With today's seniors falling and injuring themselves at an alarming rate, the need for fast professional help becomes vital. How will you or your family members get the help they need in the event of an emergency? Will a friend or neighbor happen to walk by and check in on you or your family? Will you be able to use your phone to call for help? Will you be close enough to your phone when you fall and become immobilized? These are all important questions to consider when trying to decide what is best for you and your loved ones.

A Medical Alert System may be the solution that answers all of the above questions. These systems can be the difference between life and death when seconds count. Use the following guidelines in determining if one is right for your needs.

Answer all of the following questions honestly.

1) Are you 65 years of age or older and live alone?
2) Are you left alone for extended periods of time? Like trips to the store or doctors office.
3) Do you have a history of falls?
4) Do you take any medications that make you dizzy or off balance?
5) Do you use an assistive device such as a cane or walker?
6) Have you had a heart attack?
7) Have you suffered a stroke or TIA?
8) Do you have any other conditions that limit your mobility? (Diabetes, CHF, COPD, etc.)
9) Would you enjoy the piece of mind knowing that help is available 24/7/365?
10) Would you enjoy the freedom of living at home longer as opposed to moving to a nursing home?

How did you do?

Count how many times you answered "yes"?

0-1 - Probably could do without a medical alarm, but it would be a nice piece of safety equipment to have.

2-3 - Strongly suggested you have a medical alarm

More than 3 - It is vital! In your situation a medical alert system could be the difference between life and death.

With today's seniors, falling is a fact of life. Although there are ways to reduce the risk of falling there are still risks. It is up to you to decide if the risks are great enough to warrant the investment in medical monitoring. I hope this article helps you to make an informed decision.



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