Medical Alarm Providers
Do you have a loved one with increasing personal safety needs? Learn about the medical alarm options and companies available to help.
If you have an elderly or disabled loved one, your worst nightmare is probably the thought of him or her having an emergency when you are not there. Situations like slipping in a bathtub or falling down stairs are common among the disabled and elderly population. When those situations happen, they often lead to preventable deaths because the victims of those accidents do not receive help in time. To avoid such a problem in your family, it is important to find ways to keep your loved one safer when you are not there.
A medical alarm is an excellent personal safety tool. Often called a medical alert system, it is an alarm system someone with safety concerns can use to contact help when a problem occurs. It creates a lifeline and provides peace of mind for the user and his or her loved ones. If you are interested in getting a medical alarm system for a loved one, you have many options. Today's technology is also continuing to advance rapidly. Here is what you need to know about current medical alarm options and the future of medical alarm technology.
Using a Medical Alarm System for Medical Purposes
One of the top reasons to get a medical alarm system is to have a means of alerting someone in case of a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issues like vision problems and medication reactions put elderly individuals at higher risk for falls. However, a medical alarm system also quickly connects the user to help during any other medical situation that may arise, such as choking or having an allergic reaction. It is an excellent way for the user to summon medical help immediately without the need to carry a cellphone constantly or stay within reach of a landline.
Using a Medical Alarm System for Other Purposes
The term “medical alert system” is a bit misleading because such systems are also useful for many other purposes. For example, certain medical alert systems provide tracking information to loved ones, which is helpful when the user is prone to confusion or wandering off. Other uses for medical alarm devices include notifying loved ones or emergency services during situations like:
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Fires
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Burglaries
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Carbon Monoxide Leaks
A user can also use certain types of medical alarm systems to contact programmed phone numbers of loved ones by pushing one button. Such a feature is handy when the user has difficulty remembering phone numbers or seeing well enough to use a phone. That feature is also perfect for an older user living alone who wants to keep in constant contact with family members. Certain devices with that capability are also programmed to connect the user with emergency services when loved ones do not answer.
Types of Medical Alarm Devices and Features
There are multiple types of medical alarm devices and features. In many cases, a system comes with a base unit and button the user wears around his or her neck. The user must press the button to activate the system and contact a loved one or the emergency call center, depending on the system type. When selecting a pendant system, comfort and ease of use are top priorities. If falls in the bathroom are a concern, make sure the pendant is waterproof also. Other features that are available with some systems include:
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Ability to Contact Loved Ones Versus Only Contacting Emergency Personnel
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Ability to Work on a Cellular Phone Network Versus Landline Phone Line
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Long-Range Capability for Use on Large Properties
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Vital Sign Monitoring
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A Key Lockbox for Emergency Personnel to Access When They Need to Enter a Home
Medical alarm devices have long been used primarily in homes, but a recent addition to monitoring options are in-vehicle monitoring devices. Such devices are perfect for senior users who are still independent enough to drive. The devices also include tracking features to make finding lost seniors easier.
Types of Medical Alarm Companies
Every medical alarm company offers different features and benefits. It is important to understand each of those options. In general, each company either offers in-home, in-vehicle, or on-the-go personal monitoring. The latter consists of a wearable device that runs on batteries and connects the user to emergency services from any location. Such a system offers the user the most independence, since it is usable from areas like local parks or shopping centers. When selecting a medical alarm company, you may also find companies offering such extra features as:
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Automatic Scheduled Daily Wellness Checks
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Motion Sensing (Automatic Fall Detection Without Need for Button Pushing)
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Monitoring of Multiple Household Members
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Automatic Alerts for Loved Ones When Activity Patterns Change
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Continued Coverage When A User Changes Residences
Top Medical Alarm Companies
There are medical alarm companies all over the United States, but several of them are continually rated the best. If one of the top medical companies in the nation provides services in your area, it is a good place to start your search for quality medical monitoring. As of 2021, these are some of the top companies in the country:
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Bay Alarm Medical is among the companies that offer monitoring services in multiple languages.
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LifeFone provides a range of up to 1,300 feet, perfect for users living in large homes.
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MobileHelp provides services on a cellular network with no need for a landline.
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RescueTouch is based in Florida but provides nationwide services, including use of the monitoring device to connect directly to loved ones.
The Future of Medical Alarm Technology
The future of medical alarm technology is bright. Many advancements have been made since the first electronic alert systems were popularized in the 1980s. Smart home devices are now being used to assist seniors and disabled individuals with everything from medication reminders to appointment scheduling. As technology improves, more features are sure to become available. In fact, many medical alarm companies routinely release software updates with new features already. If you purchase a medical alarm system for a loved one, stay informed about the latest technology upgrades as they happen. You may opt to switch or upgrade the system you choose as time passes.