The Complexity of Medical Alert Call Alarms:

The Complexity of Medical Alert Call Alarms has increased over the past few years. Many devices serve multiple purposes, heartrate, fall detection, and almost any other desired function.

While call alarms are widely available, they are not used in many cases where falls lead to extended periods on the floor. Comments from seniors and caregivers highlight the intricate issues surrounding the use of call alarms. Concerns range from perceptions of irrelevance to worries about loss of independence and practical difficulties.

The Landscape of Senior Safety Devices:

In the current technological landscape, there is no shortage of devices aimed at assisting seniors in remaining safe within their homes for longer periods. Some of these devices include:

1. Smart Watches: Often connected to mobile phones, these watches offer various features including fall detection.
2. Push Button Pendants and Bracelets: Wearable devices that can be activated in case of an emergency.
3. Drop Indicators: Designed to detect falls, these devices can sometimes generate false alarms due to everyday actions.
4. GPS Devices: While invasive, GPS devices offer location tracking, providing both safety and potential privacy concerns.
   Can be a separate device with a battery!
5. Motion Detectors: These detect unusual movements but might not accurately determine if a situation is truly an emergency.
6. In-House Cameras and Sensors: While effective, these can be seen as an invasion of privacy and may carry security risks.
7. AI Intelligent Sensors: Devices that learn user movement patterns and can trigger actions, like turning on lights or detecting water usage.

False Alarms

These devices are susceptible to false alarms, especially if numerous, may mean the wearer becomes anxious about worrying their first responders. (could as simple as the next door neighbour or it could the arrival of police or ambulance).

Wearing Of Devices

If your wearing a bracelet will they take if off in shower?
Answer: Probably Yes
Will people put on their device or take their mobile phone when they get up to go to the toilet in the night?
ANSWER: Probably not.
A quick search with your favourite search can show this is a problem for device manufacturers and distributors

Medical Alert System Mom Won’t Wear It Now!

When you can’t reach or use the device.

To use a medical alert device you often require the use of 2 hands.
If you are unconscious, paralyzed, jammed up against furniture.
Medication may have cause loss of cognitive powers

Charging Device

You can leave your mobile on when it’s charging but if it went flat and turned itself off before charging was commenced then it’ll still off while charging.
When your smart watch is being charged it won’t be on your wrist so it won’t be any use when you fall.

Why Medical Life Alert Doesnt Work – 80% of Older Adults Who Fall and Have a Call Alarm Do Not Activate It

What to Consider When Shopping for Health Tracking Devices

The Complexity of Medical Alert Call Alarms: