Benefits of a Personal Medical Alarm

Medical Alert Devices improve confidence and independence, reducing hospital visits

Facing the necessity for a Personal Medical Alarm doesn't need to be a decision based on concern alone, but rather on the very tangible benefits that can be had with the assurance Medical Alert Devices can provide. Regardless of the need, a Medical Alert will create a buffer for seniors, expanding their independence while protecting the peace of mind for a caregiver. However, the benefits extend beyond the emotional benefits and to the physical well-being of a senior that uses such a service.

In the mid-1990s, a study of data on the use of a Personal Medical Alarm by the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that use of Medical Alert Devices lowers the incidence of hospitalizations among seniors. The study found a significant decrease in both per person hospital admissions and inpatient days while hospitalized by those seniors that used a Medical Alert.

Studies have determined that with each hospitalization, the incidence of complications and infection increases. In seniors, this can lead to critical maladies and significant loss in quality of life. If the use of a Personal Medical Alarm is proven to reduce hospitalizations, it follows that it is proven to improve the quality of a senior's life.

Also important is the psychological boost seniors receive with the assurance that help is available while retaining their independence. Continued control over daily decisions leads to increased confidence and improved psychological outlook. Users of Medical Alert Devices report improved energy, fulfillment and positive outlook. Removing tentativeness and worry about daily routines improves all facets of a senior's life. These positive affirmations can be reinforced at any point through a telephone contact to the monitoring service to assure the customer that the support system is in place.

For caregivers, the use of a Medical Alert device provides first-response assurance and allows a senior family member or loved one to retain independence without the need for demoralizing supervision. The other options, including expensive in-home care and assisted living facilities, are equally tough financially and emotionally. Caregivers can rely on the bridge a Personal Home Alarm provides between unsupervised living for seniors and fully supervised living arrangements.

Another benefit for caregivers is in the knowledge that should an emergency arise, all first responders will not only be sent within the shortest responses, but that they will be armed with a senior's complete personal medical history. This valuable information regarding medications and existing conditions will shave crucial minutes off potentially life-saving treatments. Short of having a personal doctor by a senior's side, it is the most complete process to delivering personal medical attention in the event of an emergency.