Did you know that an estimated 20% of older adults in Canada experience falls every year? Many of them end up in the hospital for treatment of injuries, and some of these patients eventually end up in long-term care after hospitalization. Unfortunately, some seniors also die due to fall-related injuries.
This is why many health organizations and those advocating the health and safety issues of seniors recommend the use of medical alert systems and fall detectors.
With these modern devices, elderly people can live independently for a longer time without feeling afraid for their safety. With a medical alert system, seniors can feel confident that they can call for help if something bad like an accident happens. They can be immediately connected to a monitoring center with one press of a panic button and their family members or caregivers will also be notified.
If you are looking for a medical alert system for you or an aging loved one, get more details and compare options using our short online form. Get free quotes and save time and money!
What is a medical alert system and how does it work?
A medical alert system triggers an alarm when you press a panic button and the alert is received by a monitoring center that operates 24/7. When the alert is received, the emergency operator reviews the situation by speaking to you directly through a built-in communication system installed on your device.
If necessary, the operator will dispatch a medical team (ambulance) or the police, depending on your emergency. For non-medical situations, the operator can also contact family or friends on your contact list to request assistance on your behalf.
It is important to understand that an alarm can only be sent if you press the panic button which you can wear around your neck or wrist. Some devices can also be clipped to a belt. If you feel unwell, need help with medications, or have any other type of emergency, you must press the panic button to inform the monitoring center what is happening and they will respond accordingly. This is also applicable if you fear for your safety and need police assistance.
Help after a fall
What if you slip or fall and need help? For manual systems, you must also press the panic button. If you can’t speak and the operator’s assessment is that you are in trouble, help will be dispatched.
Some medical alert systems also have automatic fall detection technology. Also called fall detectors, these systems will trigger an alert if you fall even if you don’t press the panic button. Built-in sensors called accelerometers analyze data to distinguish a fall from normal movements like sitting down or lying down. If it recognizes a fall, it sends an alert to the monitoring center.
You should know that all of these happen within seconds. This means that you get emergency assistance very fast to ensure you get medical attention quickly and prevent further injuries.
Medical alert systems are quick and easy to use
A good medical alert system offers safety and security to seniors. These systems were designed to give easy and quick access to emergency services during a medical or other types of emergencies.
Most seniors are forced to give up living independently because there is nobody to help if an emergency happens. Not anymore. With a simple press of a button, whether you are at home or outside, you can call for help without using a landline or mobile phone. You are guaranteed to receive HELP fast!
How do you use a medical alert system or fall detector?
Medical alert systems provide a level of safety for our loved ones. These systems were created to ensure that we can contact emergency services in the event of a sudden medical crisis. A medical alert system is great as it provides a high level of independence for your loved one. But family members and other caregivers must also know how the system works.
Medical alert systems are available in the form of wearable devices such as pendants, bracelets, watches, or clips. This allows the user to have protection at all times – while sleeping, in the bath, walking outdoors, or working.
1. PRESS THE PANIC BUTTON
Ask for emergency assistance using the console at home, your pendant, or mobile system. Your automatic fall detector can also send an alert for help automatically if you fall.
2. SPEAK USING THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Your system has a built-in 2-way communication system that connects to a monitoring center. Inform the operator what your emergency is and help will be dispatched quickly.
3. WAIT UNTIL HELP ARRIVES.
As soon as the monitoring center receives your call for help, the operator will inform your contact (family, friend, caregiver, etc.). For medical emergencies, fire, or police matters, the appropriate response team will be dispatched. The operator will also stay on the line with you until help arrives to make sure you are not alone.
What are the types of medical alert systems?
Medical alert systems are very reliable and effective tools for the elderly and other vulnerable adults who wish to remain independent with confidence.
Know the different types of medical alert systems available in British Columbia so you can choose the right one.
Home-Based Medical Alert Systems
Home-based or at-home medical alert systems are designed for home use. They consist of a base unit or console, a 2-way speaker system, and a portable device (pendant, bracelet, or clip) with a help button that connects instantly to a monitoring center.
At-home systems have a limited range from the base unit. They usually connect to a landline or a cellular network.
Thus, it is important to choose a medical alert system with a range that is suitable to the size of your home. This will ensure you can use your device anywhere you are at home.
For instance, some systems offer a range of 200 ft. while others have a wider range of 600 ft. Some systems work as far as your yard.
You may be able to include automatic fall detection with your at-home system.
Mobile or On-The-Go Systems
With a mobile system, you can confidently go outside your home knowing that you can always ask for help anywhere, anytime. Mobile systems are connected to cellular networks and work without a console as long as there is a cellular signal in the area.
Mobile systems offer additional features for enhanced protection which includes:
GPS tracking: to quickly locate the user if they get lost or wander.
Fall detection: automatically alerts the monitoring center in the event of a fall even if the user does not press the help button.
Geo-fencing: Allows safe zones to be established for users with dementia or Alzheimer’s so that caregivers are alerted if they exit their safe zones.
Fall detection technology: Is this essential to a medical alert system?
Not all medical alert systems have fall detection. As explained earlier, manual systems require users to press the panic button to call for help for all emergencies.
A fall detection system is an add-on feature to a medical alert system that makes it possible to get help after a fall automatically. It has built-in sensors that recognize a fall and alerts the monitoring center that you may need help.
Are false alerts possible? Does fall detection work 100% of the time?
No technology is perfect and fall detection is no exception. While it has an accuracy rate of 85% to 93%, false alerts can occur. It can also fail to recognize a fall. This is why it is important that the user also presses the help button if he is able to do so.
In case of a false alert and you don’t need help, you can cancel the alert by informing the monitoring agent that you are fine. You can also manually cancel the alert by pressing the button.
Even though fall detection technology is not perfect, it is an extra layer of protection for seniors with a history of falls. A person may become unconscious or disoriented after a fall. A fall detector can send an alert automatically to make sure a senior is not lying on the floor unconscious or hurt for a long time.
Remember, quick medical intervention is necessary to save lives. A fall detector can help save yours!
Who needs a medical alert system or a fall detector?
Medical alert systems are excellent tools for seniors who need confidence and reassurance to live independently. Family members will also have peace of mind in knowing that help will arrive quickly if there is an emergency.
Medical alert systems and fall detectors recommended for:
- Seniors living alone;
- Seniors 65 and above who stay home alone;
- Active seniors who wish to get access to fast and easy access to emergency services;
- Older adults who suffer from medical conditions such as asthma, allergies, seizures, etc.
- People living with serious medical conditions that put them at risk;
- Seniors with mobility and balance problems;
- Seniors with a history of falls;
- Individuals staying home while recovering from an illness or surgery;
- Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s with a tendency to wander or get lost.
Medical alert systems are also useful for people with physical disabilities who may be vulnerable to accidents.
Check if you need a medical alert system
Still not sure if a medical alert system will be useful for you? Answer the following questions to determine whether you need a medical alert system.
- Are you 65 years old or older?
- Do you live alone or stay home alone for a significant amount of time?
- Have you had a previous fall or are you afraid of falling?
- Do you take medications regularly that leave side effects like dizziness?
- Do you have a medical condition such as stroke, hypertension, heart problems, diabetes, etc.?
- Do you have difficulty moving around or have poor gait or balance?
- Have you recently had major surgery?
- Are family members urging you to move to seniors’ housing because you have nobody to help you in an emergency?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it would be wise to consider getting a medical alert system for your protection.
To find the right device for your needs, compare multiple offers from reliable medical alert systems in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Abbotsford, or elsewhere in British Columbia!
Just fill out the short online form on this page, free of charge, and receive the best offers for a medical alert system.
5 Best medical alert systems in British Columbia
You can find several companies offering monitored panic buttons and medical alert systems in British Columbia. Remember that they are not all the same in quality and price. It is important to be able to compare offers so you can find the right one for you.
To give you an idea of what your options are, below are some of the popular medical alert systems available.
Galaxy Medical Alert Systems
Galaxy Medical alert Systems is a Canadian company that has been helping seniors in North America for over 2 decades. They want vulnerable individuals to have freedom and independence. Their personal emergency response systems are tailored to help seniors achieve these goals.
Qualified and well-trained operators respond to emergency calls at all times, day and night. The company also offers support in more than 150 languages to serve clients from all ethnic backgrounds.
Their systems have a built-in 2-way communication system and a water-resistant panic button. They have CSAA 5-Diamond Response Centres with 24/7 monitoring.
The company offers a home system, home & yard, Home with fall detection, and Cellular System with fall detection.
Their cheapest plan is the home system with a monthly fee of $29.95. The Home Cellular System with Fall Detection costs $49.95 a month.
Global Security
Global Security is one of the leading security companies in Canada offering home alarm systems and personal emergency response systems. This company is the leading provider of ADT security systems.
Their medical alert systems offer the basic plan using the Lynx3000 while their Numera Libris offers fall detection. They also have a platform called EverThere for health management that can be accessed by family or caregivers that are authorized by the user.
Their plans require a 36-month contract. Monitoring services start at $34.99 per month. There is an additional cost for the device ($379.99) and a one-time activation fee of $99.
Global Security claims to have the most advanced fall detection system with 93% accuracy. Their devices come in the form of a waterproof pendant or bracelet
Philips Lifeline
With aggressive marketing, Lifeline is one of the most recognized brands in the medical alert system industry.
The company offers the HomeSafe Medical Alert System, HomeSafe Cellular, AutoAlert, and GoSafe2 systems.
With the auto alert, the user can notify people to help after a fall even if unable to push the help button.
The GoSafe2 has GPS tracking and wider coverage.
The HomeSafe plan starts at $29.95 a month plus a one-time activation fee of $50 plus shipping. The HomeSafe Auto Alert Landline costs $44.95 a month while the HomeSafe Auto Alert Cellular costs $56.95 a month. They also have an activation fee of $50 plus shipping.
The GoSafe2 costs $44.95 a month with an activation fee of $99 plus shipping.
SecurMedic
This Canadian company with headquarters right in Vancouver, B.C. has 6 interconnected monitoring centres certified by the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
Popular for its 2-way communication system and easy access to emergency services with a panic button, this medical alert system protects seniors in any health or medical emergency.
It is available as pendants or watches that can be used to summon help during a fire, burglary, and other emergencies. You can wear it at all times for non-stop security.
Their systems are completely waterproof and offer a wireless range of 1000 ft. It is easy to install and the device can be used for answering calls. Their systems don’t offer automatic fall detection. The user must press the panic button to call for help.
The monthly service starts at $24.88 a month and the equipment costs around $188.88. You can also check other packages offered by the company.
Bell Medical Alert Systems
Aside from being one of the biggest technology providers, this company is also popular for its modern medical alert system that offers emergency support services with a push of a button.
Bell Medical Alert acquired Alarmforce in 2018. Bell has its own monitoring station with dedicated staff to help its customers during any emergency.
Today, the company offers an At-Home system to keep seniors safe at home by connecting users to monitoring centres using a landline. It has a crystal-clear voice system and for seniors who are not tech-savvy, a voice prompt system informs the user if there is any problem with the system such as low batteries.
Bell also offers an On-The-Go system that allows you to call for help anywhere you go. The pendant produces a unique signal that identifies you as the caller in an emergency.
The cost of the central unit and the pendant is $27.99 and $57.99 a month.
Confidence & Safety with Fall Detector Pendants
Aging comes with many risks and challenges that we ultimately must face.
Deteriorating physical condition, health conditions, and even mental agility diminish over time. Thanks to modern technology, aging in place has never been better!
Medical alert systems with panic buttons and fall detectors enable seniors and other at-risk individuals to feel safe even when alone. If an emergency happens, a user can easily call for help with one push of a button. Help also arrives promptly to ensure quick medical intervention when needed.
The cost of a medical alert system is small compared to the significant benefits offered by the device.
For a patient with Alzheimer’s or dementia, family members don’t need to worry as much because GPS technology can quickly locate a loved one.
If you are convinced that you need a fall detector or medical alert bracelet, fill out the form below and get multiple offers to compare that meet your needs!
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