Medical alert systems can help any senior who wants to age in place, but they can be an especially effective way to keep seniors who have dementia or are in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s safe while living at home. Medical alert systems have a variety of features that not only help seniors but also help caregivers provide better care. Here, we’ll go over some of the features that are especially beneficial to older adults living with dementia.
Before we get into the benefits of medical alert systems for seniors with dementia, let’s clarify exactly what a medical alert system is.
What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system is a device that enables you to get help for medical emergencies without having to use your phone. These systems include a stationary base device that pairs with a wearable button or a mobile device you can use anywhere, including outside the home. Pushing the button on the base station or wearable device connects you to an emergency response agent who will talk to you via two-way communication through either the wearable or the base station. Based on your situation, they will send emergency services to your location or contact a caregiver.
There are many different kinds of medical alert systems, all with unique features and benefits, some of which are especially helpful for keeping seniors with dementia safe at home. Let’s take a closer look at some of the features of medical alert systems that can benefit older adults with dementia.
GPS location services and activity monitoring
When choosing a medical alert system, you have the choice between an in-home system that offers protection in the home and a GPS system that can be used both inside and outside the home. An in-home system might seem like an obvious choice for someone with dementia who doesn’t leave home alone, but a GPS-enabled system might be a better choice for a few reasons.
Wandering is a common behavior among seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. With the GPS location tracking included with mobile medical alert systems, emergency response agents can pinpoint exactly where you or your loved one is and send help your way when the button is pushed.
Some systems also allow caregivers to track their loved one’s location. For example, Bay Alarm Medical has an app for two of its systems that gives caregivers the ability to track and locate their loved ones to ensure their safety. Some devices, like the VIPx system from LifeFone, have an app that allows caregivers to check the timing of a loved one’s first motion of the day, which can be very helpful in making sure they are safe and are sticking to a schedule.
Mobile medical alert systems can also be helpful when traveling in the United States with a loved one with dementia. With GPS location services, you can get help whether you’re in a hotel room, at the pool, or out to dinner.
Fall detection
Getting help with the push of the button is hugely helpful to seniors with dementia living at home, but sometimes pushing the button isn’t an option, especially when it comes to falls. Nearly every medical alert system company offers devices with fall detection. For example, LifeFone is known for its robust fall detection options, and Medical Guardian offers fall detection with all of its devices.
These fall detection emergency buttons contain an accelerometer that can detect a quick change in bodily speed and orientation. Once a fall is detected, the device automatically calls response agents who can send emergency services to your location. That way, you or a loved one can get help after a fall, even if you can’t push the button.
Emergency services can be dispatched, even without direct communication
Emergency response agents will always try to establish contact with the person wearing the medical alert device. However, if they cannot communicate, agents will still send emergency responders to their location. This is the case if the device detects a fall and automatically places a call, but it’s also true if you push the button and are unable to communicate for any reason. This feature can be very helpful for a person with dementia who may not be able to communicate clearly: They will still get help, even if they can’t articulate the help they need.
Caregivers can be contacted when there’s an emergency
Dementia and Alzheimer’s come with many behavioral changes and needs that evolve over time. A medical alert system can help with these changes because caregivers can be contacted every time there’s an emergency.
Most medical alert systems allow you to personalize a profile that can include caregivers who should be contacted in the event of an emergency, whether emergency services are dispatched or not. That means caregivers always know what’s going on, even if you can’t be there to help.
Some apps, like the Caregiver Mobile App from LifeFone, enable you to keep track of a loved one’s button press history. This helps caregivers see if their loved one is suddenly pushing the button more or less than usual.
Medication management and other caregiver features
Medical alert systems make getting help during a medical emergency much easier, but many systems offer other benefits that can be especially helpful for caregivers.
For example, MobileHelp offers medication management services. You can set up medication reminders that alert your loved one whenever they need to take their medication.
You can find medical alert systems that offer other kinds of caregiver services, including:
- Battery updates with notifications when the battery life on a device gets too low.
- Activity level tracking, with some apps providing alerts if there’s an unusual amount of inactivity.
- The ability to ring or locate lost devices.
More than just medical emergencies
Medical alert systems are helpful in a medical emergency, but some devices offer assistance for more than just medical emergencies. These features can be especially helpful for those with dementia who may be tempted to push the button whenever they need help — not just medical help.
Lively is a medical alert system company that is especially good at helping users with nonmedical emergencies. Users can push the button if they have questions about their device or need help with their account. They also offer services like Nurse On-Call, which can connect you with a registered nurse or board-certified doctor who can answer medical questions, and Care Advocate, which can help you or your loved one with health goals, financial planning, and estate planning.
Finding the right medical alert system for a senior with dementia
There are a lot of medical alert systems with benefits that can make caring for a loved one with dementia a lot easier. Check out our medical alert system buyer’s guide to learn everything you need to know about medical alert systems so you can choose the one that’s right for you and your loved one.
