Getting old is a nice but demanding stage in life and within that stage comes the need to be secured, but independent nevertheless. Senior citizens in Canada are on the rise, and many families have started looking for ways on how to assist their loved ones in being self-sufficient but safe in case of an emergency. At this point, Canadian medical alert systems come in. These systems have changed the way elder care is done, giving comfort to the old and their caregivers.
What Are Medical Alert Systems?
Another name for the medical alert systems in Canada includes the personal emergency response systems, or PERS for short. In layman’s terms, these are devices that help the elderly or any person in charge to summon help in the event of a medical emergency. The systems often include a wearable gadget like a bracelet, pendant or watch, which has an emergency button on it. When this button is pressed, it makes it possible for the user to get in contact with a responder center or the emergency services which send the help needed.
Why Are Medical Alert Systems Important for the Elderly?
The number of senior citizens in Canada is constantly on the rise with more elderly people remaining on their own or without constant help. For a majority of families, the most pressing concern for them would be the risks posed to an elderly member of the family especially in cases of falls, heart attacks, or strokes. Indeed, falls remain the foremost cause of injury within the elderly population in Canada. The capacity to quickly call for assistance using a medical alert system in Canada can help avert minor injuries that are possibly life threatening situations.
Benefits of Medical Alert Systems in Canada
Today, there are several medical alert systems in Canada available with different features which serve different purposes. Some of the notable features include:
24/7 Monitoring
Most medical alert systems do usually come with some form of monitoring. In instances, where an emergency button is activated, the user is directly linked to an agent who tries to evaluate and determine the most appropriate course of action in such an instance.
GPS Tracking
For active older people and seniors with ailments such as dementia, medical alert systems that come with GPS are very useful. With the GPS option it makes it easier for emergency workers to find the individual even if they are not within the premises of the home.
Automatic Fall Detection
Automatic fall detection systems are the most highly advanced in terms of technology.Perhaps the most advanced feature which is offered by some of the medical alert systems is fall detection. In Canada, there are some medical alert systems which have sensors to detect sudden falling of a person and send the alert automatically regardless whether the person is able to click the button or not.
Two Way Communication
A number of medical alert systems provide this opportunity making it possible for users to talk to the emergency operator via the emergency device encouraging or giving instructions when one is under stress.
Waterproof Designs
Because several falls are from the bathroom, most medical alert systems in Canada provide waterproof devices which can be worn in the shower or bath for safety.
Types of Medical Alert Systems in Canada
There are a variety of medical alert systems that accept diverse lifestyles and preferences in Canada:
In Home Medical Alert Systems
These are ideal systems for people who live at home most of the time. They usually are connected with the telephone line or to the cell phone system of the house during the base unit.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems
These mobile systems offer protection on the move for those more active seniors. Such systems incorporate GPS tracking and most of the times cellular connection enabling access to assistance anywhere in Canada.
Wearable Devices
In Canada, medical alert systems include wearable devices that take the form of pendants, a watch, or bracelets. These are discreet, stylish, and designed for convenience, ensuring that seniors always have access to help.
How to Go About Selecting the Right Medical Alert System in Canada
Choosing the appropriate medical alert system in Canada is dictated with many variables including the particular daily life of the person, financial considerations as well as the various health challenges. Below are the health alert systems considerations:
1. Personal Needs
For seniors who are restrained in their movement, this feature stands out because a fall may be fatal. For those who travel or wish to remain outside the home, a location system would be appropriate.
2. Cost
The price of the systems has a bearing on the quality and level of service features offered and other things it is bundled with such as monitoring. The majority of the systems come with a one – off purchase cost with a lock in monthly fee that covers monitoring and maintenance. It is critical to determine a package that is appropriate to the individual requirements and financial resources.
3. Ease of Use
Due to special circumstances, the system user may not have time during an emergency for extensive device operation, so it makes sense to pick one that will be easy to operate. The buttons need to be large enough and the system light so that the user can put it on for a long time while doing various activities.
4. Company Reputation and Customer Support
Look for a company whose track record on reliability and customer service is impeccable. Looking at the comments made by other users of the devices in Canada will provide a valuable guideline on the level of help that the company provides.
Medical Alert Systems in Canada: Benefits
In Canada, the most obvious advantage of medical alert systems is peace of mind. Elderly persons can tolerate their isolation, as they know that assistance is available and they do not have to look very far for it. Not only do families and caregivers rest easy but their loved ones too know that in times of emergencies, there is help available at an instant. Moreover, the use of these systems ensures a number of health problems do not go out of hand and turn into major catastrophes by making sure assistance is rendered in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Due to Canadians living longer, health professionals are advocating for the use of medical alert systems in Canada to protect the elderly. Medical alert systems enable the elderly to maintain their independence even while assuring that help is available when required. Canadian families do not have to worry if an elderly relative goes to the park, to the shops, or remains homebound because there are medical alert systems for in-home use or those with active lifestyles.
If you are planning to acquire a medical alert system for yourself or someone else, it is wise to consider the needs in the medical alert systems available in Canada. Making the correct decision can improve security, enhance reassurance and give people the ability to live a life without having to fear anything.