Introduction
There are commercials that advertise the need for everyone, or at least those ages 65 and older, to get a medical alert system in order to protect themselves in the case that something unfortunate were to happen. Is it really true that once you turn a certain age you need to buy services and devices as the only way to feel safe in your own home? Of course not! The real question is, “How are you to know if YOU should get a medical alert?”
Instructions
Fortunately there are some questions that you can ask yourself that will help you to determine your risk and whether or not you are one of those people who need a medical alert system. Below are some questions that you can ask to determine if you or a loved one would benefit from a medical alert system.
How to know if you should get a medical alert (answer the following questions for the person for whom the medical alarm might be appropriate):
Q: Have you ever taken a fall in your house and been unable to get up?
At home accidents including falls will afflict more than 1 out of every 3 people over the age of 65. Although some falls may not result in long term damage, taking a serious fall and not being able to call for help could cause irreversible damage and even death in some cases (especially where someone can go days without being able to move).
Q: Do you live alone or have limited mobility while in your home?
When there is no one else in your home that you can turn to for help your risk factors increase. Inability to safety navigate your home also increases your risk for a fall and serious injury.
Q: Do you find yourself confused about or unable to control any medical conditions that you may have?
Failure to have a good grasp on one’s own health routines makes them more susceptible to becoming impaired, unable to communicate, or unable to think clearly enough to pick up the phone to call for help. In addition to having a button on you at all times that you can simply press to receive assistance, a medical alert system can also provide medical services with your specific medical information so that you can avoid complications and delays in your treatment if you are unable to communicate any specific needs that you have.
Q: Are there times when you are unable to reach the phone or would otherwise be unable to dial 911 if you needed to?
Having access to medical personnel could mean the difference between life and death. Human life is frail and just a few minutes could be the difference between a positive and negative prognosis. By having what is really a speed-dial to 911 hanging around your neck at all times, the ability to call for help is no longer an issue.
Conclusion
The above posed questions are obviously not the only criteria that you should go by in determining whether or not you should get a medical alert. However, if you answered yes to any or all of the questions above you may want to seriously consider if getting a medical alert is a possibility for you. If it is, you can join the 1.5 million other medical alert system owners who are able to enjoy the peace of mind that they can enjoy the independence that they have at home while still managing their risk and being able to call for help with the simple push of a button.
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