I never go anywhere without my mobile phone. I’m willing to bet you’re the same way. Contrary to popular belief, this is the same for seniors. Gone are the days of confused old grandmas shaking their heads in consternation at those young whippersnappers chatting with their friends on those confusing contraptions. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have one, regardless of their age.
Because mobile phones are so portable, and you can contact anyone in a matter of seconds, many people have been predicting the downfall of the medical alert system industry. After all, if you can just call someone on your cell phone, why would you also need a medical alert device?
Well, medical alert systems have been holding their own, and they’re going to continue to be relevant in 2018. The industry is even projected to grow.
Surprised? Keep reading and you’ll see why medical alert systems are just as relevant today as the day the first system was launched a few decades ago.
Modern technology isn’t built for emergency situations
Why does your mobile phone exist? Why did Apple create the Apple Watch? These devices were certainly created to make life easier and more enjoyable, but they weren’t created with your safety in mind.
We’ve talked about this on the blog before. The case against mobile phones lies in the fact that they are highly portable.
But wait!
Wouldn’t that make it the perfect medical alert device?
Maybe.
If only you always remembered to have it with you. I’m willing to bet you don’t take it with you when you go to the bathroom. You probably forget to put it in your pocket when you do a little gardening outside. And what’s the big deal if it’s on the kitchen table while you’re watching TV in the living room! Hopefully, I’ve made my point.
Well then, the Apple Watch should solve all your problems. You wear it on your wrist, so it should always be there to help in an emergency situation!
It’s not as emergency-friendly as you think either.
Let’s start with the fact that it needs to be charged, just like a cell phone. You can’t wear it while it’s charging. The latest model takes 2.5 hours to charge fully. Hopefully, you don’t experience an emergency while it’s in the charging cradle.
Here’s a question: What exactly would you do if you did experience an emergency? Call a loved one? Dial 911? Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that you’re conscious enough to get the device to work the way you want. What if your loved one doesn’t answer? Are you going to be able to answer all the questions the 911 operator has for you in an emergency?
A medical alert system is with you 24/7. Devices have extremely long battery lives, literally years, in some cases, and all you have to do is push a button. No searching for numbers and giving emergency operators your address.
For these reasons alone, medical alert systems are still extremely relevant. But why stop there!
Medical alert systems are evolving
When you think of a medical alert system, what comes to mind? Probably the commercial of that little old lady who falls and pushes a button that’s connected to a base station in her home. These medical alert systems still exist, and they’re a good choice for some, but don’t let that one device fool you into thinking that it’s the only option out there.
The best medical alert devices are, dare we say it, cooler than ever!
First, let’s start with the fact that devices can include fall detection, which means you don’t have to push a button to get help. The act of falling is all it takes to alert emergency personnel to your situation. Can you do that with your cell phone?
Did you know that some devices come with apps? That enables family members to be more involved in their loved one’s care.
How about the fact that portable devices are GPS enabled? There’s no need to share your location with emergency responders. They already know where to find you.
Some devices don’t look like medical alert systems at all. The GreatCall Lively Wearable is a good example. It looks more like an Apple Watch, but it provides you with the same benefits as a medical alert system. It even does some cool things, like provide its wearer with fitness tracking and daily challenges for mind and body.
As devices continue to evolve, they will include additional features like Wi-Fi, so you can connect directly to the internet. GPS capabilities will be expanded so family members can track down loved ones with medical conditions that leave them prone to wandering.
Medical alert systems are here to stay
I’m getting some serious James Bond vibes from the medical alert devices of the future!
No wonder the market is projected to reach a whopping $11.1 billion by 2025.