As an increasing number of elderly senior family member choose to remain independent and live alone, you may have considered getting a medical alert system for those in your family. You may have seen commercials showing seniors who have fallen and can't get up -- those only tell part of the story of how a medical alert system works.



Falls among the elderly pose a major medical problem among older Americans. Women, who now make up the majority of the elderly population, are especially vulnerable to injuries from falls.

Falls are common among senior Americans

About 35 percent of people over age 65 fall in their homes at least once a year. That figure increases to 50 percent for those ages 75 and over. There is less information on falls among individuals over age 85, but one study of people ages 91 to 105 found that about 60 percent had at least one fall in the course of a year. Not surprisingly, most falls among seniors happen in the bathroom.

Medical alert systems are designed to provide a life line to anyone who finds themselves in a dangerous or life threatening situation and needs medical attention quickly. Medical Alert systems use proven technology to connect seniors with emergency dispatch personnel at the touch of a button. Think of it as a "Senior 911" medical alarm button.

Typically, equipment for a medical alarm system is provided at no charge and can be installed by the user or a family member. Typical medical alert set up's consist of a two-way speakerphone which is connected to a regular phone line and has a large "emergency" button, and a medical alert pendant or medical alert bracelet which has a button to be pushed by the wearer in the event of a need for help. Often a medical alert system will also come with an optional lock box so that a key to the home may be available for emergency personnel who need to enter the home.

Once the speaker phone is connected to a phone line, the medical alert system is ready to go. In the event of an emergency, the wearer can push the medical alert button on the pendant, bracelet or speakerphone. The system immediately connects with the dispatch center and trained personnel ask if there is an emergency. Depending on the situation, the dispatch center will call the appropriate people you designate for help, including 911.

Medical alert systems can provide real security for senior citizens living alone, and peace of mind for their family members. Typical costs run around $29.95 a month, or around $1 a day.