A medical alert system with a fall detection device allows you to call for help by pressing the button on an equipped help pendant. It uses accelerometers (the same technology that lets your smartphone rotate the screen when you turn it) to sense movement.
The device will then notify a monitoring center and send an emergency responder to your location. Depending on the system, you may also be able to cancel the automatic call.
Ease of Use
Fall detection devices are a great option for those with a history of falling, or anyone at risk of falls. The devices, which are typically worn as pendants around the neck, wristbands or built into smartwatches can be worn while at home, when out in the community and even during activities outside the house. The devices will send an alert if the user has fallen. They can also be used to track the user and provide a location for emergency responders.
The fall detection sensors are often made from accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect the sudden shift in gravity that occurs when someone falls. They can also be used to sense changes in barometric pressure. Most medical alert systems offer the option of adding fall detection technology to their service for an additional fee.
Many medical alert devices with fall detection feature a button that can be pressed to contact the monitoring center. Whether the device is at home or out in the community, the person will be able to speak with an emergency response associate who will evaluate their situation and request help if necessary. The system will also notify any family members or caregivers who are on their emergency contacts list that a fall has been detected. This can be important because if a person is unconscious or injured, they may not be able to press the button themselves.
Range
There are some medical alert systems that include fall detection as a standard feature, though this can add an additional monthly fee to the cost of the device and service. Some smartwatches also have fall detection built in.
The best medical alert systems with fall detection use sensors to detect a fall, and the alarm is sent to a call center where trained staff can send help if necessary. Most companies also allow users to manually contact loved ones or a monitoring center using two-way communication built into the devices, which can be helpful if the device doesn’t detect a fall or someone is unable to press the button.
Many of the devices we reviewed use an accelerometer, which measures acceleration, and a gyroscope to measure sudden shifts in G-force that can be indicative of a fall. They combine these with algorithms to determine if a user has fallen, even if they’re unconscious or too injured to press the help button themselves.
Lifeline offers its AutoAlert? fall detection technology bundled into its basic At Home system and its mobile-ready On the Go device for a flat rate of $10 extra per month. Its industry-leading device range of 1,400 feet, the longest on our list, is a big reason why we named it our top pick for medical alert systems with fall detection.
False Alarms
It’s no secret that medical alert devices can sometimes trigger false alarms. While these incidents aren’t the most common, they do happen. It’s important to know what to look for when choosing a fall detection device, such as whether it offers two-way communication and how easy it is to cancel a false alarm – for example by pushing another button or speaking with a representative.
Many providers offer a wide range of options including in-home, mobile and unmonitored systems. While some companies require a landline to work, others such as GreatCall? offer an on-the-go option that connects with a 24/7 live representative through its 5Star agents and can help call loved ones, 911 or a locksmith if needed.
Most fall detection devices use accelerometers to detect falls but some also include a barometer to measure changes in air pressure. The combination of these metrics determines if a fall has occurred or if it’s just an abrupt change in movement.
It’s also important to note that most fall detection sensors will recognize a hard impact more readily than gradual movements such as sliding out of a chair or dropping something. This can lead to a few false alarms but most providers will not penalize their customers if they accidentally trigger a false alarm. In fact, most will encourage users to test their device monthly for the best results.
Battery Life
With wearable sensors getting more and more sophisticated, some companies are working to prevent falls in the first place by detecting telltale signs. “The holy grail of prevention is to detect a fall before it happens,” Fabry says. “And I think we’re moving closer to that.”
For example, some companies are adding the ability to monitor a patient’s activity in their home and on the go through mobile GPS technology. While this is not a cure-all for all medical alert systems, it does offer some extra peace of mind for loved ones who may worry about their elders falling and being unable to press the emergency button.
https://personalmedicalalarm.com/medical-alert-alarm/ Medical alert systems that include automatic fall detection typically use accelerometers that are able to distinguish between a real fall and other movements, such as climbing stairs or taking something off a shelf. Once the sensors register the movement and hard impact of a fall, they send an alert to the device manufacturer’s monitoring center, which contacts 911 or other emergency services on behalf of the user.
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Adding fall detection to a medical alert system is usually an add-on that costs $5 to $10 per month, depending on the company. For instance, LifeFone?’s AutoAlert? fall detection is included in the HomeSafe? and On The Go bundled plans for as little as $5 per month. It is also available on a standalone basis for as low as $10 per month.
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