Medical alert systems can work wonders for people as they age or even if they have a medical condition that could put them in an emergency situation. These devices are made usually as wearables to help connect the user to reliable operators with only the touch of a button. This way, the user is always able to call for help when they need it.
However, like anything else, there are pros and cons that you need to understand to make the best choice for you. Here, we’ll break down all the major pros and cons of investing in a medical alert system and its operations.
Pros: Added Safety
The primary goal of a medical alert system is to help keep the wearer safe with an easy access to support in the case of emergency. The last thing anyone wants for themselves or a loved one is for a medical emergency to happen to them while they’re alone and they aren’t able to contact anyone for help.
That’s the main benefit of a medical alert system: they’re there to help you even when you’re in an emergency where you may not be able to move much. They’re often wearables as well, so you don’t have to worry about being too far away from the button you’d press for help. With features like fall detection, many medical alert systems can now call for help even if you don’t provide direct input.
Cons: Potential for Failure
As technology, there are a variety of potential failings that can arise from medical alert systems. On the other hand, it’s worth noting that medical alert systems are designed to limit these failings as much as possible to ensure the maximum level of safety for users.
Some of the most common problems that might befall your medical alert device include a loss of signal much like a phone, a dead battery, or problems with advanced features such as automatic fall detection failing.
While these problems rarely occur, a bigger problem is user compliance. Medical alert devices are made to be easy to use but this doesn’t do much if you never actually wear the device. If you or a loved one have a medical alert bracelet, make sure that you’re familiar with how to use it and keep it on you at all times.
Pros: User-Friendly
As we just said, the biggest failure of technology – even if it isn’t a medical alert system – is often a misunderstanding from the person who is using the technology. That’s why if you get a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to make sure that the user understands how it works and knows exactly what to do in the case of an emergency.
The good news and what makes this a pro rather than a con is that since medical alert systems are targeted towards a demographic that isn’t known for being quite as tech-savvy, the devices are made to be easy to use and user-friendly. Usually, you only have to press a single button to get the help you need.
Some devices are even designed to do all the work for the user. For instance, systems with automatic fall detection will alert help as soon as the user has an accident.
Cons: Singular Purpose
One of the downsides of a medical alert bracelet is that it is an investment into a system with a single purpose. Unlike a smartphone, you aren’t going to be able to use a medical alert system to serve other purposes while also calling for help.
That being said, this actually has some advantages. Primarily, it means that the devices are simpler and you won’t have as high of a risk that something will go wrong or cause it to malfunction. Again, simplicity is also something that makes these devices user-friendly so they can be operated in a pinch.
Pros: Multiple Different Types and Models Available
Not everyone’s medical alert system needs are the same. That’s why it’s so good that there are plenty of different types and models of medical alert systems available! This wide selection will help you choose exactly what you need to fit you or your loved one’s lifestyle.
On top of this, so many different options also come at varying prices. This will allow you to work within your budget and find something that does what you need it to and works reliably but doesn’t come at a cost that you may not have available at the moment.
Read More: The Top New Medical Technologies So Far
Conclusion/Final Thoughts
Medical alert devices, overall, have pros and cons just like anything else you might buy. Yet, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to keeping the user safe, secure, and with help readily available the moment it’s needed.
