Medical Alert Systems: A Safety Net or False Sense of Security?

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, with one in four adults over 65 experiencing a fall each year [1, 3, 7]. In critical moments following a fall, stroke, or cardiac arrest, every second counts [2]. Medical alert systems offer a potential solution, providing a way to quickly summon help. But are these systems a true safety net, or do they offer a false sense of security? This blog explores the pros and cons of medical alert systems, helping you make an informed decision about whether they are right for you or your loved ones.

Understanding Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are devices designed to connect users with emergency assistance at the push of a button [1, 7]. They can be worn as pendants, bracelets, or integrated into the home as stationary units [1]. Pressing the button connects the user to a trained emergency response operator who can assess the situation and dispatch help [1, 37]. Modern systems offer features like automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and integration with smartphones [1].

The Benefits: A True Safety Net

Immediate Access to Help: Medical alert systems provide quick access to emergency assistance, which can be lifesaving [1, 2]. In the event of a fall or sudden health issue, users don’t have to struggle to reach a phone or wait for someone to notice their distress [1].
Faster Response Times: Medical alert systems ensure a faster response time from emergency personnel, potentially minimizing the severity of the situation and improving overall health outcomes [2, 26]. Survival rates after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest improve by 7–10% for every minute of early intervention, underscoring just how vital rapid response can be [2].
Fall Detection: Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors [1, 3]. Medical alert systems equipped with fall detection sensors can automatically trigger an emergency call if a fall is detected [1]. This is especially beneficial for those who may lose consciousness or be unable to press the button manually [1].
GPS Tracking: For individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments, wandering and getting lost are serious concerns [1]. Medical alert systems with GPS tracking can provide caregivers with real-time location information, making it easier to locate a loved one quickly if they become disoriented [1].
Enhanced Independence: Medical alert systems empower older adults to live with greater independence [2, 3]. Knowing help is readily available empowers them to engage in everyday activities confidently [2, 9].
Peace of Mind: Medical alert systems provide peace of mind for both users and their families [1, 6, 7]. Emergency contacts often report a sense of relief and security knowing that their loved ones can access help promptly in an emergency [2].
Caregiver Support: While medical alert systems are designed to support users directly, they also provide significant benefits for caregivers [1]. Long-distance caregivers, in particular, can struggle with anxiety and stress, as they cannot be physically present to respond to emergencies [1].
Cost-Effectiveness: Medical alert systems are considerably cheaper than assisted living facilities [2]. By using these systems, individuals can avoid the large expenses tied to continuous care or live-in facilities while maintaining independence and access to emergency services [2]. Monthly fees generally start around $20 and can go up to $60 or more [4].

The Drawbacks: A Potential False Sense of Security

Limitations of Fall Detection: Fall detection devices are generally accurate at detecting falls, but they can have trouble detecting slow or low falls [25]. No fall detection system works perfectly 100% of the time [25]. Studies show that fall detection devices accuracy ranges from 80% to 95% depending on the device [30].
False Alarms: False alarms can be a significant issue with medical alert systems [11, 23, 31]. Inadvertently pressing the emergency device alert button can cause a false alarm [23]. Some systems allow you to cancel a call to the help center if a user presses the button accidentally [12, 19].
User Compliance: Fall detection devices only work when the user wears them and takes good care of them [5]. Sometimes, older adults reject the idea of a pendant or other device [5].
Technical Issues: Medical alert systems can be subject to technical limitations, including dead batteries, loss of phone service, and system malfunctions [5, 10].
Privacy Concerns: Some individuals fear that using a medical alert system means surrendering their privacy [11, 34, 38]. About 53% of people surveyed feel that such a system would invade their privacy [11].
Reliance on Technology: Alert systems are connected to your phone or similar devices and run the risk of the individual going into a remote area with little to no service [28].
Potential for Negligence: There have been cases where a medical device’s failure has been considered wrongful death [39]. The issue always will be to prove that if the alert had worked and someone had gotten there sooner, would that have made a difference [39]?

Making the Right Choice

When choosing a medical alert system, it’s important to consider the following factors [14, 25]:

Features: Look at battery life, coverage range, fall detection, and GPS protection [14].
Monitoring: Decide whether you want a monitored or unmonitored system [13, 15]. Monitored systems connect you to a response center, while unmonitored systems connect directly to 911 or designated contacts [13].
Cost: Compare the costs of different systems, including equipment fees, monthly fees, and activation fees [4, 18].
Contracts: Check whether long-term contracts are required [4].
Comfort and Ease of Use: Make sure your loved one is comfortable using the device [7, 13].
HIPAA Compliance: Ensure the system adheres to HIPAA requirements to protect patient information effectively [32].

The Verdict

Medical alert systems can be a valuable tool for ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors and individuals with disabilities [1]. They offer immediate access to help, fall detection, GPS tracking, and support for chronic conditions, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life and greater independence [1]. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as limitations of fall detection, false alarms, and privacy concerns [5, 11, 34]. By carefully considering these factors and choosing a system that meets your specific needs, you can determine whether a medical alert system is a true safety net or a false sense of security.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one are considering a medical alert system, contact our firm for a consultation. We can help you navigate the legal aspects of these devices and ensure you are protected.