Although they were the first generation who vowed never to grow old, baby-boomers have reneged on that promise. As this demographic group inevitably ages, retaining personal independence becomes increasingly important. All seniors eventually face the unique issues of the elderly, including the possibility of a serious medical emergency. Having access to a cellular medical alarm with GPS helps eliminate those concerns.
Each year, roughly one third of all citizens over 65 will fall. Some try to hide these incidents from physicians and family members in order to retain personal independence as long as possible. Unfortunately, falls are the leading cause of serious injury to seniors, and may result in permanent disabilities or long hospital stays. If an incident occurs when home alone, badly needed help may arrive late or not at all.
Demand for a personal, easy-to-use alarm system that automatically summons an ambulance originally prompted the earliest development of these devices. Pioneering models used a simple network featuring a remotely activated speaker phone. When active, it could connect directly via a hands-free land line to an emergency dispatch center. This was a great improvement, but still had limited range and portability issues.
Not long afterward, companies began to offer communications pendants that could be worn. When the user pushed a button, the pendant also connected to a speaker phone, which would then automatically call. These models are still popular, and now also include special sensor technology that completes calls even when the user is unable to speak. Some providers operate their own call centers, while others connect directly to 911.
While that technology is quite helpful, there have been recent updates adding services unavailable just a few years ago. The same principles that made these alarms so popular for home use are now able to summon help no matter where the wearer goes. The new devices link personal, portable units to a cell phone network having GPS location capabilities.
Although there are major privacy concerns about digital technology, this type of personal tracking has proven popular with concerned family members. GPS tracking is already standard on most smart-phones sold today, and the reality is that most users do not take the time to deactivate the service because it can be beneficial. The same cell-tower triangulation methods are used by alarm companies to locate users quickly and accurately.
If a person is confused or sick, pushing a button not only displays location, but can also relay helpful personal information. Calls are limited only by the availability of cell coverage, and allow users immediate personal communications with an emergency center worker. As an added advantage, these devices are not awkward to hold, are easy to read, and are usually waterproof.
Some centers are even beginning to transmit important personal medical information to first responders before they actually arrive. If a senior citizen is unable to say where he actually is, help can still on the way within a few short minutes. Although these devices require recharging every few days, that is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that assistance is available when needed.
Each year, roughly one third of all citizens over 65 will fall. Some try to hide these incidents from physicians and family members in order to retain personal independence as long as possible. Unfortunately, falls are the leading cause of serious injury to seniors, and may result in permanent disabilities or long hospital stays. If an incident occurs when home alone, badly needed help may arrive late or not at all.
Demand for a personal, easy-to-use alarm system that automatically summons an ambulance originally prompted the earliest development of these devices. Pioneering models used a simple network featuring a remotely activated speaker phone. When active, it could connect directly via a hands-free land line to an emergency dispatch center. This was a great improvement, but still had limited range and portability issues.
Not long afterward, companies began to offer communications pendants that could be worn. When the user pushed a button, the pendant also connected to a speaker phone, which would then automatically call. These models are still popular, and now also include special sensor technology that completes calls even when the user is unable to speak. Some providers operate their own call centers, while others connect directly to 911.
While that technology is quite helpful, there have been recent updates adding services unavailable just a few years ago. The same principles that made these alarms so popular for home use are now able to summon help no matter where the wearer goes. The new devices link personal, portable units to a cell phone network having GPS location capabilities.
Although there are major privacy concerns about digital technology, this type of personal tracking has proven popular with concerned family members. GPS tracking is already standard on most smart-phones sold today, and the reality is that most users do not take the time to deactivate the service because it can be beneficial. The same cell-tower triangulation methods are used by alarm companies to locate users quickly and accurately.
If a person is confused or sick, pushing a button not only displays location, but can also relay helpful personal information. Calls are limited only by the availability of cell coverage, and allow users immediate personal communications with an emergency center worker. As an added advantage, these devices are not awkward to hold, are easy to read, and are usually waterproof.
Some centers are even beginning to transmit important personal medical information to first responders before they actually arrive. If a senior citizen is unable to say where he actually is, help can still on the way within a few short minutes. Although these devices require recharging every few days, that is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that assistance is available when needed.