Medical Alert Devices

Alzheimer's GPS and Fall Detection

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Among older adults, 1 out of 5 falls causes a serious injury, including 90% of hip fractures and 51% of traumatic brain injuries. Other potential consequences of falls include restricted activity, loss of independence and premature death. The fatality rate from falls has been increasing, particularly among those ages 85 and older. As the older adult population grows and lives longer the number of falls is expected to increase.

What are Medical Alert Systems?

Medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems, offer a fast and easy way for the elderly, people with health issues, and those who live alone, to get help during an emergency, whether it be a medical issue, a fall, a fire, or any event that requires an immediate response. Medical alert systems provide emergency monitoring in and out of home. They are designed to signal an emergency requiring urgent attention and to call emergency medical personnel.

Medical alert systems with GPS offers protection both in and away from your home and up to 72 hours of battery life on a single charge. Unlike other medical alert systems, the GPS Alert System provides the GPS Tracking Portal, which enables a caregiver to check your current location and location history.

Medical alert devices with fall detection, or Automated Fall Detection, is typically built into the medical alert pendant that may also be worn on your waist, depending on your system. They can be worn while relaxing on the couch or even sleeping. Get peace of mind with our in-home fall detection devices. Advanced motion sensors signal for help after a fall, even if you can't press your button.

Don't wait for your parents to fall or have a health crisis.

A home medical alert device offers the comfort of knowing you can remain in your home feeling safe, secure and comfortable. One in three people over 65 will have a major fall each year, with that number increasing to one in two by the time a senior reaches 80. Seniors with alert systems have fewer hospital admissions and shorter stays, meaning a better quality of life. Elderly man wearing a medical alert pendant

Unfortunately, Medicare Part B generally doesn't cover medical alert systems. But Medicare Advantage plans (and others) may provide medical alert (emergency response) systems for primarily health-related issues. It's worth checking into.

However, you should check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover your medical alert system. Some states have programs that will help Medicare beneficiaries, who meet certain criteria, pay for the alert systems. These programs are usually accessed through the local Texas Area Agency on Aging.

Services are provided through an electronic monitoring system that is used by functionally impaired adults who live alone or who are socially isolated in the community.

In an emergency, the client can press a call button to signal for help. The electronic monitoring system helps to ensure that the appropriate person or service agency responds to an alarm call. Financial eligibility is determined by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Choosing the Right Medical Alert System

Industry experts recommend looking for a medical alert system that meets all or most of the following criteria:

It works for a user's specific disability. For example, a stroke survivor may need a device he or she can activate with one hand.
It offers a choice of a wristband and/or neck pendant. Cords worn around the neck can pose a strangulation risk; wristbands may irritate those with skin ailments.
It includes help buttons that can be wall-mounted near the floor in multiple rooms in case the user falls and isn't wearing the pendant.
It offers multiple choices for whom to contact if you need help, from emergency services to a friend or relative who lives nearby.
It has a battery backup in case of a power failure.
The base station can be contacted from anywhere on your property-even in your yard or at your mailbox.
The company has its own monitoring center, in the U.S., and employs its own trained emergency operators (rather than contracting that function out).
The monitoring center has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a nonprofit safety and consulting company.

How you present the conversation can go a long way as toward making the senior comfortable. Try to let them know about the talk in advance, so they don't feel surprised or caught off guard.

Also, try and avoid an "intervention" setting with multiple people talking at the senior. As long as you present the idea as coming from love, caring and empathy for the senior, there should be no problem, and a new medical alarm system can bring peace of mind to seniors and caregivers alike.

DISCLAIMER: Links to other websites or references to products, services or publications do not imply the endorsement or approval of such websites, products, services or publications by Elder Options of Texas. The determination of the need for senior care services and the choice of a facility is an extremely important decision. Please make your own independent investigation.