Is a Medical Alert System Better than a Nursing Home?

With age typically comes an increased concern about health issues, whether in terms of the development of specific conditions or the increased likelihood of sustaining dangerous bone fractures from falls and other accidents. Many seniors and their families face the challenges associated with increasing age and health risks, and finding the right solution should be a top priority for those interested in obtaining the best possible personal security. A common solution is often found in the form of a medical alert system. Consisting of a set of medical alarm equipment and a subscription based monitoring service, a medical alert system allows users to reach emergency assistance even if they’re unable to reach a telephone or otherwise request help. Such systems are often addressed as a way for seniors to feel safer while living at home but some people may wonder if a medical alert system can serve as an effective alternative to moving to a nursing home or other type of assisted living facility. While such a system may be able to prevent an unwanted move, it’s important to note that not every set of circumstances will allow this type of solution. Interested seniors and their families should think about how an alert system may be more or less helpful given their personal situation before making a purchase.

Maintaining independence is an important issue for many people as they age. The ability to live at home and take care of one’s own affairs is a source of pride and confidence for many, and when seniors do not want to relinquish these daily responsibilities, searching for ways to safely stay at home is a worthwhile goal. Many seniors turn to the possibility of medical alert systems in such circumstances. Those who are simply concerned about the fact that the elderly are more susceptible to certain types of falls and bone fractures, or who are working through issues such as injury or surgery recoveries may be able to take advantage of a medical alert system without any excessive risk. As newer models of medical alert systems and matching services allow users to venture outside their homes and even through town and still be able to activate their panic buttons to contact a source of help, mild medical concerns are easier than ever before to address with this type of solution.

There’s no denying, however, that some personal situations can benefit most from the regular attention of a nurse and other professional medical staff. Built-in fall detection included with some medical alert systems helps lower the chance that if a user suffers an episode or sustain an injury that completely incapacitates them to the point they cannot use their panic button, they’ll still be able to access assistance, but if the risk of such incidents is particularly high, the more responsible option may well be to rely on ever-present professional care. Though medical alert systems are typically very effective in terms of addressing emergency situations, they cannot help people work through the daily tasks involved in independent living. Seniors who experience difficulty feeding themselves, keeping their homes comfortable or moving around the house are more likely to require transfer to an assisted living facility or, at the least, a live-in nurse or other caregiver.

As is the case with most types of safety and security systems, medical alert equipment and services cannot be claimed as universal solutions. For some seniors and their families, such systems may well be the ticket to enjoying a more independent yet secured lifestyle, and can put most, if not all, medical concerns to rest. In other situations, however, the use of a medical alert system instead of the purchase of personalized medical care can lead to increased instances of injury and may even ultimately result in death. Deciding whether or not a medical alert system can replace moving to a nursing home may be a difficult decision, but making the effort to take all risks into account and to truthfully weigh the potential benefits of an alert-based solution is sure to be rewarding. Consulting a senior’s regular doctor or talking with nursing home representatives can help lend professional perspective to the process of deciding whether to use a medical alert system, but ultimately, the choice must be made by those who are most closely affected.

Medical alert systems have helped many seniors and their families overcome concerns about personal security and medical safety at home, and they can also be instrumental in preserving independence. This doesn’t mean that they’re the right solution for every individual or family, however, and determining their applicability is an important process. Those who invest adequate time in the consideration of a medical alert system’s potential to replace the need for ’round-the-clock professional care are sure to make a more rewarding choice.