Medical Alert Systems for People With Down Syndrome

Health issues associated with Down Syndrome

There are many health conditions that are common in people with Down syndrome. However, while some individuals may only have one or two in a mild form, others may be significantly impacted. Some of the most common health problems include:

• Heart defects: Around 50% of children with Down syndrome have a heart defect, but these vary in severity. Less than one in five of those born with a heart defect have a condition that is serious enough to require surgery.
• Neck instability: For some people with Down syndrome, the ligaments and muscles holding the joints together at the base of the skull are floppy and weak. This can make the vertebrae in the neck press on the spinal cord, leading to reduced muscle strength and coordination.
• Epilepsy: Approximately one in ten people with Down syndrome will develop epilepsy during their lives.Before thorough research and appropriate care was developed, individuals with Down syndrome didn’t have a long life expectancy, but this has significantly increased in recent years. Lots of people live into their 60s, compared to their 20s in 1983, as stated by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
  

  How can medical alert systems help?

  Although it’s not the case for everyone, many with this genetic condition are able to work and live independently, or semi-independently. Medical alert systems support people with Down syndrome who want to live by themselves, or with only a basic level of care.

  These systems enable them to stay connected to their caregiver and seek help if necessary. Moreover, some devices even allow for location tracking, direct communication, and the transmission of details about the individual’s situation and wellbeing.

  Medical alert systems for people with Down syndrome differ from those designed for seniors. That’s because individuals with this condition have particular requirements that must be catered to. These systems not only include direct interaction but also activity checking to discern if there is any activity interruption or distress. This involves tracking important data like activity levels and any behavioral variations.At the moment, there are only a few providers that offer these systems, such as Medical Guardian and MobileHelp. If you care for someone with Down syndrome, you may find that a medical alert system especially designed to suit their needs can help you provide them with comfort and independence.