A life alert device is a medical alert system that is won by seniors and sends alerts to a medical provider in case of a medical emergency or a fall. The life alert device gives the caretakers and loved ones of seniors’ peace of mind and makes the seniors independent.
The device is suitable for the seniors who live alone, with memory loss, with active lifestyles and people with chronic health problems.
There are various types of life alert devices. They are in-home devices which can only be used when at home; on-the-go devices that can be used even outside the home and duo devices that can be used both at home and when traveling.
Some of the features you can find in a life alert device is all round professional monitoring, automatic fall detection, medication reminders and GPS location tracking. With all these, the seniors can go about their daily lives without fear since they can send an alert incase of anything, with the click of a button.
Now, you may be wondering, how does the device do all these?
How Does a Life Alert Device Work?
The Device
The life alert device can be worn as a pendant, bracelet, necklaces, help button, smart watch, or belt clip. You buy the device from the medical emergency company.
Some of the devices are used in-home while others can be used when you are mobile, also known as on-the-go.
How to Use
When you have an emergency, you press a button on the life alert device, and it sends a signal to the monitoring center. How it sends the signal depends on whether it is in-home or on-the-go.
The in-home devices are connected to a landline connection, although others are cellular. Most of them have a base station. When you press the button, the signal goes to the base station in the house and then to the monitoring center. They have a range of between 500 to 1300 feet.
On-the-go devices use cellular connection. Once you press the device in case of an emergency, the signal is sent to the monitoring center.
The monitoring center has trained professionals who can assess the emergency situation. If there is need, they send emergency medical aid to where you are. The operator remains on the line until you get help. For efficiency, the operators are trained on emergency medical response, they respond in less than 30 seconds and can speak English and Spanish.
Features Of a Life Alert Device
The basic function of a life alert device is to connect the user to an operator with a simple touch of a button. However, the functionality of a life alert device depends on its features. These devices differ in features, with some having just the basic features while others have more. To learn more about features, read about each feature individually.
Fall Detection
The fall detection feature enables the device to automatically send a signal to the monitoring center in case you fall. The operator then checks on you to find out if you are fine. The feature is suitable for those prone to falling.
Caregiver dashboard
A caregiver dashboard allows the caregiver to monitor the activities of the senior. Usually, this is done via a mobile app. Some caregiver apps can alert a caregiver about a low battery.
GPS tracking
The feature enables the device to show your location in case you need help. It is useful for those using on-the-go devices and makes it easy for the operator to know your location during an emergency.
Waterproof
A waterproof alert device can be worn in the shower or in water without worrying that it will be damaged. This feature is essential since most falls take place in the shower and an individual needs to have the device anywhere in case they fall.
Two-way communication
This enables communication with the operator in case there is an emergency. It allows easy sharing of information and can help to clarify the kind of emergency so that you can be sent the necessary help.
Medication reminders
Do you take medication? Then this feature is essential to help you so you don’t miss taking your medication. You can program it to remind you on which medication to take and at what time.
Long battery life
Most of the life alert devices have long battery life such that the battery doesn’t drain when you need the device most. The batteries are rechargeable and can last for days.
Range for in-home devices
An in-home device consists of a base station in the house and an alert device. However, they have a limit of how far you can go from the house and still maintain the signal. This is called the range. Your device should have enough range to cover your home. Currently, the largest range is 1,300 feet.