Medical alert systems have been around for a long time and have been hugely successful in helping seniors maintain as much independence as possible with medical assistance being just a push of a button away.
However, an obvious limitation of these systems is that users are unable to trigger the alert if they fall and are knocked unconscious. Considering that 25% of seniors report they fall at least once each year and that one million of these falls end in hospitalization, fall detection technology steps in as a vital safety solution for older adults.
As the name suggests, a medical alert system with fall detection is designed to activate automatically if the user falls. But is fall detection reliable? Let’s find out!
With MobileHelp's medical alert system, wherever you go, you’ll be protected. One convenient characteristic shared by most of its products is that they don’t need a landline to function.
When it comes to on-the-go options, the MobileHelp Solo station and lightweight two-way-communication Micro button works with a cellular network. Family members can use their computers or smartphones to locate the device’s wearer via the caregiver tools, granting them extra peace of mind.
MobileHelp aims to be a supporter, not just a protector, and its wide range of additional accessories can help improve aging adults’ everyday lives. All these come at reasonable prices, with the service starting at a mere $22.80 per month with a yearly subscription. There are also several discounts and even one month for free. Readers can contact the sales team through the toll-free number +1 (800) 809-9247 to know more.
Medical Guardian has over two decades of experience in providing medical and security monitoring services. Aiming to help the elderly age gracefully and independently in their own homes, Medical Guardian offers accurate fall detection functionality along with wireless and mobile monitoring units for those without a phone line.
In addition to its array of monitoring equipment, the company’s main strength is the well-rounded personal emergency service that caters to the needs of seniors or recovering patients. Plus, in addition to the U.S., Medical Guardian also works in Puerto Rico (device restrictions may apply).
Although the company doesn’t offer long-term contracts, it still rewards customers who commit for a longer period with numerous benefits like monthly savings, free shipping, and a free lockbox. The payment plans are customer-friendly, with services starting at $27.95 per month, and you can reach out via phone at +1 (800) 863-8985 to get a customized quote.
One Call Alert has been in the medical alert system industry for more than 20 years, making sure you can live independently without worries. It offers an in-home system that doesn’t need a landline to work as well as a mobile on-the-go option. Its professional emergency operators work 24/7, 365 days of the year, to make sure that you always have help one button press away, whether it’s in the middle of the night or on a national holiday. Better yet, the cost is as straightforward as the setup. The lowest price you can get One Call Alert for is $19.95 per month without any hidden fees. We recommend our readers call +1 (800) 809-9427 to find out more about the company’s price and promotions. Briefly, One Call Alert makes the extra effort to offer the best service possible, hassle-free.
As the name suggests, fall detection is able to recognize when a person falls and proceed to contact 911 or an appointed contact. Medical alert systems are known for this feature, but recent smartphones and smartwatches also have this technology.
Fall detection technology uses a triaxial accelerometer sensor, which measures the user’s speed, distance, and direction.
So, the medical alert equipped with this technology activates when it detects a rapid downward acceleration followed by no movement. That’s how the sensor is able to distinguish between falling and just exercising.
What happens next depends on the system you’re using. Medical alert system providers usually connect the user to their care team to check if everything is alright and call for assistance if necessary. Meanwhile, smartphones like the iPhone will call an appointed emergency contact or 911.
Automatic fall detection is usually part of a wearable device (wristband, pendant, smartwatch, etc.), but there are also ambient or motion sensors. It’s recommended to go with the first option, as ambient sensors are installed via cameras that can only track movement in certain areas of the house.
In general, you can trust fall detection.
The accuracy of the technology depends on the device and how you’re wearing it. Medical alert pendants with fall detection worn around the neck have around 95% accuracy, whereas smartwatches and wristbands have only an 80-90% detection rate.
False alarms are also more common when the device is worn around your wrist. Plus, it may not register falls if the arm doesn’t move dramatically (like in a straight-backward fall). That’s why we recommend going with a pendant for higher reliability.
Fall detection and senior safety have been studied for many years. Organizations want to ensure that seniors are safe and that they get the help they need in case of an emergency. We recommend reading the detailed analysis found in the National Library of Medicine for more information on fall detection accuracy and its many variables.
Fall detection might not be 100% accurate, but you’re still more secure using a device with this technology – especially if it’s a medical alert device.
The key features to look for in a fall detection system are not very different from a standard medical alert system. They also depend on the user, their mobility, and their preference.
Seniors who are still active and spend time outside should get a mobile device that comes with both fall detection and GPS. Although some users might see this as a privacy breach, medical alert care teams are able to send help to the user’s location right away, even if the person passes out after falling.
Devices with GPS are also key for seniors who suffer from disorientation. Even if they aren’t feeling ill, they can contact the care team to help them get back to their house or send a family member to pick them up.
Although seniors can speak with the medical alert team through the in-home base station, we recommend getting wearable devices that come with two-way communication. This way, the assistants are able to hear you loud and clear regardless of where you are.
As mentioned before, one of the cons of fall detection devices is that they rely on battery life – if the battery ends, the device won’t work.
The longer the battery life, the better. More importantly, look for systems that automatically test their battery life or at least remind you to do it yourself.
At home, most senior falls happen in the shower. Outside, it’s also more likely to slip when it’s raining. So, fall detection should always be water-resistant or waterproof.
Check our guide about bathroom modifications to learn how to mitigate falls in the shower.
Falling as a senior can be scary. In fact, some seniors reduce their movement and become housebound due to their fear of falling.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a magical device that stops falls altogether. Exercise, sturdy footwear, and removing fall hazard items at home are just a few of the actions you can take to mitigate the risk of falling.
Additionally, a medical alert system with fall detection ensures medical assistance will be called right away if you have a bad fall, regardless of whether you’re awake or not.
We invite you to check out the products we recommend by either reading our reviews or looking on their website directly. Take the first steps towards a safer and more independent life today!
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