More Options Available For Home Monitoring Systems

Elderly home alarm systems have more options available than ever before. The primary focus of these devices is to alert monitoring personnel whenever medical emergencies occur. But there is an increasing amount of service and function options that will further protect an elderly friend or loved one.

A standard no-frills senior medical alert system consists of a receiver plugged into a home phone line, a medical alert bracelet or pendant and a central monitoring station manned by emergency response personnel. When the alert button on a necklace or bracelet is pushed, a signal is transmitted to the receiver which in turn alerts the monitoring station. At this point, two-way communication will open up between monitoring station personnel and the subject. From there, appropriate action will be taken by responders.

However, there is an increasing variety of add-ons that can be chosen to supplement the basic features of a medical response system. The latest personal emergency response systems seem to cover just about every base. Fire protection, inactivity monitors and even flood detection are among the services offered by many companies specializing in senior alarm systems.

Beyond the Basics

It is advisable for a prospective purchaser to research companies that provide home emergency monitoring services to find out what they offer. A purchaser might start out with a basic system, but may desire to add services at some point. Here are some of the personal emergency monitoring options available:

Fall Detectors: These can be in the form of pressure mats located around chairs, beds, bathrooms and other strategic places around a dwelling. Abnormal pressure on one of these mats from a fall will alert the monitoring station. Another type of fall detector is a device called an accelerometer that is worn on the subject's body, usually around the waist. This device will pick up on sudden or abnormal movements, and automatically alert monitors in the process.

Inactivity Monitors: These can be just as important as fall detectors. Working much like a motion sensor, if no movement is detected for a set period of time within a subject's dwelling, this device will alert monitoring personnel.

Fire Protection: Wireless sensors in the dwelling will alert the subject and the monitoring station if smoke is detected. Local fire and rescue personnel will be notified immediately.

Alzheimer's Monitoring: Pressure mats or sensors can be placed in strategic locations around an Alzheimer's patient's residence. This will alert monitoring personnel if there is an attempt to leave the dwelling or access areas that may be off limits.

Medication Alerting: An audible voice or signal transmitted by the receiver unit conveying to the resident it is time to take their medication. The reminder deactivates once the resident indicates the medication has been taken.

Another offering by some emergency monitoring companies is the aforementioned flood protection service, which is a sensor system that can detect if water is left running from a faucet. Also, carbon monoxide detectors are available which will alert responders if this deadly odorless gas reaches a certain level.

New technological advances are always on the horizon for home personal safety systems. Next stop: Wireless monitoring that transmits blood pressure and other vital signs to a monitoring station.

By: C Roberts

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Christine L Roberts, vice president of marketing for ResponseLink, is the author of this article about medical alert systems and emergency response for seniors. ResponseLink offers protection during a personal emergency through 24-hour emergency medical help available at the press of a button.