As the average person's lifespan continues to grow in years and as the current baby boomer generation begins aging, more and more people are requiring medical attention as a result of old-age health concerns and accident-related injuries. In fact, approximately 30 percent of seniors over the age of 65 fall every year, and most of these accidents occur within the home. After serious falls, most seniors find it impossible to reach for a telephone to call for medical assistance.

In order to aid seniors and the disabled who are at high risk of injury or illness, medical alarms and medical alerts are becoming increasingly common systems found in many individuals' homes. These systems are designed to signal an emergency care team when a hazard requiring urgent attention is present in a person's home. In cases of fire or flooding, the alarm may automatically be triggered by a detector, whereas if a person incurs an injury, he or she may have to push a button on the medical alert system in order for emergency personnel to come. Although medical alert systems may vary in how they operate, they can provide beneficial service and a greater peace-of-mind to those living alone, as well as to their family members.

The purpose of medical alert systems is to provide fast and reliable emergency services when needed. In order to quickly communicate to medical personnel, medical alerts usually have a wireless pendant or transmitter that, when activated, transmits a signal to the alarm monitoring company, to emergency services, and sometimes to other programmed phone numbers. The person residing in the home does not have to speak or explain their situation if they are unable to do so; medical and emergency personnel will automatically travel to the home to offer assistance.

Medical alert systems also consist of a base station which connects to an individual's telephone and features a microphone and speaker unit that is highly sensitive to voices, and can pick up voices that are far away from the unit. Depending on the type of medical alert system a person uses, other accessories could also be included such fall sensors, smoke detectors, and motion detectors. All of the devices and accessories in a medical alert system are powerful and long-lasting, and in cases of power outages, they are also backed by battery power.

Once a signal has been transmitted to an alert system operator or to an emergency crew, data appears on the recipient's computer screen that details the name of the individual in need of medical attention, as well as his or her address, medical condition, and family contacts. Once the recipients have viewed this information, they can immediately contact the affected individual through the base station of the medical alert system. After talking to the individual about the type and severity of his or her condition, the operator can then contact needed emergency personnel (if they haven't already done so) as well as family members.

Some medical alert systems also incorporate what are called "passive alarms," which are activated by individuals several times during the day. When they activate these passive alarms, they confirm to the alert organization that they are all right. If an alert company does not receive confirmation from a user in an extended period of time, usually around 12 hours, someone will call the individual to ensure that he or she is safe and to see if the individual needs assistance.

Medical alert systems offer a host of benefits to those who are concerned about medical emergencies while living alone. One of the main benefits is that individuals can receive help even when they are unable to reach a telephone. Many medical alert devices are worn on wrists or around necks so all a person has to do is press a designated button on the device and a medical alert company will be immediately contacted. Further, these devices are programmed to terminate any incoming calls or other interference on the phone lines so that the emergency call can be put through successfully.

As previously mentioned, medical alert systems can provide individuals and their friends and family with the peace-of-mind that they and their loved ones are protected in times of medical emergency. This added measure of comfort can help prevent worry and stress and make life more enjoyable.

Further, the monthly cost of medical alert systems is quite reasonable. Although the price may differ across different brands and services, typically, expenses are as low as $30 a month, which is a reasonable price considering the many benefits that these systems offer an individual.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of medical alert systems, however, is that they provide independence to people who may not otherwise be able to to live by themselves. For the elderly and the disabled, it can often be frustrating having to depend on caretakers and family members in order to ensure their safety and protect their health. With medical alert systems and devices, individuals can be confident in living independently.

Although medical alert systems in homes have been around since the 1970s, the advance of technology and the growing need for these devices has caused them to increase in popularity over the last few years. Whether a person is elderly, disabled, or lives alone, medical alert systems offer a great sense of comfort as people can rest assured that if they face a medical emergency, they have immediate access to qualified emergency services. And perhaps most importantly, medical alert systems allow individuals to live independently with greater confidence and control over their lives.