Using Personal Alert Systems

Answer 1

If you are concerned for the safety of your elderly parent who lives alone, one thing that can help ease your mind is investing in a personal alert system. These are lightweight medical devices that are worn around as a necklace, bracelet or through the belt loops in pants and allow seniors to remain as independent as possible.

Who Uses a Personal Alert System?

Elderly people who live alone make up the biggest purchasers of personal alert systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every six people over the age of 65 falls in their own home every year. People become frail as they age and may be more prone to accidental falls. Personal medical alert systems are also appropriate for other vulnerable adults, especially those who are non-verbal and need to summon help quickly.

How Does the Personal Alert System Work

The medical alert device is equipped with a button that can be pushed to call 911 in case of an emergency. For example, if the older person slipped while getting out of the shower and can't move, he or she can push the button on the medical alert system to call for an ambulance. The other part of the personal alert system includes a speaker phone which the elderly person can use to speak to the operator no matter where he or she is in proximity to the unit.

What Happens After the Button is Pushed

When the button is pushed, it activates a call to the monitoring center immediately. The person answering the phone will try to determine if emergency help is needed or if a relative should be called instead. Dispatch center operators are trained medical rescue personnel and know what to ask to determine how serious the injuries are. If an ambulance is not warranted, the operator will notify the next of kin indicated by the client when he or she signed up for services.

If it is determined that emergency assistance is required, the dispatch operator will contact 911 in the customer's area to get an ambulance sent to the home. The ambulance driver will help the elderly person get up off the floor and transport him or her to the nearest hospital for observation.