Since August is Medical Alert Awareness Month, I decided to explore some facts and statistics about medical alert systems and monitoring services.
I found an interesting source in The Senior List which published a report in June 2020, following a survey of more than 600 American seniors over the age of 75, and more than 500 caregivers to adults aged 70+ that focused on medical alert technology.
According to their report, “It’s estimated that more than 3 million American seniors own a medical alert device, and as more people age into the group, competition for customers and drive for innovation could further expand the utility of these devices.”
Medical alert devices come in many forms: pendants, wristbands, watches, and standalone units. Over the years, their designs and operating systems have evolved to become more sleek, sophisticated, technologically advanced, and user-friendly.
Some of the primary findings of the survey were:
- 73% of seniors believe they do not need a medical alert device, while only 8% do think they could benefit from one. 19% are unsure.
- Caregivers surveyed believe a medical alert system would be the senior safety product they would most recommend, even for seniors in their care.
- One in four seniors age 65+ will experience a fall leading to serious injuries. In fact, at the time of the survey, an estimated 23% had experienced a fall within the previous six months.
- Most medical alert device owners preferred a wristwatch or pendant that they wore daily.
- More than 8 in 10 non-users of medical alert systems who had not experienced a fall said they had no need for the devices.
- 44% of non-users would wear a device if they had one.
- More than 2 in 3 owners of wearable devices wear them every day or all the time.
- Nearly 1 in 3 owners of wearable devices do not wear them regularly or as recommended.
- Seniors who live with at least one other person are the least likely to own a medical alert device. Only 8% of this group use one or more devices.
I found some of these findings surprising, even though many of them are not. At Home Helpers®, the caregivers I employ routinely encounter situations with seniors in their charge who could benefit from having a medical alert device, which is why I am grateful to have a corporate partner in Direct Link® powered by Aloe Care.
The Direct Link® system we recommend is a voice-activated Personal Emergency Response System that requires no Wi-Fi connection and is monitored 24/7/365. Direct Link® powered by Aloe Care uses the latest technology to keep you or your senior loved one connected at home or on the go.
- Voice activation means you are able to connect directly to the Emergency Response Center by simply repeating the word “emergency.” No dialing or pressing buttons required.
- Motion, temperature, and air quality sensors send alerts when there are any changes in activity or air/temperature quality.
- Sleek design and voice prompt set-up means you plug it in and voice prompts walk you through the rest.
- Secure Circle of Care app allows you to check in through the speakerphone on your senior’s Smart Hub, get updates and collaborate on care.
Even though many aging adults may not believe they need them, medical alert systems provide a stronger sense of security and peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones.
Home Helpers® is Making Life Easier℠ and safer for seniors through our compassionate, professional caregivers, in-home care services, 24-hour monitoring services, and Direct Link® powered by Aloe Care medical alert systems. If you have questions about monitoring and care systems, I will gladly provide additional information about these and other Home Helpers® services during a FREE Assessment of needs.
Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® - We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238
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