Do You Need a Medical Alarm System?
A Health Care Article Contributed by Dina
Do You Need a Medical Alarm System?
If you think you might need a medical alarm system, but you're not sure, there are some startling facts of which you should be aware before making a decision.
Statistics: Medical Alarms Can Help
The U.S. Census taken in 2000 estimates the 65+ year old population of the country to be 35 million. Of this 35 million, one third enjoy total independence, living by themselves.
But living alone comes with substantial risks. According to the "New England Journal of Medicine", people living by themselves carry a 3.2% risk per annum of being discovered dead or injured in their homes. Without someone else in the house, how would anyone know if they needed help?
If one third of the 35 million 65+ year old seniors live alone, that equals about 10 million. Of those 10 million, 3.2% are at risk of injury or death while home alone. That's 320, 000 injuries or deaths per year!
If each of those injured persons had a medical alarm system, help could be on the way immediately. The number of deaths resulting from in-home injuries while home alone would be greatly reduced. Medical alarm systems are lifesavers!
Medical Alarm Systems Aren't Just for Seniors
While it's certainly true that the elderly benefit most often from medical alarm systems, they can be used by people in many other conditions.
Medical alarm systems can be helpful and life-saving for the disabled, people with serious medical conditions, and patients who are convalescing at home.
If you are disabled and walk with the assistance of a cane, crutches, or a walker, or are wheelchair-bound, your chances of falling in the home are increased. Once you fall, it may be difficult to access a phone to call for help. A medical alarm system will allow you to request help when it matters most, in the first few moments after injury.
If you have a serious medical condition such as epilepsy, you could fall or become ill suddenly and not be able to reach a phone. If you have a seizure, you can press a medical alarm system's panic button at the beginning of the seizure or when you regain full control of your motor functions, and medical care can be en route immediately.
If you know you will be recuperating from major surgery alone at home, or if you are in an accident and need recuperation time at home, a medical alarm system can act as insurance "just in case". You never know when you might fall -- sudden dizziness, an unexpected obstacle in your path, slipping in the shower -- and having immediate access to aid can mean the difference between life and death.
Medical Alarms Aren't Permanent
If you feel that your need for a medical alarm system will be temporary, many companies offer 30-day contract terms, so that you can easily decide how many months you will need, and cancel within the required time period.
If you aren't sure if a medical alarm system is right for you, many companies offer free trials for a set period of time, usually 30 days. Evaluate the system in your home and if it doesn't give you added peace of mind, return it.
You have very little to lose in trying a medical alarm system. If you feel more secure knowing it is available to you in the event of an emergency, then keep the service active. It just may save your life!
