at home longer than if they didn’t have the system. There are many excellent systems available that can be found by searching the Internet or that are advertised on television.

Want an extra level of protection for your loved one?

We can help! At Home Instead, our mission is lifting the spirits of those we serve by offering them dependable and affordable home care options. To learn more about Home Instead Senior Care or to schedule a FREE consultation for a senior in Naples, Fort Myers, Charlotte County, or the surrounding areas today, please visit us at www.homeinsteadswfl.com.