Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection

Medical alert systems have been shown to save lives by getting help to at-risk individuals quickly. Some include fall detection, which helps to prevent injuries by calling family members or emergency services.

These devices can be used at home or on the go, depending on the device type. Some are built into a mobile device while others are available as a lanyard or necklace pendant.

Sense of Security

If you’re a parent or caregiver, having a device that can detect and alert others in the event of a fall is a comforting option. However, many of these devices offer a high rate of false alarms, which can lead to “alarm fatigue” in users. Having a good understanding of how these devices work is important, so you can make sure they are being used appropriately.

The device that most commonly detects falls is a wearable motion sensor. The sensor typically has three axes of acceleration and can distinguish movements that are typical for falls from other activities. Some devices also have other sensors, such as a barometric sensor to detect changes in air pressure.

Unlike professionally monitored medical alert systems, wearables with fall detection don’t require an expensive monthly subscription. One of the most cost-effective options is MyNotifi, which integrates a simple but effective fall detection system into a stylish smartwatch. This approach is a potential way to overcome the PERS stigma and improve the adoption rates of these technologies.

Safety

A fall detection device can be an additional safety feature of a medical alert system, also called personal emergency response systems (PERS). Unlike a traditional PERS that requires someone to press a button to call for help, a wearable sensor with built-in fall detection detects changes in movement and alerts the manufacturer’s monitoring team.

Most devices use accelerometers and gyroscopes to monitor movement in order to identify whether or not you fell. Personal Alarms They also use an algorithm to decide whether the detected motion is indicative of a fall or not.

Many of these devices are worn as a pendant, belt clip or watch. Once the device decides that a fall may have occurred, it will typically notify a monitoring center through a speaker in the device. The monitoring representative will then contact the person listed as an emergency contact to verify the fall. They will then call emergency services if necessary. The person can also use a manual button on the device to self-report a fall themselves if they are able.

Peace of Mind

One advantage of medical alert devices with fall detection is peace of mind for the wearer and their family. When a person wearing the device falls, it immediately sends an alert to a 24/7 call center. A trained operator can then contact the user or emergency services to assist them.

The device also works with GPS technology and a mobile phone to locate the wearer. The device has a long battery life and an indicator when the batteries are low. It also has a manual call button for people who don’t want to wear the pendant or for any reason when it doesn’t work.

It’s important to choose a medical alert device with a waterproof rating. Many falls happen in the bathroom or shower, and it’s important for the device to be able to function when wet. Bay Alarm Medical has a wide selection of on-the-go and at-home systems that have water-resistant features. Its Limitless Icons collection of fall detection devices are designed to look like jewelry and can be added to any home or on-the-go device.

Cost

While medical alert systems are often recommended as an option to help prevent falls, they do have a cost. Some systems include fall detection in their monthly monitoring fees, while others charge a flat add-on fee.

AARP member discounts are available for some systems, such as LifeFone. They offer a mobile device that works outside the home, along with a wearable pendant with automatic fall detection and a long battery life. The company has been in business for over 40 years, and their dependable systems are generally pricier than competitors.

Some companies also offer a smartwatch with fall detection, such as the Unaliwear Kanega. Unlike other smartwatches that require you to push a button, this system automatically calls for assistance in the event of a fall. The company says it provides a response time between 1 and 25 seconds. You can wear the smartwatch on your wrist or around your neck, and it is water resistant for showering.