Did you know that 20% of seniors get hospitalized for fall-related injuries each year? Prevention is critical. One way to protect yourself is by using a fall detection device for seniors.
Despite this danger that the senior population face, many elderly people continue to live independently with the help of medical alert systems with fall detection. You can feel safer and less fearful knowing you can always get access to emergency services if an accident happens.
A fall detection device sends an alert to a reliable monitoring center who will contact emergency services. In other medical emergencies, you only need to press your panic button to get help instantly.
These wearable devices are so convenient and easy to use. With your medical alert system, you never have to feel afraid of being alone in any type of emergency wherever you are.
For more details or to get competitive quotes free of charge, just fill out the short online form on this page.
What is a Fall Detection Device for seniors?
A fall can happen anytime and without warning. Older adults are more prone to falls and they sustain more serious injuries.
A senior is not always in the company of a family member or caregiver. Hence, one of the biggest fears of elderly people and their caregivers is that nobody will be around to help if something bad happens.
As mentioned early, a medical alert system allows the user to simply press the panic button on the device to call for emergency assistance. The device also has a built-in 2-way communication system that lets the user and the emergency operator speak. This ensures that the operator can verify the situation and dispatch the appropriate response.
But not all medical alert systems are the same. Some medical alert systems offer more advanced features such as automatic fall detection.
Medical alert systems with automatic fall detection are also called fall detectors.
What is the advantage of an automatic fall detector?
A fall detector is a medical alert system with an advanced technology that benefits seniors in various ways.
Since falls are a primary cause of hospitalizations among the elderly, a fall detector ensures that a senior gets quick medical assistance to increase chances of recovery and prevent death.
A medical alert system with fall detection technology automatically recognizes a fall and alerts the monitoring center. This happens even if the senior fails to press the panic button such as when unconscious or unable to move.
This extra level of protection ensures that help arrives at the location at the quickest time possible.
A lot of medical alert systems with fall detection have built-in accelerometers that monitor the user’s movements and detect any change in their physical activities. If there is a sudden change or decreased activity, the user and caregivers are alerted so that fall prevention measures can be taken.
While medical alert systems are generally designed for the elderly and people with disabilities, other individuals in high-risk occupations can also wear a fall detector for protection. Examples of high-risk occupations include the operation of heavy equipment and construction work.
How to use a Medical Alert System with Fall Detection
A fall detector detects a fall automatically and triggers an emergency alert.
This means that when a fall occurs, the user may press the help button to call for help. But if he does not press the panic button, the system will proceed to alert the monitoring center that a fall has occurred.
An emergency operator responds to the alert by attempting to contact the user to determine his condition. If the attempt fails (such as when the user is unconscious or unable to speak), the operator may dispatch a medical response team.
The fall detection technology uses sensors with a gyroscope or accelerometer. They can detect a change in speed and altitude or use a special algorithm to differentiate a fall from a normal movement. They take into account the user’s position, physical movement, and smoothness of movement. These variables help the system to analyze if the fall appears to be dangerous and sends help.
These components are tested first to obtain government approval.
How accurate are fall detectors?
Medical alert systems in Canada undergo a series of test for calibration of sensors to trigger an alert for severe falls. Minor events such as a fall from the bed or sofa may not result in an automatic fall alert. This helps to reduce the number of false alerts.
Fall detection devices are equipped with an emergency panic button that the user can press if they need emergency assistance for a minor fall.
Fall detectors are not 100% accurate but they do come close to perfection. Many systems have 85% to 93% accuracy for fall detection. This level of accuracy provides the security that seniors need to live independently without fear.
Medical Alert Systems and how they Work
A medical alert system covers all other types of emergencies and not just falls.
Let’s say the individual wearing the pendant suddenly feels ill and needs help getting to the hospital, he can press the panic button to summon help.
These are the steps to get help:
- The user presses the emergency button on his pendant or bracelet
- An alert is received by the emergency call centre
- An operator will come on the line through the 2-way communication to get details
- Based on the situation, the operator can contact a family member, health worker, or send a medical response team.
Response of Emergency Operators
Emergency operators from qualified monitoring centers respond to calls for emergency assistance 24/7.
These emergency operators are well-trained to handle all types of emergencies. Most monitoring centers also employ multi-lingual operators.
When the user presses the panic button on a pendant or wristband, the operator will speak to the user through the speaker and microphone on the device. The operator will deduce whether the emergency needs a medical response or otherwise.
Note that the operator’s response is measured in seconds. In a medical emergency or a life and death situation, this quick and urgent response can be a lifesaver.
Who needs a Fall Detection Device?
Statistics show that in Saskatchewan, one or more seniors are taken to the hospital every 10 minutes for fall-related injuries.
Medical alert systems are effective tools for seniors who want to remain independent without putting their lives at risk.
Family members can feel more assured that emergency support is available to their senior loved ones.
A fall detection device is recommended for:
- Seniors 65 and older who live alone or are alone for long periods of time;
- Older adults with a history of falls;
- Older adults and seniors suffering from serious illnesses or health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, etc.;
- Older adults and seniors with mobility issues;
- Individuals living with disabilities;
- Individuals taking prescription medications with side effects;
- Individuals with balance issues.
Medical alert systems with fall detection are also ideal for patients with Alzheimer’s because they are also equipped with GPS. Patients who tend to wander or become disoriented can be found more quickly with GPS tracking.
Shopping for a Fall Detector for a Loved One
Are you looking for a fall detector for an aging parent or loved one you worry about?
A fall detector is an excellent gift to give to a loved one who lives alone and could be at risk during a medical emergency or accident.
While we have the best intentions in considering a fall detector, it is important to discuss it with the intended user. A senior must know the importance and purpose of wearing a fall detector and be willing to use it everywhere at all times.
In order for the system to do its work, the intended user must be happy to wear it for his or her own protection.
You can patiently broach the subject and explain the benefits of wearing a fall detection device when you can’t be with your loved one.
Saskatchewan Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection Technology
Medical alert systems offer guaranteed access to emergency services 24/7, providing peace of mind to seniors and family members.
Considering the importance of this type of protection, we understand that choosing the right fall detector is not that easy to make.
Thus, we compiled a list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection technology in Saskatoon and elsewhere in Saskatchewan so you can compare and make the right choice.
Galaxy Medical Alert Systems
Galaxy Medical Alert Systems have provided seniors with protection for over 25 years. Their emergency response system enables seniors to call for help with one easy-to-use call button.
The company offers 6 options for systems with add-ons you can customize to suit your needs. They offer the Home System, Home and Yard system, Home System with Fall Detection, Home Cellular System, Home Cellular with Fall Detection System, and Mobile System with Fall Detection.
Their systems also come with a personal emergency panic button (pendant) that is waterproof and easy-to-use.
The company offers 2 months free for annual subscribers. Their systems are connected to CSAA 5-Star monitoring centers.
Senior Protection
This division of Alarm Guard Security has been providing Canadians with protection for more than 19 years. Their personal emergency response services aim to provide peace of mind to seniors and their families 24/7.
The company offers the On the Go system – a medical alert pendant for active seniors with fall detection technology and the Active Medical Alert watch. The watch also has GPS tracking for safety and wellness tracking.
The company’s monitoring fees cost $59.99 a month.
Life Assure Medical Alert Systems
Life Assure medical alert systems are ideal for persons with disabilities and seniors who live independently.
They are available as pendants or wristbands and feature GPS tracking and fall detection.
Their devices also come with an emergency panic button that connects the user to an emergency response centre.
You can choose the Classic Home (with fall detection) that works on any type of phone line. The system has a range of 600 feet.
The Life Assure Total Home uses cellular technology.
Lastly, the Premium Mobile Plus is recommended for active seniors. It features GPS tracking and fall detection.
How much do they cost?
Life Assure does not require long term contracts and has no activation fees. You can also get a lockbox to give access to your home to emergency personnel in case of an emergency.
The Classic Home costs $34.95 a month. The Total Home Package costs $44.95 a month while the Premium Mobile Plus costs $69.95 monthly.
Lifeline Canada
Formerly known as Philips Lifeline, this medical alert system guarantees quick reaction to emergency calls.
The HomeSafe Auto Alert gives the added protection of calling for help even if the user cannot push the button. If the person is unconscious after a fall, he can still get help even if he does not push the button. With automatic fall detection, the monitoring center is alerted of a fall emergency.
The GoSafe2 does not require a base station and has GPS tracking and automatic fall detection.
Lifeline charges a self-installation cost ($39.95) and activation fee ($89.95) plus shipping. Their systems have a monthly cost $42.95 (HomeSafe), $57.95 (HomeSafe with AutoAlert), and $69.95 (GoSafe2).
Global Security
This company offers the Lynx3000 (basic system) that costs $34.99 a month with a 3-year contract. The system has a range of 200 feet and is available with a bracelet, pendant, or a clip. It has no fall detection feature,
The Numera4000 (fall detection package) has a range of 1,000 feet. It uses advanced fall detection technology with a high accuracy rate.
The fees include the equipment cost ($379.99), activation fee ($99.00) and a fee for the button ($79.00)
Would you like to receive actual quotes for your fall detection device? Just fill out the short online form on this page at no cost or obligation.
How to buy the best Medical Alert System
There are several outstanding medical alert systems and fall detection devices in Saskatchewan. They key to finding the best one is to compare multiple quotes.
To know the right one for your needs:
- Make sure that the wireless connection in your area is strong
- Always check the condition of the system, especially if your unit is under lease.
- Consider the battery life of your device as it has a huge impact on the quality of your system.
- Check the size of home against the maximum range of the system.
- Consider the quality of service and reputation of the monitoring center.
It is also worth noting that experts believe pendant fall detectors have a higher level of accuracy than devices worn on the wrist because they are closer to our center of gravity.
Compare free quotes for medical alert systems and fall detectors in Saskatchewan using our short online form!
