The generation that vowed it would never grow old has broken that promise. As baby-boomers become elderly, living independently for as long as possible has become increasingly important. This presents a set of unique challenges for senior citizens, including the realistic possibility of suffering a medical emergency. Wearing a cellular medical alarm with GPS reduces those concerns.
Each year, roughly one third of all citizens over 65 will fall. Some try to hide these incidents from physicians and family members in order to retain personal independence as long as possible. Unfortunately, falls are the leading cause of serious injury to seniors, and may result in permanent disabilities or long hospital stays. If an incident occurs when home alone, badly needed help may arrive late or not at all.
Demand for a personal, easy-to-use alarm system that automatically summons an ambulance originally prompted the earliest development of these devices. Pioneering models used a simple network featuring a remotely activated speaker phone. When active, it could connect directly via a hands-free land line to an emergency dispatch center. This was a great improvement, but still had limited range and portability issues.
Not long afterward, communications pendants were added to the product lineup. These small electronic links could connect directly to a speakerphone by push-button, not by shouting. Although limited to use in the home, they are still popular and cost-effective. Newer models make it possible to call for help even when the victim cannot speak. Some companies offer monitoring, while others call 911 directly.
While these advances have been valuable, there are additional features that were not available until recently. Standard alarms previously worked only at home, but are now able to summon assistance no matter where the user may go. They do this by linking the wearable units directly to the existing cell phone network, and use GPS location capabilities to determine the physical location of the victim.
Although there are major privacy concerns about digital technology, this type of personal tracking has proven popular with concerned family members. GPS tracking is already standard on most smart-phones sold today, and the reality is that most users do not take the time to deactivate the service because it can be beneficial. The same cell-tower triangulation methods are used by alarm companies to locate users quickly and accurately.
If an older person becomes ill, pushing the call button automatically determines their whereabouts, while displaying pertinent personal information. The service allows direct voice communication, and works anywhere there is cell coverage, which today is nearly everywhere. The units are not bulky, but are small enough to be worn under clothing, are easy to read, and waterproof.
Some centers are even beginning to transmit important personal medical information to first responders before they actually arrive. If a senior citizen is unable to say where he actually is, help can still on the way within a few short minutes. Although these devices require recharging every few days, that is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that assistance is available when needed.
Each year, roughly one third of all citizens over 65 will fall. Some try to hide these incidents from physicians and family members in order to retain personal independence as long as possible. Unfortunately, falls are the leading cause of serious injury to seniors, and may result in permanent disabilities or long hospital stays. If an incident occurs when home alone, badly needed help may arrive late or not at all.
Demand for a personal, easy-to-use alarm system that automatically summons an ambulance originally prompted the earliest development of these devices. Pioneering models used a simple network featuring a remotely activated speaker phone. When active, it could connect directly via a hands-free land line to an emergency dispatch center. This was a great improvement, but still had limited range and portability issues.
Not long afterward, communications pendants were added to the product lineup. These small electronic links could connect directly to a speakerphone by push-button, not by shouting. Although limited to use in the home, they are still popular and cost-effective. Newer models make it possible to call for help even when the victim cannot speak. Some companies offer monitoring, while others call 911 directly.
While these advances have been valuable, there are additional features that were not available until recently. Standard alarms previously worked only at home, but are now able to summon assistance no matter where the user may go. They do this by linking the wearable units directly to the existing cell phone network, and use GPS location capabilities to determine the physical location of the victim.
Although there are major privacy concerns about digital technology, this type of personal tracking has proven popular with concerned family members. GPS tracking is already standard on most smart-phones sold today, and the reality is that most users do not take the time to deactivate the service because it can be beneficial. The same cell-tower triangulation methods are used by alarm companies to locate users quickly and accurately.
If an older person becomes ill, pushing the call button automatically determines their whereabouts, while displaying pertinent personal information. The service allows direct voice communication, and works anywhere there is cell coverage, which today is nearly everywhere. The units are not bulky, but are small enough to be worn under clothing, are easy to read, and waterproof.
Some centers are even beginning to transmit important personal medical information to first responders before they actually arrive. If a senior citizen is unable to say where he actually is, help can still on the way within a few short minutes. Although these devices require recharging every few days, that is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that assistance is available when needed.
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