I would like to send out a big thank you for this Guest Post from Heather Connolly at Caring.com

How Medical Alert Systems Can Help You Age in Place Safely

An increasing number of seniors are choosing to age in place rather than move to a residential care facility for their golden years. Aging in place allows seniors to retain their independence and remain in the communities they love. But there are serious safety concerns for seniors who age independently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year, and 3 million older adults are treated in the emergency room following a fall. If you fear for a loved one’s safety or your own while aging in place, a medical alert system could provide some much-needed peace of mind. These systems are equipped with numerous benefits that make living independently safer and less stressful.

Medical Alert Systems Reduce the Risk of Death or Further Injury Following a Fall

The moments after a fall or other medical emergency can be crucial for recovery. One of the primary fears that you or your loved ones may have is that you’ll need help after an emergency and will not be able to get it. Medical alert systems solve this problem by making it extremely easy to connect with emergency personnel or loved ones. Users can simply press a button on their wearable device to instantly connect, eliminating the need to get up and dial a phone.

Some devices are even equipped with automatic fall detection, which automatically connects users to a monitoring center or a preferred person on their contact list if the motion sensor in the device detects unusual movement.

Medical Alert Systems Can Give You the Confidence to Stay Active

Many medical alert systems on the market today are mobile rather than stationary. They use cellular networks to connect you with an operating center or your loved ones, instead of a landline. Some also come equipped with GPS location tracking so emergency personnel can easily locate you. This makes the system completely portable; you can take them anywhere- even when traveling. Having this protection with you on-the-go can help alleviate fears you have about sustaining an injury or having an emergency while out and about. Having a portable medical alert device can empower you to stay active and give you the confidence boost you need to keep enjoying activities you love well into your golden years.

Medical Alert Systems Can Keep You Connected to Loved Ones

Out of concern for your safety while living independently, family and friends may frequently feel the need to call or check in on you. If this applies to you, you can choose a medical alert system with extra features that make it easy to stay connected with your loved ones to let them know that you’re okay, like activity and wellness tracking. This eliminates the need for you to pick up the phone or have loved ones stop by your home. Additionally, many companies now offer a caregiver portal with their medical alert devices. These portals allow your preferred family and friends to check your device data, which can include useful information about your health and safety such as your daily activity levels and if you used your emergency help button. Your loved ones can simply check the portal to ensure that you’re going about your day as usual, giving them peace of mind while alleviating the pressure you may feel to keep them in the loop regarding your whereabouts.