10 Sep 5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Medical Alert System for Your Aging Parents
As your parents continue to age, your concerns tend to increase. You cannot be with them 24/7 and most aging adults enjoy their independence. However, it is always a good idea to have a safety net during times they are alone. A medical alert system is a great option for seniors. Here are are 5 reasons why you should get a medical alert system for your aging parents. You will also find different success stories involving medical alerts.
5 Reasons you should get a medical alert system for your parents
1. Popularity of Falls
One of the most common injuries among older adults (age 65 and over) are falls. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. One in every three adults falls every year. “In 2013, 2.5 million nonfatal falls among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 734,000 of these patients were hospitalized.”
There are several outcomes that can come from these falls. Falls can lead to broken and fractured bones, lacerations and brain injuries. This is why receiving medical attention immediately is so important. With a medical alert system, your loved one can receive help in a timely manner.
2. Peace of Mind
Worrying about your aging parents is very stressful. By having a medical alert system, you can focus on other things knowing your loved ones are monitored 24/7. It also gives the older adults confidence. Many seniors have a fear of falling or being stuck in situations. They can live their day as they please with the comfort of knowing they are safe if anything happens.
3. Medical Records
Some emergencies affect the ability to communicate. This is extremely important with older adults. Many aging parents have medical problems, such as, diabetic, risk of strokes or allergies. The medical alert monitoring station will have this on file and relay it to the first responders.
4. Comfort and Ease of Use
Over time, medical alert systems have changed to more comforting designs. Devices are easily worn on the wrist or neck. They are waterproof and have a battery backup. There is no need for your parents to memorize numbers or find their phone. All it takes is a push of a button to get the care you need. New ones can even work with cellular towers and go anywhere that there is cell service.
5. Notifications
When a device is activated emergency personnel are dispatched immediately. This includes, fire personnel, ambulance and police. In addition, the important people in the family are notified of the situation. With new GPS features the family and emergency personnel can even see where the loved one is.
Scenarios
Medical alert systems continue to receive success stories every year. It proves that the system is beneficial to you and your loved ones. Below, are 2 different scenarios provided by AARP:
Daniel Schorr’s story
Daniel Schorr was a 93-year-old veteran living in Washington, D.C.. While at home, Schorr collapsed while putting on his shoes. His head hit the bedroom doorframe and began bleeding profusely. Yelling for his wife, Lisbeth, only returned no answer. She was cooking downstairs and could not hear him.
Schorr immediately pushed his medical alert pendant. This triggered a call to authorities, as well as his wife. The George Washington University Hospital called Lisbeth to determine the situation. She immediately went up stairs to find her husband lying in blood. The medical personnel walked her through limiting the bleeding and they could then drive to the emergency room.
Without this medical alert system, Schorr could have lost consciousness and more blood before someone discovered him.
Preventing injuries
Not having a medical alert system can cause more damage to an injury. For example, an elderly mother of Ventura County, California suffered from a fall and stroke in her home. Because she lived alone and could not reach a phone, she didn’t receive medical attention immediately. In fact, she was found a day after the fall. She was dehydrated injured and alone. Doctors believe if discovered sooner, the stroke effects could have been minimized.
Medical alert systems are an easy way to receive a large amount of protection. Every older adult should have access to this device. There are many plans and additional features available with a medical alert system. To find out more and discuss pricing, contact us.
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