An emergency call button can be a life safer for seniors (or anyone) who needs emergency help.

As the world continues to get more tech-forward and integrated with devices, medical alert devices are becoming a popular option for those who want to stay connected when they're not at home.

Whether you're looking for an affordable solution or want to make your own, we can help you understand how these devices work so that you know exactly what you'll need.

In this article, we will discuss how medical alert devices work and what individuals need in order to use them. We will also give you some tips on keeping your device secure, so that it is always there when you need it.

We've been providing emergency call button medical alert systems for seniors in all 50 states for over 15 years.  Here are some of the things our clients tell us:

• "This system works great! Both my parents have the wristband emergency call buttons. Totally puts my mind at ease. And when they need help, it gets there - fast."
• "The system is for my 90 year old mother and so far all is good. It has taken some time to get used to. Now I think we are good to go and she really appreciates it. She wears her emergency call button religiously."
• "The product was easy to figure out and has given my children peace of mind as far as my continued ability to live on my own safely."
• "Awesome company! They were always been there when I needed them I felt very protected like when I fell they were there. It's very comforting to know did I had that emergency call button device because I'm disabled. Can't say enough good things about them"
• "My mom needed to use the service a couple of days ago when she lost her balance and ended up on the floor. She lives alone and couldn't get up. She pushed her button and help arrived quickly, they used the lockbox key, helped her up and evaluated her for injuries. My siblings and I all received text messages so we knew what was going on pretty quick. Thank you! She is so glad we set it up for her, and so are we."

How Does An Emergency Call Button Work?

There are two kinds of buttons: Standard Medical Alert Buttons, and Automatic Fall Detection Buttons.  

• Standard Medical Alert Button: 

  • This is a small medical alert button worn around the neck with a lanyard, or on the wrist with a stretchy wrist band.  When the button is pressed, it sends a signal to the Medical Alert Console which calls our emergency response center.  This button requires the user to press the button when they need help.
• Automatic Fall Detection Medical Alert Button:
  • This is always worn around the neck as a necklace pendant with a lanyard, about mid-chest level.  The fall detection medical alert button has sensors that can detect a fall, and also has a button that can be pressed in a non-fall situation.  As with the Standard button,   it sends a signal to the Medical Alert Console which calls our emergency response center.  If a fall is detected, our emergency response center will know that the signal was triggered by the fall detection sensors.

Still need help?  Check out our Medical Alert Comparison guide by clicking on the link.

Types of Medical Alert Devices

There are a variety of medical alert devices on the market today. The different types of medical alert devices have different purposes and features. Here is a look at some of the most common types of medical alert devices:

• Bi-Polar Aids (commonly called "bipolar-aids") are small, battery-operated watches that monitor a person's heart rhythm. If someone has a heart attack or other cardiac problem, the bipolar-aids can send an alarm to a caregiver or emergency contact to help them know about the situation.
• Resting Arterial Pressure Monitors (RAPMs) are similar to bipolar-aids, but they also measure a person's blood pressure at rest. A RAPM can help identify high blood pressure before it causes a heart attack or stroke.
• Personal Alert Devices (PADs) are small wearable sensors that monitors vital signs like blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate. When something changes with one of these readings, the PAD sends an alert to a caregiver or emergency contact.
• Home Safety Devices (HSDs) work like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. HSDs can also include features like panic alarms and medical alerts for people with disabilities such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. HSDs can be voice activated or have vibration alerts to let you know when something is wrong.
• Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) is a medical alert system that can summon help in an emergency. Affordable and easy to use, seniors have used PERS devices for many years to help them feel secure at home

How Does a Medical Alert Device Work?

Medical alert devices work by detecting abnormal heart rhythms and sending an emergency notification to a designated caregiver. If you have a medical alert device, it will help keep you safe by providing important information in the event of an emergency.

What to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert Device