Did you know that in a recent survey by the National Institute of Aging (NIA), 100% of Canadians over the age of 65 stated that they wanted to stay in their own homes for as long as possible rather than move into a nursing home? 

Who can blame them? After all, the comfort, peace, protection, and safety felt in one’s own home is unmatched anywhere else. However, for elderly Canadians, staying at home alone or even with a caregiver can pose several risks that can be detrimental to their health and safety.

Thankfully, medical alert systems, designed specifically for seniors, can help mitigate risk by offering peace of mind, independence, and security for both your beloved elders, as well as their caregivers.

What Is A Medical Alert System? 

A medical alert system is a device that can give off a distress signal or alarm in case of a medical emergency. The alerts go out to family members, caregivers, and even medical response units notifying them that something has gone wrong and that the patient needs immediate assistance.

Today, these medical alert system's for seniors are installed with sophisticated software such as GPS technology, voice recognition, data monitoring, and even motion sensors that track and record a senior patient's activity throughout the day and night. This type of tracking and record-keeping is something that even full-time caregivers will struggle to provide.

Some systems are also equipped with automatic fall detection. If the patient falls, an emergency call is automatically connected monitoring centre. This ensures that help can arrive as quickly as possible.

Most medical alert systems have a panic button that if pressed will trigger an alarm and connect a call to a 24/7 emergency monitoring center. The situation of the patient is then quickly accessed over the 2-way speaker and if medical attention is deemed necessary, a medical team is dispatched immediately to the patient. 

Emergency alert systems make it possible for seniors to live on their own without worrying about their children and family members. With such solutions, the family can have peace of mind knowing that if anything happens they will be alerted right away. These accessories are also great for nursing homes, memory facilities, or other group communities, where a person may encounter emergencies.

What Are The Best Medical Alerts For Seniors In Canada?

If your elderly loved one is insistent on wanting to continue to stay at home and you are concerned about their safety, investing in medical alert systems can be the best way for both of you to be happy.

This is why we have compiled a list of the three best medical alert systems for seniors in Canada.

1. Northwood Intouch - Automatic Fall Detection Pendant

These lightweight instruments, easy-to-use, fall detection pendants are discrete and perfect for seniors who are getting on in age and are having trouble with mobility and maintaining balance. Experience confidence, and reliability for your family member, or friend.

Equipped with a panic help button as well as a motion sensor that can detect a fall, this device will automatically call the monitoring centre (emergency services) even if the wearer is unconscious.

The unit connects to a regular telephone jack (landline) but one can also use cellular options if needed based on coverage areas.

The device is especially useful for seniors that have recently been discharged from the hospital and may feel weak requiring additional support. The device is also essential for people with medical conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinsons', Dementia, MS, or diabetes. It is vital for all seniors who live alone at home to have a reliable connection to emergency help. That is why this equipment, such as these affordable necklaces, offer so much value.

Pros

• Lightweight, discreet, unisex design.
• Water-resistant – should be worn in the bath or shower.
• Automatic low battery warnings.
• Break-away lanyard
• 24/7 monitoring
• $55 monthly total cost
• No term contract or upfront fees
• Cancel anytime
• Northwood is a trusted Canadian company with decades of experience.

3. Basic Personal Alarms

These wearable medical alert devices are portable and often worn around the wrist or neck. All basic personal alarms have a panic button that you can push for any sort of emergency, whether it be medical, fire, or even a home invasion. The base unit connects to your phone jack (or cellular network - number for those who require it) while a built-in two-way speaker allows for hands-free voice communication.

These basic personal alarms are a must-have for all seniors in Canada. Apart from the emergency aspect, basic personal alarms also offer numerous other features that are extremely useful. 

Pros

• 24/7 monitoring
• 2-way speaker
• Waterproof panic button
• Lightweight design
• Long battery life 
• Backup battery for the base unit - up to 24 hours
• $43 per month total cost
• No term contract or upfront fees

Wrapping Up The Best Medical Alert Product For Seniors

There are generally three types of medical alert systems. Automatic fall detection systems, mobile medical alert systems, and home-based medical alert systems.

Each of these comes with its own set of advantages and benefits. However, no matter which one you choose it will help make a considerable difference in your elderly loved ones' life.

The products mentioned on this list are the best medical alert systems for seniors in Canada today. To learn if any of these devices are right for your situation, please give us a call at (902)-492-3346 or 1-800-461-3346 to learn more.