Wrist vs Pendant: What Type of Medical Alarm Bracelet is Best for Your Loved One?
Medical alarms are a vital part of any health plan for older people or those suffering from chronic medical conditions, as it will ensure they are always within reach of help should they need it.
A medical alert bracelet or necklace can provide both the wearer and their loved ones with peace of mind to feel confident that they will receive timely and accurate treatment in case an emergency occurs.
Wearable medical alert devices provide essential information about the user, which can be crucial if a first responder is called, as they will know how to manage any complex medical situations without causing unnecessary risks to the patient.
You cannot predict a fall or an accident, and you can’t always prevent something untoward from happening, but you can be prepared if the unexpected does happen. A medical alarm system could save your loved one from serious injury by ensuring they’re assisted as soon as a fall or accident happens.
Modern personal alarms are much more wearable today, they look sleeker and more discreet and can offer advanced features like fall detection or setting up a ‘geo-fence’, or virtual boundary, that will alert someone should the wearer wander out of a designated area, as can often happen in cases of dementia.
Emergency bracelets for seniors have become an important part of any care program for people suffering with cognitive brain impairment such as Alziemer’s disease or even just through the natural ageing process, as becoming disorientated or lost can be a very frightening experience if you are living alone.
Medical alert devices can be worn as a bracelet or a necklace, and both are equally as effective, so which should you choose for your loved one?
The Best Medical Alert Bracelet for Seniors
Think of a medical alert system as any sort of emergency button that is worn or carried upon a person. There are a range of different devices that are designed for use about the home and garden, where a base unit in the home is connected to a monitoring centre, or devices that are portable and allow for use outside the home.
Portable devices are usually worn as a bracelet or pendant, or a small, compact device that can be attached to clothing. You can find a life alert bracelet on Amazon to suit all budgets, but they may not have the ongoing support you’ll need, or they may be made cheaply so they will need replacing quickly. It’s important to do your research so you know what you’re buying.
A medical alert bracelet is ideal for those who are used to wearing a watch or something similar on their wrist and can be more convenient if the user leads a more active lifestyle. Wrist alarms are generally considered to be more discreet and stylish than pendants and can be more comfortable to wear during activities than something around the neck.
However, they may be easier to forget to put on than a pendant and can cause difficulties for those with limited dexterity.
A medical alert necklace on the other hand is easily accessible in a medical emergency and lightweight and comfortable to wear. They can be hidden under clothing if the wearer prefers something a little more discreet but can be more hazardous for those who partake in activities as they can snag or get caught. The best way to help you decide which is more suitable is to research different models and designs, compare the features and costs involved, and consider the individual’s needs and preferences.
Is There a Free Medical Alert Bracelet for Seniors?
Entirely free alert systems are rare, but there are options for subsidised or partially funded devices and programs that can assist with the costs involved.
There are certain government programs available that offer more affordable solutions, and it’s worth investigating your specific state or region to see if they offer any funding. Check government programs offered by Live Life Alarms or the MedicAlert Foundation for more affordable options.
The cost of any medical guardian, the term used by the company Medical Guardian that provides medical alert systems and monitoring services, can vary greatly. You’ll need to factor in on-going monitoring and renewal fees as well as the initial set-up costs when choosing the most appropriate alarm option for your loved one.
Most alarm systems come with upfront costs and monitoring fees which are usually payable on a monthly basis. You can find medical alert systems for seniors, no monthly fee required, and examples include products like our own brand SureSafeGo and LiveLife Alarms. These systems typically work by connecting you to family and friends rather than a monitoring service but will usually still include an initial fee and a yearly renewal fee.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a medical alert system is that it will provide the help you are looking for to keep your loved one safe and give you peace of mind.
