Falls are a large problem for the elderly. 1 in 3 people over the age of 60 experience at least one fall per year.
Both minor and major falls can cause life-long health problems and extensive stays in hospitals. In some cases, falls can be fatal. This is worsened when help cannot be contacted immediately and the person may be left in a vulnerable situation for hours.
Fortunately, medical alert alarms can help.
Although personal medical alarms cannot prevent falls, they can help the person get in contact with help quickly. This may decrease the amount of time spent fallen and long-term health consequences.
What We Will Cover
What Is A Personal Medical Alarm System?
Personal medical alarms are portable electronic devices that you carry on yourself at all times. As they are small and light, personal medical alarms are very easy to carry.
These discrete medical alarms have a large tactile button in the centre that is designed to be easy to press down.
If the user were to have a fall or health complication, they would simply press the large button.
Once pressed, the medical alarm sends a message to a care team, who would be able to get the user assistance as soon as possible.
Personal medical alarms offer wireless cellular data connection on the 4G Telstra network. This means that the devices do not need WiFi or a phoneline to operate.
Who Can Benefit From Medical Alarms?
Although personal alarm systems are most often used by elderly people, many people can benefit from a medical alarm!
Individuals with disabilities, long-term health problems or mobility problems may benefit from a medical alarm, no matter their age.
Lone workers, young children and individuals that live alone may also benefit from medical alarms.
Not only do personal alarms provide peace of mind for the user, but also for family and loved ones.
What Types Of Medical Alert Alarms Are Available?
There are many types of personal medical alert alarms currently available.
These range from alarms used exclusively inside the home, to those used when the user is out and about.
Home Companion
The Home Companion is a type of personal alarm base unit that is specifically designed to be used exclusively within the home.
The Home Companion can be used in conjunction with either the Pearl Pendant, Pearl Fall Detection Pendant, Pearl Wriststrap, or Wall Mount Help Button.
In normal operation, the emergency button has dimly backlit lights underneath, so the base unit can be easily located in the dark.
The lights underneath the button will illuminate if the emergency button is pressed. This provides reassurance that the alert has been received and help is on the way.
Pearl Pendant
The Pearl Pendant is a discrete personal medical alarm with a hypoallergenic, surgical grade stainless steel chain. The Pearl Pendant is designed to be worn around the neck.
This device has a large emergency button. Once activated, the outer ring of the Pearl Pendant illuminates and flashes, indicating that the alert has been received by the base unit.
The Pearl Pendant is hot water and shock-proof, which means the user can wear it at all times, including in bed, shower, and bath, which is where most falls happen.
As the device is so small and light, wearing the Pearl Pendant is unobtrusive and discrete.
The Pearl Pendant requires the Home Companion base unit to operate.
Pearl Fall Detection Pendant
The Pearl Fall Detection Pendant is similar to the Pearl Pendant with the big difference being that the Pearl Fall Detection Pendant includes fall detection technology.
This medical alarm was specifically designed to detect hard falls when someone collapses and they may not get an opportunity to press the pendant button, possibly preventing them from being left unconscious without assistance.
Alternatively, users can press the large emergency button to get help.
The Pearl Fall Detection Pendant requires the Home Companion base unit to operate.
Pearl Wriststrap
The Pearl Wriststrap is a portable personal alarm with a durable polyurethane strap. Designed to be worn around the wrist, the Pearl Wriststrap fits most wrist sizes.
The Pearl Wriststrap has a large emergency button. Once activated, the outer ring of the Pearl Wriststrap illuminates and flashes.
Like the Pearl Pendant, the Pearl Wriststrap is hot water and shock-proof and can be worn in bed, shower and bath.
The Pearl Wriststrap requires the Home Companion base unit to operate.
Wall Mount Help Button
Unlike the other types of medical alarms, the Wall Mount Help Button is not portable. Instead, this alarm is fixed to a wall.
The Wall Mount Help Button has a large red emergency button.
This device has a water and splash-proof design, with an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial button.
The Wall Mount Help Button requires the Home Companion base unit to operate.
Away Companion
The Away Companion is a stand-alone 4G medical alarm. This means it doesn’t require a base unit. The Away Companion has been specifically designed to be used outside of the home.
The Away Companion works anywhere in Australia with Telstra 4G mobile coverage, making help accessible wherever you are.
This 4G medical alarm also includes automatic fall detection, with real-time emergency GPS locating and tracking.
As the device is waterproof, it can be worn in the shower and bath.
This personal medical alarm offers low battery alarms to remind the user to charge the device.
How Do Personal Alarms Work?
Although they may sound complicated, personal medical alarms are easy to use and operate.
Home Companion
When a compatible device is activated, it will connect to the Home Companion.
Then, the Home Companion transmits an alarm to the APERS 24/7 Care Team and will open a two-way voice channel via the Home Companion. The Care Team will speak to the user to determine what assistance is required.
Depending on the nature of the emergency, the Care Team will notify a pre-determined emergency contact or emergency services.
Away Companion
The Away Companion works similarly to the Home Companion.
During an emergency, pressing the emergency button on the Away Companion will send an alert to our 24/7 Care Team. The Care Team will also receive the devices last known GPS location.
The Care Team will then open a two-way voice channel directly to the Away Companion and will speak to the user to determine what assistance is required.
The Care Team will either notify a designated emergency contact or emergency services.
What Personal Alarm Should I Choose?
What personal medical alarm you should choose depends on your circumstances.
If the user stays home most of the time, the Home Companion would be a great choice. This is as it is designed for exclusive use within the home.
Whether you use the Pearl Pendant or Pearl Wriststrap is up to personal preference. Some people may find it easier to activate the device when it is around the neck or wrist.
If the user frequently leaves the home, the Away Companion would be more suitable. This is as the Away Companion is specifically designed to operate anywhere in Australia with a stable 4G Telstra network.
If you are not sure which personal medical alarm would work best for you, get in contact with our team of experts today.
Where Can I Buy A Personal Alarm?
Purchasing a personal medical alarm is easy.
Medical alarms can be purchased from trusted suppliers, such as APERS.
APERS supply and monitor medical alarms Australia-wide.
To purchase a device, simply call APERS on 1300 852 148 or contact us via our website.
How Much Does A Personal Alarm Cost?
The price of personal medical alerts depends on which device is purchased.
As personal alarms are essential for seniors in Australia, these devices are generally affordable.
The pricing of each device is available on their respective product page.
At APERS, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If the user thinks the device isn’t suitable, they can return the product within 30 days of purchase.
To suit the users’ budget, APERS offers different payment options, including renting or buying the device.
At APERS, we provide 24/7 monitoring Australia-wide.
This ensures that we are there and available at all times, no matter the situation or time of day.
We currently monitor medical alarms for many providers of in-home care packages, as well as for end-users.
If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us or call our friendly team on 1300 852 148.
