5 Reasons Why Emergency Buttons Can Help the Elderly

Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, but the elderly are especially vulnerable to the short-term and long-term effects of these incidents. It isn’t always feasible for a caretaker to be with an elderly individual at all times to protect them from accidents. A wearable emergency button for elderly individuals is the next best thing to ensure your loved one has access to emergency help around the clock.

Below are five reasons why an emergency button for elderly individuals is a benefit to their daily life.

1. 24/7 Monitoring and Alerts Ensure Safety of The Elderly

More than 11 million elderly Americans live alone, and smaller family sizes equate to increasing isolation as we age. Nearly 85 percent of the elderly spend their sunset years in nursing homes. Maintaining independence as we age becomes an issue of safety, finances, and the ability to meet basic human needs. An emergency button for elderly individuals can extend the length of time they spend in independent living accommodations due to the monitoring and alerts capabilities. Medical alert systems ensure trained professionals are on-call 24/7 to help in an emergency. Whether the emergency is health-related or not, using an emergency button can connect your loved one to a professional who can arrange emergency assistance immediately.

2. The Risk of Medical Emergencies and Hip Fractures

The elderly are predisposed to isolation because of declining physical mobility, health problems, and a shrinking peer population. Inevitably, spending so much time alone puts older Americans in danger of being alone during medical emergencies and unable to get help.

Hip fractures are a leading health concern in elderly adults. Over 300,000 elderly 65 years and older are hospitalized each year for hip fractures. Approximately 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling. Hip fractures significantly increase morbidity, mortality, loss of independence, and financial burdens. Emergency buttons for elderly hip fracture victims are essential – especially if they live alone – to deal with any complications that may arise.

3. Independent Living and Aging in Place

As human beings, it is only natural to need a private place to call our own. It is vital to one’s mental health and emotional well-being to be able to live independently and have control over their day-to-day lives. Moving to a nursing home comes with advantages, but the loss of control over many aspects of daily life paired with reduced family contact causes devastating emotional consequences. It is also a complex process for a nursing home resident to partake in activities outside the nursing home. Thus, it is best to try to maintain autonomy and live independently or in assisted living for as long as possible. The emergency button for elderly individuals is an option that permits them to live safely and independently in their own homes.

4. Save Money on Room and Board by Aging in Place

The risk of falling is a significant reason that elderly Americans move to nursing homes. The cost of a semi-private room at a nursing home is more than $82,000 a year, a financially devastating prospect for nearly every retired American. An emergency button for elderly individuals can delay or avoid a move to a nursing home, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

5. Comfort and Peace of Mind

Having an elderly family member can be worrisome due to all of the age-related risks they face. Stress and worries over loved ones can be detrimental to your health. Lowering risk for your loved ones is a good way to gain peace of mind. An emergency button for elderly family members can make their lives safer and reduce your worries.

A medical alert system makes it simple and easy to get help immediately with the press of a button. It can help in more situations than just a heart attack or fall. Subscribers can push their button if they feel sick, have chest pains, hear someone breaking into their home, have a fire, or any other emergency. There is no need to call 911 or be able to speak to get help – one only has to press a button. An emergency button for elderly individuals is a lifeline when they need it most. Knowing your family member has access to such a service can bring great comfort and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Making the Decision

Medical alert systems maintain high standards of care at prices that the elderly on a budget can afford, and AARP recommends the use of medical alert systems. Everyone needs a lifeline in their most urgent times of need. Luckily, many options are accessible to you and your family. Exploring reviews and comparisons can help you find the option with the best features for your loved one, which will give them the safety and comfort they need in their golden years.