When it comes to the health and safety of our seniors, it’s a good idea to be proactive rather than reactive. There are actions that can be taken to provide a safety net for individuals who are easing into their golden years.

Easy Way to Summon Emergency Help—Fast

One of the smartest actions you or a loved one can take toward protecting senior health is investing in an emergency alert system with a medical alert necklace. Simply, the necklace has a pendant with an emergency alert button. A base unit is installed in the home, connected to a landline or cellular service. If an emergency happens, such as a fall, sudden illness, heart attack, seizure, etc., you just push the button on the medical alert necklace and you are immediately connected to a live, trained operator. Two-way communication takes place via microphones and speakers in the system, so you can tell the operator what has happened, such as “I’ve fallen,” or “I’m having chest pains.”

Depending on the nature of the emergency, the operator can summon an ambulance and EMTs, and/or contact a relative or neighbor. With a medical alert necklace, support and help is literally at your fingertips. And for those who do not wish to wear a necklace device, the emergency button is also available on a wristband. Additionally, these devices are waterproof and can be (should be!) worn in the shower or bath.

Emergency Help Available Anywhere

There are also devices available that you can take with you when you leave the house. These are small units with an emergency button that can easily fit in your pocket or purse. Many seniors are still quite active well into their 70s, 80s, even 90s. An emergency button that goes wherever you go can be a lifesaver.

With statistics showing that one in four adults 65 years or older will suffer a fall, having a fast means of contacting medical help wherever you are is crucial. Too often, these falls result in fractures, even death. Of course, other health issues become more prominent as people age as well, and render us more susceptible to heart attacks, strokes, and other medical issues. When we set up safety measures before an emergency arises, we can reduce, and sometimes eliminate, unwelcome consequences.

It goes without saying that the faster help is summoned in an emergency, the better the chances are of reducing damage and experiencing a faster recovery. An emergency button on a medical alert necklace or wristband is faster than trying to find, reach, and dial a phone.

Several Options Available

Take a moment to review the different alert systems with a medical alert necklace or bracelet/wristband. Some are great for a person who stays at home and doesn’t need a wide range to receive a signal. Others have much larger ranges, providing protection wherever you are. These systems are a giant step toward protecting the health and safety of our seniors.