Oct 8, 2015, 16:52 PM by User Not Found

Medical alert systems have been credited with saving countless lives, while also providing a sense of safety and security to thousands of seniors across the nation.

Choosing a medical alert system is an important decision - which type is right for you?

Medical alert systems have been credited with saving countless lives, while also providing a sense of safety and security to thousands of seniors across the nation. The premise is simple - medical alert systems are designed to connect users with special emergency response centers in the event of an injury, health crisis, or the threat of imminent danger. While the mission is similar among the various units on the market today, the functionality is different. Some alert systems are better suited to those who are homebound, while others are irreplaceable for seniors who are on the go. Read on to learn about the differences between the two main types of medical alert systems on the market today - namely, home based systems versus mobile units.

Why do you need a mobile medical alert device...isn’t a home-based unit enough?

Home-based medical alert devices are comprised of two main components. The first is a pendant or button that is worn around your neck, kept in your pocket, or clipped to your belt. The second piece is a receiver unit that generally plugs into a 110-volt wall outlet and a traditional phone jack. In the event of an emergency, you simply press the button and the unit goes to work - calling an emergency response center or first responders.

Mobile devices operate in a slightly different manner. While both units are designed to call an emergency response center, local authorities, or a pre-determined list of emergency contacts, the way in which the mobile unit works is a little different. Mobile medical alert devices, like The 5Star unit from GreatCall, use the power of a leading, national cellular network to deliver the user's emergency signal. This means that the device can contact help from nearly anywhere - the grocery store, a parking lot, a city park or nature trail, even during a road trip across the United States.

With so much flexibility, the mobile medical alert system makes sense for those who are active and want to be protected outside of the confines of their home. Lastly, many mobile units (including The 5Star) are GPS-enabled. This means that responders have the ability to pinpoint your location if you’re faced with an emergency. No longer will you have to remember where you are or try to give directions to emergency personnel during a time of stress.

For the active senior on the go, or anyone who seeks the peace of mind and security of an on-the-go medical alert device, The 5Star from GreatCall is the solution. Priced at less than $50, and with monitoring plans starting at just $14.99 per month, The 5Star unit is designed to keep active seniors safe and on the move. For more information related to The 5Star unit, call us at 1-800-918-8543, or visit us at http://www.greatcall.com/FiveStar_urgent_response/FiveStar_responder/. You’ll be glad you did!