Are you ever afraid that you or a loved one who is advanced in age will fall down the stairs, or suffer a cardiac event that leaves them disabled and unable to reach the phone? Or do you have a loved one of any age who is leaving the hospital that you are afraid to leave at home by themselves because they might not be able to get help when they need it? If either of these scenarios sound familiar and invoke fear in your heart than you may want to consider purchasing medical alert devices to help qualm your fears.
Medical alert devices have come a long way since they use to be bulky unfashionable push buttons that you had to carry in your pocket to use.
In fact, some are so streamlined now, that if you did not know any better, you would think you were simply purchasing a nice piece of jewelry for your loved one, which is course makes for an even better gift to yourself or loved one.
However, at the core of the jewelry, is the fact that even though it may look pretty, it also performs double duty by making sure that you or your loved ones are safe while wearing it.
There are three primary different kinds of medical alert devices.
The first is simple, and is usually just a pendant or tag that may be attached to a bracelet or necklace.
The purpose of this piece of jewelry is to alert a medic or emergency team to a serious medical condition you may have so that they can treat you effectively and immediately if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Many people with diabetes or epilepsy wear these types of identifying bracelets and find they blend right in with their clothing.
The next kind of alert device is more important if you think that your loved one may need to signal for medical attention, and might be physically unable to.
These devices also can come in the form of a necklace or watch, and have built in small buttons that will signal for help with the push of the button.
Usually, they have automatic tracking systems built in, so that a service provider can not only inform an emergency service that you need help, but pinpoint your location so that you receive the help you or a loved one needs promptly.
The last kind of medical alert devices work by electronically monitoring your condition, much like a monitoring system does at a hospital.
If something is off in your natural body rhythm that may be a sign of danger, such as a rapid heart rate in someone who suffers from heart disease, the device will automatically signal to medical authorities that you need help.
Both of these last two types of medical alert devices usually require a service plan, so if you think you are in need of this type of alert device, it is better to shop around and compare services before you sign a contract.