Monitoring and Alert Systems for Seniors

Senior monitoring and alert systems
 are used in a variety of different settings.

Studies show one of the most pressing concerns for seniors is whether they will be able to stay in their own homes as they grow older. Most people want to be able to age in place and not have their independence affected. While this is possible for most people as they age, often times they may need some additional monitoring so caregivers and concerned family members can know they are safe. These concerns can range from falls in the home to having a loved one wander off and not know where they are. The good news is there is a variety of different monitoring systems which can help to make sure your loved one can still be at home but also receive help if they need it.

Senior monitoring and alert systems are used in a variety of different settings. These can include a lot of different locations from care centers to assisted living apartments. However, more and more people are installing them in private homes in order to make sure their elderly family member has the resources which he or she needs if there is a problem. There are many different types of monitoring and alert systems for individuals as they grow older and need more care. Knowing what the options are will help you to choose the right one to fit the needs of the senior in your life.

• Wander management-This is probably the newest type of monitoring available. This is used by both care facilities and at home. This type of monitoring alerts a caregiver if someone is wandering to close to an exit or unsafe area. This is especially important for those individuals who may be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s and are not aware of their surroundings all the time. Many of these systems are also equipped with GPS so if the person wearing it does wander off they can quickly be found. 

• Vital statistics-This type of monitoring and alert system is used primarily in senior centers and assisted living facilities. This is a system which is used for patients who have serious health issues that need continual monitoring. For example-If someone has a blood sugar or blood pressure spike an alarm will sound which will allow the appropriate medical personnel to respond quickly. This type of monitoring is usually placed in a pendant or watch allowing the wearer to be monitored without reducing their mobility by tethering them to a traditional monitoring device. 

• Fall management-Most caregivers are concerned with their elderly loved one falling. This is a real and valid concern. Studies show seniors who fall and have to be hospitalized have longer and thereby more expensive hospital stays then for any other reason. There are many different types of fall alert systems which can range from a pendant that is warn to signal for help to high tech alerts which can be put into the floor to alert a caregiver. Many times cameras are installed so if a fall occurs then the individual can receive help right away thus eliminating the worry about being stranded after a fall. 

Further Reading: 

How To Choose Home Monitoring Systems For the Elderly

Why Consider a Monitoring System For the Elderly

Home Monitoring Systems For the Elderly


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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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