Senior Medical Alert Systems – True or False

EK FACT CHECK

How do you choose the best senior medical alert device on the market?

There’s lots of companies out there making all sorts of promises … most of them true, some of them misleading and others are just out and out false.

The staff at ElderKind put the claims of several leading medical alert systems companies to the test.

You’ll want to read this report before you pick up the phone and order one! In fact, read on to find a special offer available to ElderKind readers only. You won’t want to miss it!

Here’s what we discovered.

True or False:

“Medical Alert Systems can protect the elderly from falls.”

FALSE. These systems can only help mitigate the damages of a fall, not prevent them. To prevent falls in the elderly install safety bars around the house, remove objects that can cause falls like clutter and loose rugs. Read more about how to make your home safer for senior here.

“Senior alert devices save lives.”

TRUE. While they can’t stop you from falling, they can get you help faster. An elderly person who falls can easily go into shock. The faster you can get them help the better the outcome.

“Medical Alerts are complicated to set up and use.”

FALSE.  Installing a senior alert system in your home takes as much technical skill as installing a telephone answering machine. You don’t need to pay to have most systems installed. For example, LifeStation’s system just requires you to plug it into a telephone line and power outlet. If you need help, their excellent customer service team will walk you through the steps.

All medical alert systems are pretty much the same.

FALSE. While most systems are similar, there are key differences to consider before you buy.  First, most systems work as “call buttons” that are activated when the person wearing it pushes a button. Some are waterproof so you can wear them in the shower (we like LifeStation for this reason … after all, so many accidents happen in the bathroom!)

“All medical alert devices can accurately detect a call and automatically send help.”

FALSE. Most systems on the market are “panic buttons.”  Most are only activated when the senior pushes the button. But what if they fall and become unconscious? What if they have a stroke and are too confused to push the button? What if they suffer from dementia and forget they’re wearing the device?

“Automatic Fall Alerts will detect most falls.”

FALSE. You see fall alert features being advertised on TV, but these devices may not be able to detect a real life fall. Why? Most “fall detectors” require a hard jolt to set off the alarm. If you fall hard, these devices work. But that’s not how most falls happen! Many times a senior will feel dizzy, grab hold of the wall and slowly slump to the ground. Other times, they may be bent over and tip over. Chance are these so-called “fall detectors” won’t work!

 

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