COULD YOU BENEFIT FROM AN APERS MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM?

Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are designed to help elderly individuals or those who suffer from a disability or chronic health condition maintain their confidence and independence. 54% of adults said that they or someone they care about use a medical alert system. A medical alert system such as the APERS Home Companion works by establishing two-way communication between the caller and the care team in an emergency. These operators are specially trained to ascertain the situation and, if required, call a nominated response contact to provide assistance or emergency services on your behalf.

There are many risks and situational factors to consider when deciding if a medical alert system is the right fit for your circumstances. Here is a list of factors to consider if a medical alert system could benefit you or a loved one.

FREQUENT FALLING

On average, one in three individuals over 65 will have a debilitating fall each year. Due to physical, sensory, and cognitive changes, 20–30% of falls result in moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head trauma in the older population.

With such a high possibility of a major injury from a fall, a medical alarm with fall detection such as the APERS Freedom Friend can prove invaluable by automatically calling for help when a fall takes place. Falls can differ based on severity and location. Falling on grass or carpet will produce less impact than falling on concrete or tiles. Knowing where a fall is likely to occur can help you plan for potential injuries that may result. Fall detection includes different levels of sensitivity for different lifestyles. But, this is no guarantee that it will automatically set off an alarm for every fall. APERS recommend using fall detection as a backup and ensuring you always press the manual button if you have a tumble and need assistance.

RECOVERING FROM SURGERY, ILLNESS OR INJURY

When recovering alone or when limited to part-time care, a medical alert system can provide a way for patients to call for emergency assistance when left on their own or when they need help. This can reduce the amount of supervision needed during recovery while still maintaining a critical level of support.

It can take over six months to fully recover after being discharged from the hospital. During the recovery period at home, feelings of instability, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath can be common occurrences. Medications and injuries may affect mobility and balance, which also increase the risk of falling.

NEWLY INDEPENDENT

One in four older Australians (65+) live alone. For the newly independent, it can be tough to adjust to a lesser degree of care and assistance from others. Many independent living individuals continue to live in the same manner they have previously, but have not considered what they would do if they started experiencing severe pain, debilitating illness, difficulties breathing, falls, or other incapacitating injuries/conditions.

An estimated 82% of falls in the elderly population occur when they are alone. Receiving assistance promptly after an injury reduces the chances of further complications. If a fall, life-threatening emergency or immobilisation happens, it can problematic when there is no one around to help. Injuries and illnesses can fester when left untreated resulting in lengthier recovery times. A medical alert system provides an avenue to a live operator if an incident occurs when self-assistance is not possible and medical attention is required.

AT RISK OF A STROKE OR HEART ATTACK

Strokes and heart attacks can both strike suddenly and can kill within minutes. In the event of a stroke or heart attack, a medical alarm establishes two-way communication with our customer care team, who can then provide the relevant information to emergency services so they can be dispatched more efficiently to your location.

Those who have experienced a stroke are 15 times more likely to suffer another stroke and one in five heart attack sufferers have a second incident within five years. These conditions can quickly cause incapacitation and require immediate assistance as soon as the warning signs are recognised. Upon the recognition of any warning signs, a medical alert system makes contacting emergency services quick and efficient through our customer care team. Confidential information such as your address is kept on file, ready to give to dispatchers.

DIAGNOSED WITH A NEW MEDICAL CONDITION

Upon receiving a diagnosis of a new medical condition that may affect health or mobility, it is important to ask the doctor if a medical alert device is right for you. Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Epilepsy are just some examples of conditions that can affect movement and balance. Different medical alert systems provide varying levels of support and features, which is why consulting an APERS care representative to discuss which device best suit your lifestyle requirements.

NEXT STEPS

Having a medical alert system offers peace of mind. If you recognise these signs in a loved one or have any questions about how a medical alarm may help, please contact us on 1300 852 148 or email contact@apers.com.au