Advances in Technology for Medical Alert Systems

This quickly growing field has seen many improvements since its inception.  As our population ages andwe become part of that demographic, it’s important to know what these changes are and what is coming, for they impact more families every day. 

It is estimated that baby boomers who are turning 65 years old increases by 10,000 persons a day.  The United Nations notes that there were over 566 million seniors (age 65 and over) worldwide in 2013 and the number will grow to over 2 billion in less than 5 years.

One in three adults in this age group may have an accidental fall each year resulting inmental trauma, fractures, head injuries or even death.

The annual average growth in this market is 5% with it becoming a $21.6 billion (U.S.) dollarindustry by 2020.  As the market grows, so do the available features on medical alert systems. 

Today’s alert button is waterproof and has a much wider range than ever before.  One of the best options is “fall detection”.  If a senior living alone accidentally falls due to any factor, they can simply push the button and request assistance from family or medical personnel.  It can also summon help if there is no response from the wearer. 

This works indoors and outdoors, in the person’s own home or anywhere they may be shopping or traveling.  It evens works in the shower or bath, where the majority of falls occur. 

Other alterations are the way the device is worn, for one.  The old devices were worn as pendants.  The new ones can also be worn as a wristband or clip on.  Previous systems needed to be installed by a professional for an average cost of $100 but can now be easily doneby the user or a family member. 

Medical alerts systems notify emergency personnel with the touch of a button that transmits a distress signal.When the alert button is depressed, the system contacts a call center that will dispatch help.  The newer alerts have 2-way communication capabilities so the trained staff person can assess the situation and notify family or neighbors for non-emergencies if needed. The goal is to have a way to make contact in cases of emergencies.

Further modifications have reached a larger portion of the population.  No longer seen as a positive option exclusively for seniors, people with chronic illnesses have benefitted from the medical alert system too. 

Diabetics and the like can use the alert device for medical emergencies and have it end up saving their lives.  Senior couples can now enjoy the coverage for both of them with the same unit but with each wearing their own device. 

Updated systems may one day include a visual monitor to communicate with the user.  Daily greetings and check-ins will become the norm.  With reminders to take medication, the unit can read books, play music and interact with the person,as well as just summoning help.  Once you realize what a great invention this is, you can see where it can be an aid to your own family.

References: http://www.aarp.org/health/doctors-hospitals/info-11-2010/medical_alert_systems.html

https://www.mobilesignalboosters.co.nz/emergency-technologies/

http://www.medgizmo.info/news/reviews-bee-focus-for-consumers

http://www.worldhealthsummit.org/fileadmin/downloads/2013/WHSRMA_2013/Presentations/Day_3/Chow%20Yan%20-%20Emerging%20Information%20Technologies%20in%20Health%20Care.pdf