Due to their declining physical abilities, older people are particularly susceptible to certain health problems and hazards.

One of the most common issues is the risk of falling. It is estimated that one in every three older adults in Canada suffers falls every year.

When these persons fall, they require medical assistance as soon as possible, and medical alert systems are devices that help them get expert aid when they are in danger.

Seasons Retirement, a respected retirement community in Canada, prioritizes the safety of its residents, even enlightening us about the medical alert system, and this piece can be found here.

What are Medical Alert Systems (MAS)?

Medical Alert Systems, also known as Senior Medical Alert Systems, are devices created to protect our loved ones by sending distress signals to emergency service providers or family members whenever they are sensed to be in danger.

These systems use different types of advanced equipment to sense potential danger to older persons and send alarm signals to the appropriate quarters to send help as soon as possible.

How Medical Alert Systems (MAS) work

Every senior medical alert system uses a panic or alarm button, which the user triggers by pressing whenever they are in danger.

In cases where the user cannot press the help button, some senior medical alert systems in Canada use accelerometers and gyroscopes to calculate the motion of the users’ bodies and automatically detect when a fall happens.

Categories of MAS

Senior medical alert systems Canada can be grouped according to whom they contact when an alarm is triggered or by their range of use.

1.   Contact

MAS systems can send distress signals to your family members or professional operators when the alarm is triggered.

In the first instance, the user pre-registers a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member’s phone number with the MAS service provider. Once the alarm button is triggered, the contacts receive a call from the device on their phones.

Alternatively, older persons can opt to have their MAS devices contact a dedicated call center when they activate the help button.

An operator answers the call, asks them about their problem, and directs the relevant emergency services – medical staff, firefighters, etc. – to the distressed person’s home.

2.   Range of Use

While some MAS devices are designed to work within one’s home, others are designed to be used on the go.

The first category of MAS devices has stationary base stations, which serve as the point of contact between the users, their contacts and the alarm button, which can be carried around the house.

The other one features small base stations which can easily fit into your dress accessories and be carried anywhere.

Benefits of MAS

1.   Speedy response

Older persons can sustain serious life-threatening injuries when they fall. Depending on the severity of their fall, they may suffer cuts, internal bleeding, or fractured bones.

In any of these cases, expedited medical aid helps to assist quickly and can be the difference between life and death in numerous instances.

Medical alarm systems for seniors get older people the help they need as fast as possible.

2.   Ease of use

MAS systems are very uncomplicated to use. Users only need to press and hold the alarm buttons on their pendants or bracelets for the services they need to be dispatched to them.

Even when users are stunned from their falls and lose consciousness, MAS devices, through their gyroscopes, sense the falls and send help.

3.   Allows for independence

Many older persons cherish their independence and love to pursue an active lifestyle.

With MAS, they can carry out their daily and recreational activities such as jogging and indoor exercises without any fear of slipping and falling.

These systems allow older adults to live and enjoy themselves with little need for worry.

4.   Suitability to various lifestyle types

As is the case with all other age groups, not all older adults think or behave the same way. While some are more reserved and withdrawn, others may be more outgoing and friendly.

Our loved ones can carry on with their preferred lifestyles with MAS devices. Portable MAS devices can be worn as pendants or bracelets for friendly older adults and carried around.

Many of these devices are waterproof; hence, they can be worn while swimming. There are simply no lifestyle restrictions with MAS!

Consider your parent’s lifestyle when choosing a medical alarm system for them.

5.   Less worry for loved ones

Relatives and friends of older persons who live independently are often anxious about their well-being.

However, with the use of MAS devices, they can rest assured that their loved ones will get all the help they need in the event of a fall.

6.   Offers protection from diverse dangers

Although they are most widely known for reporting falls, some MAS are equipped to detect other forms of danger that our loved ones might face.

For instance, they are built to detect smoke, fire, and shortness of breath. Moreover, older adults can trigger their MAS devices in cases of burglaries or on sensing suspicious movements around their houses.

Furthermore, MAS can be equipped with GPS systems to monitor the movement of older persons and keep them within safe limits.

This feature is especially important for older people with memory health challenges such as Alzheimer’s, who often wander off and lose awareness of their surroundings.

Endnote

Older adults are vulnerable to falls, slips, and other dangerous hazards. Hence, they should have a system in place to help them in case of any of these unpleasant happenings.

Senior medical alert systems in Canada aid older persons to live independently without having to worry too much about home accidents. So, we can conclude that MAS is a must for seniors.