If you or a loved one is at risk of seriously injuring themselves when alone, having immediate access to emergency personnel can be a life saver. Senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, or those diagnosed with a medical condition are at greater risk of accidents without a caretaker or family member present. In case of a fall or life-threatening incident, a medical alert system can bring peace of mind.
WHAT IS A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM?
A medical alert is an alarm system intended to assist those with medical conditions who are at risk and may be unable to help themselves in an emergency. By wearing a lightweight device as a necklace, wristband, or other accessory, which can be equipped with a two-way communicator, the user can immediately alert the monitoring company at the push of a button, who then requests emergency assistance.
These medical alert systems, also known as “personal emergency response systems” are based around a preinstalled home console or "base unit." While a base unit is capable of acting as an emergency communication device, it is not guaranteed that the user will be nearby in the event of a crisis.
As a result, emergency alert buttons are worn by the user and the button operates as a proxy. Unfortunately, this is not the perfect substitute, as the pendant will need to remain within a specified radius of the home console in order to function properly.
Certain providers of medical alerts, in an attempt to circumvent this limitation, have begun expanding their line of offerings. In addition to service add-ons, such as fall detection and voice activation, these companies have started to offer medical alert systems that adhere to the user’s preferred communication infrastructure: landline or cellular.
CELLULAR MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS
Mobile, or cellular, medical alerts enable users to contact help while on the go. Cellular medical alert systems operate like cell phones, utilizing signals from cell towers for communication. Should you or your loved one travel beyond the house range, such as while shopping in a store, the cellular medical alert still provides immediate access to emergency responders. Many cellular medical alerts systems are equipped with GPS tracking which can locate the user anywhere within or outside of the home.
Cellular medical alerts are a newer alternative to landline versions, offering extended service and flexibility for the user. To determine which medical alert system is the best option for you, it’s important to analyze their pros and cons.
Advantages:
Convenience
For users who do not have landlines, cellular medical alert systems offer the same service while on the go. Also, should there be a power outage or damage to phone lines, users can rely on cellular medical alert systems. With a steady decline of landline phone usage in households, cellular devices prove more convenient to the average user.
Range
While traditional landline medical alerts are generally limited to the range of the house or neighborhood, cellular medical alerts work wherever there is cellular reception. If the user prefers more freedom away from home and enjoys outdoor activities, cellular medical alerts still provide that security and peace of mind. Senior citizens with dementia, who may wander and forget where they are, can be located through the device’s GPS tracker.
Installation
Much like a cell phone or remote control, cellular medical alert systems don’t require an installation process—they just simply need to be recharged or have their batteries replaced. Cellular medical alerts do not require base units, so they can be charged in any location.
Disadvantages:
Depending on the user’s needs, some factors of cellular medical alerts may be a constraint:
Reliability on Reception
In order for cellular medical alerts to work and function properly, the device needs to be within reception of cell towers. Just like a cell phone or any other mobile device, cellular medical alerts may have weak reception in some areas of the house or building. Also, natural disasters such as storms and hurricanes can damage cell towers, disabling the functionality of any mobile device that relies on its service.
Battery Care
Cellular medical alerts need to be recharged on a regular basis as well as periodic battery replacements. If users want to wear the device while away from home, it’s vital that they understand its battery life and how long the device will last throughout the day.
Susceptible to Misplacement
The convenience of cellular medical alerts is their ability to be worn as accessories, such as a necklace or wristband. The downside is that, just like jewelry and other accessories, they can easily be misplaced, and if they’re not charged or have their GPS enabled, they can’t be traced. Additionally, users who are away from home may have a difficult time locating the device if lost in a public place.
LANDLINE MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS
In-home, or landline, medical alert systems are set up and installed just like a house phone—the base unit is plugged into a phone jack and works with its wireless, wearable counterpart.
This remote piece operates as a help button that alerts the emergency assistance personnel once pressed. Some landline medical alerts also have built-in speakers for two-way communication.
Advantages:
Independent Living
With landline medical alerts, senior citizens or those who are physically impaired can enjoy living independently and feel confident being at home alone.
Battery Free
Unlike cellular medical alerts, landline medical alerts do not require batteries to operate. They function as soon as they’re connected to a phone jack.
Home Security
Landline medical alerts not only assist in medical emergencies but can also be used to alert for help in case of a burglary or fire.
Disadvantages:
Range Limitation
Landline medical alerts do not have GPS tracking. The user must stay within the base station’s radius, which varies depending on the company. Also, similar to a remote control or house phone, the landline alert is designed to operate within the vicinity of the home.
The wearable medical alert will lose its signal once it’s far away from its base station. In very large homes, this means the user could be out of range just by going out to the yard or to the mailbox, places where falls are certainly possible.
Service Interruption
If phone service is interrupted, such as during a storm, and phone lines are damaged, the landline medical alert system will not function.
Some landline medical alerts come with emergency backup battery life, but this varies by company. Also, depending on how badly damaged phone lines may be, the user may face extended outage.
Untraceable Mobile Unit
If the remote medical alert is lost or misplaced, there is no way to track the unit’s location. Since landline alerts are not equipped with GPS tracking, they cannot be traced.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, the best medical alert variant is dependent on the infrastructure that the user has access to, as well as which version best fits the user’s lifestyle.
For instance, landline systems make the most sense if the individual lives in an area where cellular reception is weak. In that same vein, wireless medical alert systems are ideal for those who either do not have access to a landline network or who spend a lot of time away from home.
When choosing a medical alert system, there are a few factors to take into consideration, including the cost, comfort, and additional services offered.
First, the individual wearing the device should feel comfortable wearing it.
Second, check for other important components, such as water resistance and battery life.
It is also beneficial to inquire about contract terms, insurance options, and discounts with the company.
If you’re interested in purchasing a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one, our list of the 10 best medical alert systems are designed to help you search, compare prices, and choose the option that best fits your needs.