Technology is providing a new and powerful sense of security for families.
The desire to ensure the safety of an aging parent who lives alone is a source of immense stress for millions of adult children. You want to respect their independence, but you also worry constantly about a fall or a medical emergency. A new generation of elderly monitoring systems is providing a powerful solution to this problem, offering peace of mind for the whole family.
These modern devices use smart technology to provide a discreet and effective safety net, allowing seniors to live independently and safely in their own homes for longer.
1. Automatic fall detection is the most critical feature.
The single most important feature of a modern medical alert system is automatic fall detection. While traditional systems require a person to push a button to call for help, a fall can often leave a person disoriented or unconscious and unable to do so. A modern pendant or smartwatch with automatic fall detection uses accelerometers to sense a hard fall and will automatically call a 24/7 monitoring center, even if the person is unresponsive, according to Jubilee TV.
This single piece of technology is a true lifesaver, as getting help quickly after a fall is the most critical factor in a successful recovery.
2. Mobile GPS-enabled devices are for active seniors.
For an older adult who is still active, driving, and spending a lot of time outside the home, a traditional, in-home medical alert system is not enough. A mobile monitoring system with built-in GPS is an essential tool for safety on the go. These are typically small, lightweight devices that can be worn as a pendant or clipped to a belt, as mentioned by Livindi.
If the person has an emergency while they are out for a walk or at the grocery store, they can push a button, and the GPS will be able to pinpoint their exact location for the emergency responders, a crucial feature for an active lifestyle.
3. In-home sensor systems offer a non-intrusive option.
For a senior who is resistant to the idea of wearing a “help button” pendant, a new generation of non-intrusive, in-home monitoring systems is a fantastic alternative. These systems use a series of small, discreet motion sensors placed throughout the home to learn a person’s daily patterns and routines, as stated by Age Space. There are no cameras or microphones, so the system completely preserves their privacy.
If the system detects a significant deviation from the normal routine, such as a lack of movement in the kitchen by their normal breakfast time, it can send a discreet alert to a family member’s phone.
4. Smartwatches have become powerful health monitors.
The modern smartwatch, like the Apple Watch, has evolved into an incredibly powerful health and safety device for seniors. These watches have a number of built-in features that are perfect for an older adult, including automatic fall detection, a heart rate monitor that can alert you to an abnormal rhythm, and an ECG app to check for atrial fibrillation.
The watch also functions as a mobile alert device, as the person can use it to call for help or to contact a family member from anywhere. It’s a mainstream and stylish device that doesn’t have the stigma of a traditional medical alert pendant.
5. 24/7 professional monitoring is the gold standard.
When you are choosing a system, it is important to understand the difference between one that is self-monitored and one that is professionally monitored. A self-monitored system will simply send an alert to a family member’s phone in an emergency. This is only effective if that family member sees the alert immediately and is able to respond.
A professionally monitored system connects directly to a 24/7 emergency call center that is staffed by trained professionals. They can speak to the senior through the device, assess the situation, and dispatch the appropriate emergency services, a much more reliable and robust system.
6. Voice-activated smart speakers can be a helpful tool.
For a senior who may have difficulty reaching for a button during an emergency, a voice-activated smart speaker, like an Amazon Echo or a Google Home, can be a helpful, hands-free layer of protection. With the right “skill” or service enabled, they can simply use their voice to call for help, saying something like, “Alexa, call for help.”
This can connect them directly to either a family member or a professional monitoring service. It is a great, supplementary tool that can be particularly useful in the event of a fall where the person is unable to get up.
7. Automated medication dispensers can prevent dangerous errors.
One of the biggest challenges for many seniors is managing a complex medication schedule. An automated medication dispenser is a smart device that can be a huge help with this critical task. The device can be pre-loaded with a month’s worth of pills, and at the designated time, it will dispense the correct dose and provide an audible and visual alert.
If a dose is missed, the device can send a notification to a family member’s phone. This is a fantastic tool that can prevent dangerous medication errors and provide a huge amount of peace of mind.