Seniors in Canada are now enjoying peace of mind and independence with the help of panic buttons and medical alert systems.

Thanks to these portable security devices, seniors can say no to nursing homes and continue living at home without worries.

Panic buttons provide users with immediate and guaranteed access to emergency services simply by pushing a button.  Most importantly, the panic button is always worn around the neck or on the wrist, making it easily accessible 24/7.

Many panic buttons also have additional features that enhance the safety of seniors and persons with disabilities. Even if they live alone, they will never have to worry about not having someone to call in an emergency.

Elderly people who live alone or are left alone at night will feel safer and more secure with a monitored panic button. It will also benefit caregivers as a senior doesn’t need constant checking. If there is an emergency, a push of the button will make it possible for the user to call for help.

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What Medical Alert Systems and Panic Buttons do

Medical alert systems, also called panic buttons, are worn as pendants or bracelets by seniors as well as people with disabilities to keep themselves safe at all times.

We have mentioned that the wearable device has a panic button which the user can push to call for help.  But that is not all; it comes with several other key features, including:

• 2-way voice communication system
• 24-hour monitoring services
• Waterproof or water-resistant panic button
• Fall detection
• GPS location tracking
• Family notification services
• Medication reminder or dispenser
• Geo-fencing

Depending on the system you choose, these features can add an extra layer of protection so you can feel safe and secure, no matter where you are. Some of these features may require an additional fee.

Medical alert systems are connected to a monitoring center where trained personnel assess the situation and summon the appropriate responders such as medical, fire, or police.

Take note that you can also obtain an extra panic button for a spouse or family member living in the same address for a minimal surcharge when you buy your medical alert system. Thus, 2 people can be protected by just 1 system.

Who should have a panic button or medical alert system?

Medical alert systems and panic buttons are primarily designed for seniors aged 65 and above because they are most vulnerable to accidents, falls, and other emergencies. However, these security devices can also benefit the following individuals:

• Seniors who live alone
• Seniors who are left alone at home for long periods of time
• Individuals with a history of falls
• Persons with disabilities
• Persons who take medications with side effects
• Persons with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, stroke, allergies, epilepsy, asthma, etc.
• Persons with limited mobility
• Persons with difficulty walking or problems with balance
• Seniors with no family members living near them

As you can see, many people can benefit from a medical alert system or emergency panic button. They don’t cost much and can really protect you and give you peace of mind.

In any emergency, you can rely on an emergency panic button to get you the help you need FAST!

How to use a medical alert system

Medical alert systems are very convenient and easy to use. Once you select the provider you want, they will either:

• Install your medical alert system (if connected to a landline); or
• Send you the system which will be ready for use if it is cellular or mobile.

Once your system is set-up, you will have a:

• Console unit which can also be connected to a home security system
• Wearable panic button (pendant or bracelet)

1

The user must wear the panic button at all times, even to bed or the bathroom, so that if an emergency arises at any time, the individual can easily call for help.

2

In case of an emergency, such as a fall, injury, illness, or security problem, the user must push the emergency button. He will hear a friendly and sympathetic voice from the 2-way voice system verifying the nature of the emergency.

If the user fails to respond or cannot speak, the monitoring agent will dispatch emergency services to the location.

3

If the user informs the monitoring center that he needs a family member or contact to come and assist, they can also notify the family instead of medical responders. This can happen when the senior requires help with getting dressed, needs assistance with meals, or other non-emergency situations.

4

If the senior falls and the medical alert system has an automatic fall detector, an alert will be sent to the monitoring center even if the user does not push the button.  This feature is an added layer of protection in case the senior is unconscious or unable to push the button.

5

In case of false alerts (such as accidentally pushing the button or dropping the device), the user can push the button again to cancel the alert or inform the monitoring center through the speaker that no assistance is required.

How Medical Alert Systems work for Caregivers or Family Members

Caregivers or family members also benefit when a senior or a person with a disability uses a medical alert system for protection. The user has a monitored security device that keeps them safe 24/7 which gives peace of mind and comfort to caregivers.

It is very reassuring for caregivers to know that a loved one is in a good condition and if something bad happens, he or she will get help immediately and the family notified of the status. This relieves a caregiver from having to check in constantly.

In fact, some medical alert systems have an exclusive portal where caregivers can log in to view the status and recent activities of the user.

If you live 2 hours away by car from your parents’ home, it can cause you anxiety thinking you can’t get to them fast enough if there is an emergency. Worry no more because with a medical alert system, your parents can get a response within seconds after pushing their panic button and emergency services at the scene in minutes.

If you are looking for a good medical alert system for a parent or elderly relative, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the features offered by various medical alert systems.

Features that Help Caregivers or Family Members look after a loved one

Medical alert systems offer advanced features that make life easier, too, for family members or caregivers.

Some of these important features are:

Medication Reminder or Pill Dispenser

Some medical alert systems offer a medication reminder or dispenser.  A reminder alerts the user when it is time to take his medication. If the senior fails to do so, a family member is notified so that they make sure the senior takes the required medication.

A pill dispenser, on the other hand, ensures that your loved one will take the medication as scheduled. The dispenser dispenses the required dosage at the right time. Depending on the system, it can hold several doses and can be refilled easily.

Unusual Activity Notification

Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be given extra protection with this feature. Family members are alerted of any unusual activity so that they can check on their loved one.

Fall Detection

If the senior has a history of falls, this advanced technology can enhance protection and also give more peace of mind to family members. A fall can cause serious injuries which can lead to long-term care or hospitalization. In fact, Statistics Canada reports that 2 out of 3 seniors fall each year.

With fall detection, an alert is immediately sent to the monitoring center after a fall, even if the user fails to push the emergency button. This ensures that the senior receives immediate medical assistance after a fall which is critical to recovery.

GPS location tracking

Mobile medical alert systems offer GPS location tracking which allows the monitoring center to pinpoint the location of the user in an emergency. This feature is critical if the individual suffers from medical conditions that cause disorientation, speech impairment, cognitive impairment, etc. If the user is unable to provide his location, GPS tracking makes it easier to find and assist him in an emergency.

Geo-fencing

Geo-fencing is available in mobile medical alert systems. It allows the set-up of safety zones for a senior or user so that family members or caregivers are notified if the user leaves the safe zone.

You can compare the cost of top panic buttons in Canada so you can find the right fit for your situation and your budget.

Landline or Mobile Panic Buttons to Suit your Unique Needs

When choosing a medical alert system or panic button, you must choose between a landline and a mobile system.

Panic buttons connected to a landline offer protection for seniors inside the home, sometimes up to the yard, depending on the system’s range.  In contrast, mobile panic buttons connected to a cellular network offer protection for seniors inside the home and outside so basically wherever they go.

Seniors who generally stay home and need only basic protection, meaning access to an emergency panic button 24/7 will be satisfied with a landline medical alert system. Designed for home use, a senior will be able to benefit from 24/7 monitoring at home and can use the emergency button to call for help or speak to a trained professional.

Mobile medical alert systems or panic buttons have a wider range compared to landline-connected systems.  These security devices work wherever you go in Canada. They also offer enhanced protection with GPS and fall detection technologies. However, they also cost more than landline systems.

You need to think about where you need protection and choose the right medical alert system for your needs.

Differentiating Fall Detectors from Emergency Panic Buttons

Fall detectors also come with emergency panic buttons.  The only difference is that a fall detector can automatically alert a monitoring center if the user falls even if the person fails to push the panic button.

Equipped with special algorithms and sensors to identify a fall, a fall detector will send a fall alert so that the monitoring center can quickly verify the condition of the user and dispatch a medical team, if necessary.

A fall detector is very important for seniors with a fall history or with a fear of falling. Research shows that a fear of falling can significantly limit a senior’s mobility and independence. Thus, wearing a fall detector can greatly encourage a senior to be more active and feel more confident in enjoying a better quality of life.

On the other hand, emergency panic buttons or basic medical alert systems provide one common thing – access to emergency services with one push of the button. They are worn as pendants around the neck or on the wrist so that the user can push the button anytime. This removes the need to get to a telephone to call 911 or a family member as by pushing the button, the user is immediately connected to a monitoring center with 2-way voice system.

When shopping for a security device to keep a senior or loved one safe, you can consider a medical alert system or panic button with fall detection. You can also go for simple systems that work in the home as they come with a panic button.

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Are medical alert systems expensive? Are they worth the price?

Medical alert systems or emergency panic buttons are for the safety of its users. What is the price of safety and peace of mind? It is priceless, right?  But rest assured that with all the conveniences and benefits of emergency panic buttons, they are actually quite affordable.

The cost associated with medical alert systems include the cost of the equipment and the monthly monitoring fees. Depending on the company you choose, you may also be asked to pay an activation fee or installation fee.

The price of a medical alert system varies from one company to another. The cost depends on the type of system you choose (landline or mobile), and the add-on protections you want such as fall detection, GPS tracking, or geo-fencing.  Whether the plan is a lease plan or an outright purchase of the equipment also affects the monthly monitoring fee.

In addition to the initial fees such as equipment, installation, and activation, companies also charge a monthly monitoring fee. The average price of monthly monitoring services range from $25 to $60.

Find the least expensive medical alert system in Canada by comparing free quotes from our reputable partners.  For your protection, our partners are well-established members of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) and own or are affiliated with UL-Certified monitoring centers.

Find a Medical Alert System: Compare Free Quotes Anywhere in Canada

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Fill out the form below to receive FREE and NO OBLIGATION QUOTES to compare so you can save time and money. Take the time to check out the monthly monitoring fees and inclusions of each offer to get the best value for your money.

Keep in mind that a medical alert system may or may not have automatic fall detection. You may need to pay extra to add the feature to your plan.

But most importantly, don’t delay to get peace of mind and ensure the safety of a loved one or yourself. You can easily find the right medical alert system that fits your needs and budget.

With a good medical alert system or panic button, you can enjoy greater independence throughout your retirement!

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