Give Your Relatives Agency With the Best Alert Buttons for Seniors

Q: Are pagers and alert buttons battery-powered?

Most pagers are battery-powered, and &zwnj;you’ll want to check the battery life of all the devices regularly.

Denise McNamara August 13, 2022

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Buying Guide: Finding a Premium Alert Button for Senior

Whether it be because of an accident, old age, a disorder, or some other circumstance, it can be difficult for certain people to request help. This is especially true if they are not in the same room with other people and need to call for help from afar. While there are more traditional ways of calling for help (such as with a bell), modern technology gives us more modern solutions. Using wireless technology, you can give the elderly and differently-abled dedicated alert buttons that notify you or their caregiver. Depending on the brand and design of the device, it may come with extra features, but they all work the same way. Using the handiest alert buttons for seniors of 2023, you can give them the ability to call for assistance and help should the situation arise.

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Don’t force your loved ones to shout for help. This guide will cover what you need to know about alert buttons for seniors.

What Are Alert Buttons?

Alert buttons are devices that alert others when pressed. The user of the alert button presses the button when in need, and the signal is sent out to a pager or similar device. Anyone within the vicinity of the receiving device, once aware of the signal, can then head for the person requesting aid.

Who Uses Alert Buttons?

The elderly

Alert buttons are ‌commonly used among the elderly for obvious reasons. Many elderly people find it difficult to move around, and it can be a challenge to simply leave the bed if they can at all. An alert button allows them to request aid, such as asking for a glass of water or some food.

The differently-abled

Differently abled people also need more help, as many of them physically cannot do certain tasks such as eat by themselves or walk. Some may also have special needs and, while they know to operate a button in case they need something, they can’t actually do what they want themselves.

Types of Alert Buttons

GPS devices

A lot of families give GPS devices to their elderly relatives if they want to go out on their own. These devices contain a tracking system that you can use to locate where they are at all times. You can even use some of these devices to contact them in the event of an emergency. They may also send an alert notification if they detect that your loved one has fallen to the ground. While incredibly convenient and no doubt life-saving, these devices do not come cheap. Getting one of these devices will set you back around $100‌, and that’s not even mentioning the regular subscription you’ll need to pay to keep the service running. It’s a very costly endeavor, but if you’re the type of person to spare no expense for their loved one, this is something worth considering.

911 contact devices

These devices work ‌similarly to the GPS devices mentioned. But instead of contacting a loved one at the press of a button, the alert button instead calls 911 immediately. The signal is instant and works wherever there’s a signal, and with a 2-way speaker system, you can talk to the operator after making the call. While you can’t talk to your loved one directly, it at least gives them the opportunity to seek help themselves, which is also good.

Pagers

Pagers are systems that use two types of devices — the pager itself and the call button. The call button goes to the elderly or differently abled person while the pager is installed somewhere a caregiver or some other person can notice the signal. When the user of the call button needs assistance, they press the call button, and a noise or sound effect notifies anyone within the vicinity of the pager. Those assigned to take care of the user will then head to the location of the user and provide care. There are different ‌call buttons, too. You have the standard call button that you press, and there’s also a touchscreen button ‌you can simply tap your finger with if you don’t have the strength to press the button.

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This simple pager is a great tool for just about any home. The device features a remote button and a speaker that alerts anyone nearby that the user needs assistance. To make the button easy to press and accessible, it’s got a strap that you can wear on your neck or wrap around your hand. The button is also fairly large to accommodate people with motor disabilities. You can install the receiver device anywhere the caregiver stays, such as in the living room or kitchen. This will make it easy to notify others that the user is in need of assistance. Thanks to its usability and thoughtful design, it’s the best overall pick for homes no matter who’s using it.

Pros

With a strap on the call button
Easy to press the button when needed
Working range of over 500 feet

Cons

Batteries required and not included

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This next alert button may look like a device used for Wi-Fi and networks, but it’s actually just your average pager. The key difference between this pager and other pagers is that one of the call buttons included in the set is a touchscreen-activated device. Not everybody has the strength to press the pager button, and the touchscreen device helps those with limited motor capability. The set also includes three pagers that you can set up around the house to help notify anyone in those areas. It’s surprisingly affordable for how much you’re getting, so if you like great deals, this is one to monitor.

Pros

Comes with three pagers and buttons
One alert button is a touchscreen device
Great for full house coverage

Cons

Can only penetrate a few walls

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A pager isn’t the only device you need to keep track of your loved ones. The Mini Guardian by Medical Guardian is a necklace that anyone can wear to alert others if something happens. If the wearer falls down, the device can detect that and immediately signal any connected phones and you can even press the button on the device to get in touch with a trained operator. The only major downside to this device is that you’ll need a subscription to make use of the service, but if you have the money to spare, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Pros

Helps keep track of your loved ones
Fall detection system
Instant communication with trained operators

Cons

Requires a regular subscription to use

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This next alert button is quite interesting in the sense that it’s actually a 2-way speaker system. You can communicate with the person on the other end of the device, and this allows you to get more information on the situation before you arrive. If, for example, the person needs a certain type of food, they can request that without needing to actually head over first. You can even hook up the system to call 911 in the event of an emergency, a useful setting in the right circumstance. This device costs a pretty penny, so you should give it a lot of thought before buying.

Pros

2-way speaker system
Helps relay information even from afar
Can contact 911

Cons

Very costly for an alert system

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Getting instant access to 911 for emergency services can be the difference between life and death. The SmartGo 911 Help Now Pendant gives the user direct access to 911’s services with the push of a button. The device only works with 911, so you can’t just contact anyone else, but with no subscriptions at all, you don’t need to worry about yearly fees. To power the device, you’ll need three AAA batteries, which are fortunately already included in the package. It’s a great gift to give your loved ones, as they won’t need to do any setup at all.