If a person has a medical emergency, every minute counts. For older adults living alone or spending time away from family and friends, reliable access to assistance can make a life-or-death difference. Yet, we see a myriad of unexpected options for emergency response today, and trying to determine which one or ones work can seem overwhelming.
The emergency response landscape for older adults has shifted more dramatically in the past ten years than it had in the previous several decades. We have gone from basic, “push a button, get help” emergency systems, to a multilayered system of technology, monitoring services, and communication devices. Some of the technology is rigorously tested and useful, while other technology and services may be unnecessary or overkill in many cases.
Getting to Know Your Emergency Response Options
At its simplest, the emergency response for older adults is providing fast help when something goes wrong. A fall, chest pain, breathing problems, or other situations needing immediate assistance when it isn’t easy to reach for a phone or to go to find help.
The most basic systems work with some wearable device that alerts or connects to a monitoring center, when activated. The modern day version of those older issues has become much more extensive than ever, but the theory is similar: Push a button, talk to the operator, and help arrives where you are quickly.
The response times have evolved tremendously, the communication back and forth has improved substantially, and overall, the range of options and matters that an emergency response can now handle have increased significantly. Many seniors explore solutions such as an Emergency panic button for seniors when they want straightforward access to help during medical emergencies or other urgent situations.
Simple Emergency Alert Systems
Basic medical alert systems still resonate with retirees and their families for a reason: they are easy to use and dependable, an advantage when one is experiencing the stress or confusion that accompanies a medical emergency.
How well a medical alert emergency response system works relies heavily on its integration into one’s daily routine: a device that is inconvenient, too complicated, or easily forgotten will not be available when needed.
Basic medical alert systems have long been a popular choice because of their simplicity and reliability: a base unit, usually connected to a landline, and a stranded pendant or bracelet worn around the wrist or neck, each hosting an emergency button. When the emergency button is pressed, the pendant or bracelet connects to a monitoring center, where trained operators can assess what is going on and dispatch the proper assistance.
Simplicity is both an advantage and disadvantage of the systems. These systems are a good choice for seniors who do not want complicated or advanced features. Response times are usually pretty good, and the monthly fees for these systems are typically low compared to advanced options.
Basic medical alert systems do have some drawbacks: they usually work in a small radius around the home unit, so any outside emergencies or room emergencies in larger homes will not be helped by the alert system. These systems also must rely on a person who is conscious and can communicate with monitoring center security personnel.
Monitoring providers can vary widely in what their monitoring center is composed of; some may hire trained people with medical degrees who can assist people in emergencies, while others hire less-classified dispatchers.
Mobile and GPS Systems
Mobile emergency systems solve the coverage challenges posed by traditional systems by utilizing cellular, rather than landline, telephones. They are operational anywhere with cell coverage, enabling older adults to feel “safe” when they are on a walk, shopping, or traveling to unfamiliar locations.
The GPS component allows a monitoring center to establish the location of an individual. This is often most beneficial for individual’s that are or may become confused about their location and cannot verbalize their whereabouts. It is especially a valuable feature for seniors with memory difficulties who may wander due to disorientation before or in an emergency.
The battery life of mobile systems varies considerably. Some units will last multiple days of use before they require charging, others will likely need to be charged daily. Some seniors may struggle with frequent accessing and charging of their devices; thus, longer battery life can be an important consideration.
Mobile systems usually have higher monthly costs than a traditional system that is based in the home; however, when considering the tradeoff for active seniors that spend considerable periods away from the home, the cost may also be worth it.
Fall Detection Technology
Automatic fall detection is one of the most notable advancement in the area of emergency response. These systems used sensors to detect the sudden movements and impact patterns that occur as a result of a fall, then they will automatically place an emergency call to digital responders, even if the individual is unconscious and unable to press a button.
While this technology has come a long way, false alarms remain a barrier for some individuals. Engaging in vigorous activities, dropping the device, or specific movements can result in false or unwanted alerts/calls for help. Most modern devices and systems include an option for the consumer to cancel any alerts before help is dispatched and respond. Nevertheless, repeated unwanted responses can become very frustrating.
Fall detection and monitoring are most effective for seniors who have previously fallen or have conditions that predispose them to greater fall risk. For someone who has good balance and no history of falling, the added expense may not be warranted, particularly if there will be problematic and repeated alerts.
Fall detection can be reliable or unreliable, depending on the manufacturer and type of device. Many devices used for fall detection give users options to alter settings to reduce unwanted alarms. Other device or systems utilize algorithms that cannot be adjusted to meet the personal needs of the user.
Smart Home Options
Smart home-based technology has created new possibilities for monitoring and a possible emergency response. With the creation of voice activated assistants you can program your assistant to call for help or to call a family member in the event of an emergency. Smart sensors throughout the home can also monitor your activities for unusual activity patterns that may indicate subtle problems.
Smart home-recognized systems can work well for seniors who are comfortable with technology and have good and reliable Internet service. These options can allow for a greater monitoring capacity than prior devices and systems and could even issue an emergency alert to warrant family responses to the home when unusual activity and problems may appear.
Most smart home systems are complex in set up, installation and maintenance. These systems often require routine updates, troubleshooting and technical support—not issues that seniors or care partners would be capable in the same way that tech support can provide.
Privacy is a legitimate and real concern of seniors. Even when surveillance provides good intentions for safety or emergencies, many either disdain using smart home devices or do not like their home activities and behavior monitored.
Assessing the Right Level of Protection
Deciding about the system that best provides emergency response varies tremendously depending on individual situations, lifestyle and comfort with technology. Recognizing and understanding the situations for active seniors who utilize technology while spending most of their time outside of their home suggests that life alert systems with GPS is a benefit. For those who do not want the complexity of technologies but prefer basic systems based out of their home, these may be good options.
Medical conditions contribute to what level of protection is adequate for seniors. Seniors with health-related conditions that raise the probability of accident or falls, heart issues or other medical situations that arise unexpectedly warrant entirely greater protection than current life alert systems.
Family involvement is a considerable contribution to the acceptance of systems and whether they are useful. A family understanding of how the systems work, the engagement of family in a response plan or any update provided by the system increases the success rate of either in medical emergencies/medical situations and accidental falls.
Understanding costs goes further than knowing the monthly monitoring fee. As most provide several plans and fees consumers should compare the price of the equipment along with the other fee costs. Monthly fees, of course, differ consideration when there is an upfront activation fee or etc., which would imply careful evaluation of “cost of ownership” for each alternative, pre and post-consideration.
Much of the task entails finding the right alarm monitoring system versus assistance without being too overwhelming, or intrusive. The best solutions to provide emergency alerts are those that give seniors a sense of confidence to remain independent while also assuring quick help is available. Thoughtful attention to detail in obtaining systems results in a greater increase in safety and quality of life issues, for everyone involved, seniors and families.
