Safety and home
Medical alert system
A medical alert system is a device, often a wearable button, that lets a person call for help in an emergency. Some systems detect falls on their own. The call goes to a monitoring center, family or emergency services, depending on the plan.
Why it matters for your family
The National Institute on Aging says emergency response systems let you push a button on a necklace or bracelet to call for help. They suit older adults who live alone or spend time alone. Limits matter. A person with dementia may forget to press the button, and a device left on a nightstand does nothing. Check how far the device works from the base unit, how it handles a power outage and what the monthly fee is. A common mistake is to treat the device as a replacement for people. Families may use both: the device for gaps and a caregiver for hands-on support. Ask the doctor about the right fit.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: What is Home Care? How to Benefit from These Services?
Related terms
- Fall preventionFall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.
- Aging in placeAging in place means staying in your own home as you get older.
- Smart home monitoring for seniorsSmart home monitoring for seniors uses sensors, cameras or connected devices to track activity at home and alert family or caregivers.
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
- Home safety assessmentA home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for hazards that could cause falls or injuries.
- WanderingWandering is when a person with dementia leaves a safe place or walks around without a clear purpose and may become lost.
