As your loved ones get older, it can become more difficult for them to continue living at home without extra support. Having been self-sufficient for so long, and likely used to providing care to others, like their children, this can make them feel frustrated. They will want to keep their independence for as long as possible. According to falls prevention facts from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the leading cause of injuries in elderly people, with one in four Americans over 65 falling each year. However, some practical lifestyle changes can help reduce this number.
A comprehensive care management plan will ensure your elderly relative stays safe when they are at home, especially if they are living alone. Plus, this will allow them to keep their independence for longer.
A home alert system is a great way to provide additional security and help put your mind at ease. If your loved one has a fall or medical emergency, you will know they will get the help they need as soon as possible.
We have put together five products to help you decide which home alert system is right for you and your elderly loved ones.
1. Life Alert Emergency Pendant
The Life Alert Emergency Pendant can be worn around the neck or as a wristband, meaning your elderly relative can always call for help when needed. The main base unit can connect either wirelessly or through the landline, so is easily adaptable. The lightweight pendant has a range of 800 feet, so your loved one will be protected wherever they are in the house.
2. Bay Alarm Medical In-Home System
This home alert system also includes a base station and help button. The help button can be worn as a necklace or wristband. The base unit has a clear speaker and microphone, making 2-way communication easy.
It is also portable, so if your relative is going on vacation, they can take it with them. Simply plug it into the landline. The help button has a range of 1,000 feet and is 100% waterproof, giving you extra peace of mind, as bathrooms are a common place for a trip or fall.
3. MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®
If your elderly relative needs specialized Alzheimer’s & Dementia care, it can be particularly worrying when thinking about their safety. It is common for people with dementia to wander and become disorientated, often getting lost. The MedicAlert + Safe Return system will help to relieve some of this concern.
The system also contains a Safe Return ID jewelry tag, so if your loved one is found lost, a citizen or professional can call to alert the MedicAlert team. If you discover your elderly relative is missing, you can call MedicAlert as well as the emergency services, and they will help to locate them wherever they may have wandered.
4. ADT On-The-Go Emergency Response System
This emergency response system is perfect for you if your loved one still leads an active lifestyle and spends time away from their home. The system consists of a mobile unit, along with a pendant or wristband with a help button.
If the help button is pressed, a professional can track the location of your relative through GPS. The pendant or wristband needs to be within 100 feet of the mobile unit to function properly. This home alert system works on the AT&T Wireless Network.
5. Philips Lifeline HomeSafe with HomeAlert
If your loved one has a higher risk of falls than most, a home alert system with automatic fall detection could be the best option. Sometimes after a fall, it might be difficult for your elderly relative to press a help button, for example, if they become unconscious.
The technology is designed to detect genuine falls and to send help quickly, and automatically. HomeSafe with HomeAlert is worn as a pendant necklace and is safe to wear in the bath or shower.
Conclusion
Most home alert systems consist of a help button and a base unit, allowing 2-way communication. Trained operators are on hand to deliver help quickly. However, while working in similar ways, some features may be more suited to your loved one than others.
It is important to carefully consider the needs of your loved one as part of the care plan, choosing a home alert system that best meets those needs, whether it is one with automatic fall detection, a wide home range or GPS.
It’s always difficult when making decisions about the wellbeing of elderly relatives, ensuring their best interests come first. A home alert system gives your loved one the freedom of being able to enjoy staying at home longer. At the same time, it gives you peace of mind, knowing their safety is the top priority. And most importantly, they will get the help they need, and quickly, in an emergency.
