Technology Can Enable Independent Living for Seniors

Just like taxes and rain in Vancouver, aging is an inevitable part of all of our lives. New technologies are allowing for seniors to remain independent and live on their own while maintaining a high standard of living and accessing the resources and support they might need, in a moments notice.

A medical alert system, or personal emergency response systems (PERS), are a wide array of technologies. These originated as simple wearable devices that through the push of a button, could call emergency services in the case of a fall or health emergency. However, these devices have advanced, and now include additional features such as:

• Fall detection
• Medical monitoring
• GPS and location tracking
• Activity Monitoring
• Step Counting
• Fire, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detection warnings

These devices can also offer various other medical monitoring functions such as reminders to take medications, and monitoring health vitals such as HR or even EKG.

When selecting a medical alert system, it is important to consider factors such as comfort to wear, water proof capabilities, reliability and accuracy, battery life, ease of setup, ability to update, and connectivity for other family members to follow and check in. It is also important to find a device with a dedicated response center that will respond in seconds, and not minutes. The Personal Emergency Response System will not only allow seniors to remain independent, but also have peace of mind that they are protected, secure, and help is never far away.