Medical Alert Necklaces: What Features Should I Prioritize?

As your loved one ages, it’s normal to get worried about their safety. You may be wondering about what might happen to them in case an accident occurs when there’s no one around to help them. Medical alert necklaces are made to ease this kind of worry and reduce the dangers of living independently. 

About Medical Alert Necklaces

Medical alert pendants are wearable devices that enable users to call for emergency assistance by simply pressing a button. They come in two forms: portable medical alert systems and in-home medical alert systems. Health alert necklaces may be referred to as medical alert pendants and emergency pendants.

The in-home medical devices connect to the main station, which enables coverage for a specific range. The mobile health alert necklaces require cellular plans and GPS tracking to start the press help button. 

Who Needs a Medical Alert Necklace?

Illness and aging affect ones mobility and health. The effects can weaken one’s sense of independence, but medical alert necklaces come in handy. The following people can benefit significantly from health alert necklaces: 

  •    Seniors aging at home
    •    Seniors who love moving around
    •    Patients recovering from surgery
    •    Adults prone to falls
    •    Adults living with chronic medical conditions

Health alert necklaces are a great addition to the wellness routine of anyone who requires an additional safety layer while navigating everyday life. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert Necklace

Portable or Home-Based

Medical alert pendants are in two forms: mobile and home-based. If seniors are at home most of the time, meaning they spend about 80% of their day at home and only go out to errands and appointments when accompanied, they should get an in-home-based device.

You can install the unit in the central areas of your home, such as the bedroom or kitchen, or any other place your loved ones like to spend their time. If you have an on–the–go or active loved one, you should go for a medical alert pendant that runs on Wi-Fi or GPS. 

Fall Detection

 If your senior or loved one is prone to falling, a device that can detect falls can be life-saving. The device can detect a fall and ask for help if your loved one cannot press the button. 

Medication Reminder

If your loved one is on medication, you can go for a device that enables them to plan their medication. The device will have a preprogrammed sound system that sounds to remind the loved one to take their medicines. 

Caregiver Tracking

This feature is very beneficial, specifically if you have a senior with dementia. Tracking can help you monitor different aspects, such as the device’s battery level and the seniors’ movements. 

Water-Resistant

Many seniors fall in the bathroom when getting in and out of the shower or tub. You need a medical alert pendant that can work even when coming in contact with water. 

Battery Life

Check if the device requires charging and how long it can go after charging. The device should have a backup to support the base unit in case of power problems.

Maintenance Requirement

Find out the device’s required maintenance and if you can maintain it yourself. Medical alert devices are easy to maintain, but you should seek professional help for those that require special care. 

The Medical Alert Company

There are numerous reliable and trustworthy medical alert companies, but some offer more beneficial products. To get a reliable company, consider the following factors:

Transparency of the Company

A company that offers key information about factors such as fees is the best because it has nothing to hide. Get precise information on pricing, the return policy, and the contract. An unreliable company will not give sufficient information online, and the representative will be reluctant to answer all your questions,

Do They Offer a Free Trial Period?  

Most companies offer customers a risk-free trial window of a week or two. You can return the system during the trial period and get a refund if the device doesn’t meet your needs. Choose a company that permits you to return the device and do away with the service without charging you any fees. 

Conclusion

Talk to customers who have bought a medical alert necklace from the company to hear their real experiences. You or your loved one can benefit from the security provided by medical alert devices.

 

Dr. David K Simson
The author, Dr. David K Simson is a trained radiation oncologist specializing in advanced radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) / Rapid Arc, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). He is also experienced in interstitial, intracavitary, and intraluminal brachytherapy.