Fall statistics have risen sharply in the recent past, particularly among the senior population. A recent report put the accidental fall death rate for senior adults aged 65 years and older at 69.9 per 100,000 population.
In adults, fall accidents mostly result from a high prevalence of balance-impacting geriatric conditions. Common culprits include diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
Fortunately, you can minimize fall accidents in your vulnerable senior family members by getting them a powerful medical alert system with fall detection. But with numerous brands to pick from, you must proceed cautiously to find a device that works for the intended user.
One best practice while shopping for the right emergency response system for falls is to pose all pertinent questions to the provider. In this post, we highlight eight such questions.
1. What type of fall detection is it?
Fall detection devices come in many forms.
First, establish whether it’s an At-Home or On-the-Go system.
At-home fall detection systems deliver within the home setting. They’re only effective up to a specific range of the base station.
Meanwhile, the On-the-Go emergency response system for falls supports free roaming. They help track your loved ones’ medical conditions beyond the home environment.
On-the-go fall detection alerts are preferable, as they promote freedom and independence for the wearer. Besides, these devices come in several design options. You can sample from bracelets, pendants, and wristbands etc.
2. What is the system’s range?
Range denotes the maximum radius a medical alert system can work from their primary powering mechanisms.
At-Home fall detectors have a range of 600 feet from the base station. That’s wide enough to track your seniors’ whereabouts when they’re soaking in the backyard sun, taking an afternoon dip, or strolling through the wellness garden. For mobile alert systems, the range depends on your network’s cellular capabilities.
Most cellular networks have nationwide coverage, while others are geographically restricted. Keep that in mind while shopping for mobile fall detection systems.
For enhanced reach, insist on a GPS-enabled emergency response system.
3. What sensors does the system use?
Medical alert systems utilize powerful sensors to detect subtle changes in the wearer’s environment, immediately calling for help if they pick anomalous cues. The two common options are accelerometers and gyroscopes.
Accelerometers monitor sudden impacts and erratic motions. Based on their precise modus operandi, these sensors are incredibly effective at detecting falls before they happen.
Gyroscopes track changes in a senior’s orientation. For instance, a horizontal orientation is consistent with falls and may cause the sensor to activate.
Modern medical alert systems also rely on infrared, acoustic, and pressure sensors. The more sophisticated the fall detection technology, the better.
4. Is the device water resistant?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a medical alert device for an independent or homebound senior. For improved performance, insist on water resistant systems.
A water resistant fall detector provides all-weather reliability. Your vulnerable loved ones can have the device on even if it suddenly starts drizzling while they’re venturing outdoors.
Besides, a water resistant fall detection system delivers in the shower, bathroom, swimming pool, etc. The fact that these are high-risk areas for balance-impaired individuals only underscores the significance of choosing water-resistant alert systems.
5. Does the system support two-way communication?
Emergency response systems for falls can be one-way or two-way.
Both systems follow a general formula – sending alert signals to a dedicated monitoring center during medical emergencies. However, one-way fall detection doesn’t support direct communication between a monitoring agent and the wearer.
Two-way communication is preferable, as it enables a representative at the monitoring center to speak directly with the wearer. The agent can quickly assess the situation and dispatch appropriate help.
6. Is the Monitoring center UL-certified?
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification ensures that a medical alert monitoring center meets the strict industry standards for operator performance.
While the agency may possess several UL certifications, insist on the UL 827 standard.
This validates that the center adheres to stringent operator requirements, such as round-the-clock availability and technical excellence.
7. What are the battery specifications?
Modern emergency fall detection systems come with rechargeable batteries, both for their base stations and wearable devices.
Prioritize batteries that deliver extended runtime and fewer charge cycles.
Besides, choose fall detection units that come with back-up batteries. Some providers offer back-up batteries that can run up to 80 hours, ensuring continuous monitoring of your vulnerable loved ones during power outages.
8. What is the cost?
There are two types of costs to consider when shopping for medical alert systems with fall detection, namely Upfront and Ownership Costs.
Upfront costs cover the system’s initial price and related expenditures, such as shipping, set-up, and activation fees.
Many reputable providers of medical alert systems with falls don’t charge upfront cost. Instead, you only pay for using their devices. Monthly fees can be as low as $34.95 for at-home medical alert systems and $54.95 for on-the-go packages.
Shun providers who charge exorbitant prices for their medical alert systems. Similarly, avoid those who promise rock-bottom rates. While paying less for fall detection may sound like a great bargain, it’s a potential red flag of substandard services.
The Bottom Line
There are dozens of medical alert system providers in Canada, with each brand keen to market its services as reliable and senior-friendly.
But while shopping for the right fall detection system, it’s prudent to take every claim with a grain of salt.
Don’t readily settle for the first emergency response system that pops up on online searches. Instead, assess the provider’s quality guarantee by examining their response to the above questions.
