Senior Monitoring Devices: Enhancing Safety and Independence

Every year, it's estimated that more than 14 million seniors fall. This makes falls the number one injury among older adults, according to the CDC.

Fortunately, senior monitoring devices exist, providing peace of mind while also working to keep elderly adults safe. These safety devices alert emergency services and/or caregivers alike if a senior falls, providing assistance as quickly as possible.

These devices are ideal for elderly individuals who live alone or when their caretakers are out of the house for a short period of time. This helps seniors live their best lives, often independently. Here's what you need to know about senior safety devices.

Who Monitors Tech for Elderly Safety?

When purchasing independent living tools for seniors, some home systems come with remote monitoring. Take ADT, for example. This home security company also sells a variety of senior safety systems, complete with remote monitoring.

These systems help keep seniors safe, some as easy as pushing a button. From there, ADT's monitoring system receives an emergency alert, which is then evaluated by one of the company's professionals. They then assess the situation and send the appropriate help.

Seniors can choose from any of the following items:

• On-The-Go systems for at home and when out
• Medical Alert Plus systems for home and outside (but close to the house)
• Medical Alert Basic systems, which provide general peace of mind for those living alone

No matter what type of monitored system you invest in, there's the peace of mind of help being a click away.

Different Types of Senior Safety Devices

Safety devices aren't one-size-fits-all, and older adults should consider their specific needs when choosing elderly monitoring systems.

Here are some common emergency alert systems for seniors.

Home Senior Safety Devices

These independent living tools are primarily for seniors living independently or when their caregivers are away from the house.

These medical alert systems are designed to provide immediate support by notifying someone (a caregiver or monitoring center) of an emergency at home. As mentioned, ADT's products are one type of home senior safety device, each with a base and some type of wearable item with a help button.

These systems work through landlines or cellular networks, although each varies. From there, a connection is established between a senior's home and a remote monitoring location.

Some of these home monitoring devices also have panic buttons, fall detection, and more features to help caregivers.

Mobile Senior Safety Devices

Although seniors living independently can use these devices, they're ideal for older adults who leave the home often, dining out and partaking in other activities. While out of the house, seniors have the peace of mind that, should they fall or have some other type of emergency, help is only a quick call away.

Since these devices are portable, they can easily fit in handbags or slide into pockets and can also be worn around the neck. Just be careful not to accidentally hit the emergency button.

Some of these mobile devices have some type of integrated GPS tracking to help in an emergency. Always select a system that has a reliable GPS system and strong battery life. Additionally, always charge your devices, whether at home or out.

Most Important Safety Device Features

Not all safety devices are created equal, so you must select a device with the best features. Here are some key qualities to look for.

24/7 Monitoring Available

Twenty-four-hour monitoring is crucial. This is especially true for seniors living alone, as you'll want someone monitoring these safety devices all day, every day. Check that the elderly monitoring systems you're interested in have someone readily available in a remote call center.

Are They Easy to Use?

Systems should be easy to use. This means it should feature a prominent button so seniors can easily see what to press should they need help. This is especially true for the visually impaired.

Fall Detection

Although safety tech for elderly seniors has large buttons to press in the event of an emergency, some come equipped with automatic fall detection. Should a senior fall, the system is designed to automatically sense these falls and alert the monitoring center.

Some products are better than others, so always check third-party reviews to see which works the best.

How Good Is The Battery?

A weak battery means you'll constantly be charging these devices. Instead, look for something with a robust battery life, especially when using mobile safety monitoring systems.

Additionally, look for something with backup battery power.

Communication Is Key

Any elderly safety device needs two-way communication between its user and the monitoring center. Should an emergency arise, a senior can easily contact help. This includes two-way communication with caregivers, especially if they are close by and can easily come to assist.

Any caregivers with smartphone apps can benefit from remote access to these safety devices. This allows the caregiver to do any of the following:

• Receive important alerts
• Manager a person's overall health
• Manage system settings

Seniors and their caregivers both have peace of mind when communication is easily accessible.

Ensure the Safety Devive Has a Good Range

As mentioned, these senior safety devices should have base stations, similar to a cordless phone. When traveling outside to the garden, for example, the signal might become weak.

Always purchase safety systems with strong mobile options and a good range. Additionally, purchase mobile items with GPS tracking in case of an emergency.

Other Safety Features

Did you know that, according to the Ohio Department of Aging, 80% of falls occur in the bathroom? Due to this, it's important to keep medical alert devices with you at all times. This means that your senior safety device should be waterproof or water-resistant.

Choosing the Best Senior Monitoring Devices

With so many senior monitoring devices to choose from, it's important to select the perfect one for your needs. Check reviews and ensure that the system you select is waterproof, offers 24/7 monitoring, and features two-way communication, along with the other features listed in this article.