“Why would I need a personal emergency device in a safe environment, such as a hospital or nursing home?” one could ask, reading this title. Indeed, the idea seems to be redundant at first. The purpose of medical alert devices is to substitute the watchful eye of a doctor, nurse or caregiver, so even an inert elderly can summon help. Also, said devices are meant to guarantee that seniors can age independently in their own home, so they can avoid being moved to a retirement or nursing home. Recommending them to opt for a medical alert system is like buying a cork jacket for someone who is living in a desert. This is a somewhat flawed argument, though, and we’ll tell you why.
Even a nursing home or a hospital cannot guarantee 24/7 supervision for their aging residents. There are times when they are left to have some quality time alone or they are sleeping in their beds, but suddenly feel ill. In these instances, pushing the help button on the medial alert pendant or wristwatch is the most convenient and fastest course of action. Most hospitals offer wall mounted help buttons, but they are often too far, or unreachable by a patient who is having a stroke. Sending a signal through the personal emergency button will reach the monitoring staff, as well as a list of people, such as family members, caregivers or nurses. This way the hospital or nursing home staff will immediately know that the elderly needs help. Fall detection is also an invaluable feature, even if someone lives in a protected environment, because collapsing often leaves the person paralyzed or unconscious, but the button still sends out an automated alarm. Speaking of useful features: there are companies whose buttons sport GPS tracking, and the family members or caregivers can check on the location of the wearer (in case he/she wandered off, or tried to “escape”).
There are hospitals that see the potential in personal emergency systems, adding them to their own arsenal as a means to make the patient’s stay even safer. The Falmouth Hospital offers a special program where they provide medical alert systems to the local residents. The hospital volunteers set up the chosen device for free and there are a range of types they can choose from, including fall detection, GPS or mobile units. Thus the elderly patients only need to pay for the monthly fee, which depends on the system they picked. The hospital is currently offering VRI Connect emergency devices, but the program has been running for more than 31 years.
Even if you don’t agree with having a personal emergency button while you are staying in a nursing home or being treated in a hospital, you cannot argue their usefulness for those who are living alone. Hospitals don’t see these devices as competitors, but rather as potential ways to further aid a senior’s well-being after they left the building. The Morris Hospital, for instance, has a long running program where they offer medical alert system for their patients for a reduced fee. The Lifeline Medical Alert Program has been active since 1985, and the partnership between the hospital and the company allows the patient to purchase any of the currently available systems with the foundation’s help, guaranteeing affordable fees. The seniors do indeed own their device, and they can set it up in their home the way they like. This provides peace of mind for both the aging patient and the hospital staff, because if the senior is falling back to illness after the release or their condition turns worse, they can immediately call for help.
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other users. Your feedback helps our community make better decisions.
©2012-2025 Best Reviews, a clovio brand –
All rights
reserved
