Senior Alerts Systems For The Elderly

March 4, 2012 robot Family

Aging is part of the natural progression of all life. As we get older we inevitably slow down, however this doesn’t mean that we can’t continue to enjoy living life to the fullest. A crucial component of enjoying life during our golden years is the ability to live independently and self-sufficiently in our own homes. Too many seniors are forced into nursing homes and assisted living arrangements long before they are ready. This doesn’t need to be the case if certain factors and options such as senior alert systems are taken into consideration. The biggest obstacle to living independently among the elderly is fear.

Despite the long running jokes about seniors falling and not being able to get up, it’s truly no laughing matter to an elderly person faced with the prospect of living alone as advancing age robs him of physical strength and agility. It’s not all that uncommon for a senior to slip and fall and remain stranded on the floor or ground for many agonizing as well as terrifying hours or even days. This particular fear alone is what causes many seniors to give in and allow themselves to be placed into assisted living by their families. No one, young or old, wants to be a burden to their loved ones or live in a constant state of fear that they may be trapped and helpless right where they live.

Before a senior and his loved ones can decide to purchase and install a senior alert system, a proper independent living assessment should be performed. Actually, many senior alert systems companies provide these assessment forms free to potential customers on their company Websites. The assessment consists of a series of self-evaluation questions designed to guide seniors and their families to making an informed decision. Areas such as health and medical conditions are covered along with questions concerning the cognitive health of the senior. Being in good physical health sometimes isn’t sufficient criteria for being a good candidate for living unassisted even with a medical alert system if the senior is suffering from dementia.

There are two basic types of medical alert system services: a monthly subscription plan and a one-time fee to purchase just the equipment. Monthly plans will have a 24/7 call monitoring center to answer calls placed by seniors. The call center personnel are trained to evaluate the nature of the emergency and either call 911 for actual emergencies or family members for non-emergency situations. Sometimes a senior living alone with become frightened or confused and just need someone to speak with in order to reassure them that everything is all right.

There are many senior alert systems to choose from on the market today and seniors and their loved ones should research the top ones before deciding which is best for their living situation. Being able to live independently for as long as possible is a priceless advantage that can be obtained for a very modest financial investment.

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