Medical Alarms: Why you might want a medical alarm

Reports suggest that one in three elderly people fall once a year. Though the majority of these falls are not serious, the person may not be able to get up on their own and may not be discovered for some time by which their condition may have worsened considerable. This is when medical alarms prove their worth. Falling, and the fear of falling, can cause elderly people to loose confidence in their ability to cope on their own and inhibit what they do.

Caring for a loved one yourself is not always possible. Family members rarely stay in the area in which they were brought up. Even if possible, it is a difficult task and one that not all family members feel ready to undertake. Similarly, just because a person is elderly and perhaps a bit wobbly on their feet it does not mean they need constant attention. A medical alarm allows them to maintain some independence whilst also protecting them in case of an accident.

The medical alarm consists of a simple electronic transmitter in the form of a pendant worn around the neck or wrist. A notorious place for falls, the pendant can even be worn in the bath or shower, as it is fully waterproof. If a fall occurs and the button on the pendant is pressed, a signal is transmitted to the external monitoring station. Within a minute, they will have received your alarm and dialed your home number. They will then talk to you via a console installed in your house or through activating the speakerphone on your normal home phone. In this way you can describe what the problem is and the appropriate action can be taken. This might only be alerting your neighbors, or it may be sending the emergency services. If your alarm is triggered and you cannot speak, the paramedics will be sent automatically. It can also be activated up to 300ft from the house so if you fell in the garden you could still summon help.

Medical alarms reduce the severity of domestic accidents and cost much less then buying full time home help. If you or a member of your family feel at risk from falling in, or around your home then a medical alarm will give you the confidence you need to continue your domestic life.

© Alarm Systems