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If you or a loved one is at risk of personal
injury or illness while at home, but want to remain independent,
it is a good idea to consider wearing a personal alarm. These small
alarms are worn around the neck or wrist and have a panic button
that can call for help. There are several options to consider when
choosing a personal medical alarm.
Usually this type of alarm is marketed to the
elderly who want to be free to live on their own, yet do face
greater risks of serious injury due to falls in the home, or sudden
illness. However, we are all at risk of falling down the stairs
and breaking a hip or leg. It is now possible to link a personal
alarm to some monitored residential security systems. If you have
a First Alert alarm system, you can buy an additional wireless
unit that can connect you to the monitoring center no matter where
you are in the house. This personal alarm can be clipped to your
clothes or worn around the neck.
Other types of medical alarms can either connect
you instantly to 9-1-1, or dial a phone number on a preselected
call list. Some units have base stations that allow voice communication
or you can choose a model that will transmit a prerecorded message.
Autodial systems can be purchased for around $200. Systems that
are monitored by live operators, similar to burglar alarm systems,
have monthly fees that range from $25-$40. There is even a sophisticated
unit that monitors vital signs and transmits the data to a call
center.
There are other types of small personal alarms
that can provide added security. Panic alarms can be clipped to
clothing or attached to a key chain. These alarms usually emit
a loud noise when activated as a way to scare away threats. These
are good for anyone out alone, whether for a run or walking across
campus. Scared that your child may wander off when you’re
out in public or crowded places then you may consider using a
child safety alarm that will alert you if they get too far away.
In the event of any kind of emergency, it is important
to get an immediate response to your call for help. Any device
that can alert a neighbor, relative or emergency personnel to
come to your aid is a valuable tool, regardless of how old you
are. With the many advances in technology, and the variety of
options available, a personal alarm is worth considering for your
own health and safety.
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