Medical alert bracelets are tiny wearable alert systems that notify emergency responders during a medical crisis. They are especially important for older adults who want to stay safe in the event of a fall or accident.
That said, a wearable alert bracelet can be an effective replacement or supplement to a home-based medical alert system for adults who live an active lifestyle. Furthermore, they also offer wearers additional independence and peace of mind.
However, finding an ideal medical alert bracelet for yourself or loved ones can be a challenging task due to the number of options available in the Canadian market.
But worry not!
To make the selection easier for you, this article lists six tips you must consider when choosing the best medical alert bracelet.
1. Identify Your Specific Needs
When considering purchasing a medical alert bracelet, it is crucial to determine why you require it and what features will be useful for your condition.
Here are a few common reasons why people wear medical alert bracelets:
- Chronic Health Conditions: Some diseases can be life-threatening if they occur, such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, or heart disease.
- Medications: If you are on some particular medication, such as blood thinner or insulin, paramedics must be aware of it to provide proper care.
- Cognitive Conditions: Someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s could take advantage of a medical bracelet that alerts those who need to know about their location in an emergency.
Your medical conditions will determine features required on the medical alert bracelet, such as GPS tracking or an immediate emergency call.
2. Look for Canadian Providers
Not all medical alert bracelet providers are based in Canada, so it is essential to work with a company that caters to the Canadian population.
Look for medical alert bracelets Canada companies with:
- Canadian 24/7 monitoring centers: A few of these providers may have their call centers in other countries, meaning any emergency call will take some time to answer.
- Bilingual services: In Canada, it is frequently essential to have access to the services in both the English and the French languages
- Canadian warranty and customer service: Working with a local provider can make returns, repairs, or services easier.
3. Understand the Type of Medical Alert Bracelets
The Canadian market is full of different types of medical alert bracelets, but the most commonly used and available are high-tech bracelets. Such medical alert bracelets are loaded with features like GPS fall detection and two-way communication. In addition, they are easy to carry and water resistant.
Using these high-tech bracelets helps you remain protected in case of emergencies. Having said that, if you fall or face any other medical emergency, all you need to do is push the button to alarm your caretakers.
Beside the hi-tech medical alert bracelets there are also engraved bracelets. These bracelets usually contain your medical information and emergency number.
4. Consider Material and Comfort
Since a bracelet is worn at all times, the material selected should withstand the wear and tear of daily use while at the same time being comfortable on the wrist.
Here are the common materials available for medical alert bracelets:
- Stainless Steel
- Silicone
- Leather
- Gold or Silver
Regardless of the material you select, ensure that it is compatible with your lifestyle and the comfort level you desire.
5. Check for Personalization Options
Your medical alert bracelet must be personalized as it contains your relevant medical information.
Many companies offer custom engraving services where you can include details like:
- Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy)
- Allergies (e.g., penicillin, peanuts)
- Medications (e.g., warfarin, insulin)
- Emergency contact information
Ensure the engraving is clear, easy to read, and positioned at a part of the bracelet that is less likely to wear out. A few of the bracelets also provide extra space to have other inscriptions. This will be especially useful when your condition changes in the future.
6. Evaluate Subscription Costs and Services
If you choose a tech-enabled medical alert bracelet, you must pay a monthly service fee. These fees generally cover services such as:
- 24/7 Monitoring: There is a team of professionals who can provide help at any moment in case of an emergency.
- GPS Tracking: Real-time location-based monitoring services through which caregivers can see the location of the wearer
- Fall Detection: Sends signals to the emergency services in the event of a fall, including if the wearer faints.
The pricing of these services also differs based on the service providers the users select. Therefore, it is crucial to compare these fees with the features you might require most.
So, if you have a high-risk medical condition that needs constant monitoring, the cost might be justified by the benefits.
Conclusion
To select the top medical alert bracelet in Canada, you must pay attention to your medical condition, activity level, and cost. Furthermore, no matter if you want an engraved bracelet or a tech-enabled bracelet, it’s crucial to have one that’s comfortable, customizable, and dependable.
Therefore, considering the pros and cons of all options available in the Canadian market and following the tips mentioned above will help you make an informed decision while opting for a medical alert bracelet.