Among the various conditions that threaten seniors' independence, Alzheimer's disease is top of the list. This disease afflicts more than five million people aged 65+, and that rate continues to grow. So, it’s no surprise that medical alert systems have developed features to ensure the safety of elderly people suffering from this illness.
Fall Detectors
As a senior, falling is a very serious matter that can result in severe bone fractures or even death. Cases get worse if it takes hours for help to arrive – something usual for seniors who spend many hours alone. Some medical alert systems, like Medical Guardian, come with a fall detector that senses when the user falls and connects the device to the care center automatically. The care agents will call for the person and if they don’t get a response, they’ll call for help right away.
While getting a fall detector is a good idea for any person of a certain age, it becomes even more critical for seniors who have Alzheimer's. The condition by itself already impacts the patient's balance. However, since it also affects senior's hearing capabilities and sight, so the frequency of falls increases tremendously, and a fall detector can literally be a lifesaver.
Built-In GPS
Stories about Alzheimer's patients wandering off and getting lost are, unfortunately, very common. Furthermore, since people suffering from this condition can experience hallucinations and delusions, it may become a terrifying experience for them. Even if that doesn't happen, the senior may forget their address or emergency contact. Medical alert systems like Bay Alarm Medical offer a device that has a built-in GPS, enabling care agents and family alike to know the users' whereabouts at all times. Although it may sound like a privacy breach, it's better than having the senior hurting others or themselves.
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Help With Mental Health
Communication with an Alzheimer's patient is difficult, especially when the person is not trained to do so. Furthermore, it may take a heavy toll on the patient's family, especially if it gets to the stage where the senior may not recognize them. Some companies offer non-urgent calls providing seniors with someone to talk to when they’re feeling blue, anxious, or suicidal. Since another effect of this condition is depression, having a professional team of care agents available to talk 24/7 improves life quality substantially.
Senior Activity Monitoring
The first condition that comes to mind when we think about Alzheimer's is memory loss, and for a good reason: it's the disease's most prominent symptom. People who have Alzheimer's may have times that they forget their home address, name, or even their loved ones. Of course, this also means they regularly forget about daily activities such as eating or taking their medication on time.
Activity trackers log the users' actions without violating their privacy. Among these types of devices, it's possible to find smartwatches that count the wearer's steps, medication dispensers, and safety sensors that form a picture of the senior's activity based on how they interact with a particular object such as a refrigerator. By using this type of equipment, caregivers can understand if the senior is doing everything as they should, like eating meals or taking the right amount of medication.
Having a family member with Alzheimer's is not easy. There's a need for constant care and tracking. Fortunately, medical alert systems can improve the patient's well-being and help the family to feel at ease while knowing that their loved one is in good hands.
Best Medical Alert Systems of 2023
| Rank | Company | Info | Visit |
1 | Editor's Choice 2023 | ||
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