Caregiver Series 3: Medical Alert Systems -- A Tool for Quality Living

      Originally targeted to seniors who are prone to falls, medical alert systems (MAS) can also be useful in preventing the same from occurring in the ALS population.  Problems concerning balance, immobility, difficulty in communicating are among the many reasons why the use of MAS should be seriously considered.
      This month's support group meeting guest speaker, Dr. Cullen Hayashida, a gerontology sociologist by training, and President of Kupuna Monitoring Systems, a MAS distributor in Hawaii, introduced the topic to the group.  I took these notes during the meeting.

     Fall risks in the home such as unanchored area rugs, unlit walkways, and carpets/floors in disrepair, should be discarded or fixed.  The extent of harm due to the impact of falls can be mitigated by learning by practice, a proven "technique of falling." Expert parachutists are practitioners of this technique.  Although one reflexively puts out one's arms to break one's fall, by frequently practicing this technique, one may be able to override this reflex to protect one's body.  The technique involves holding arms close to the torso and distributing the impact of the fall on different parts of the body.
      Once a person has fallen, gradual getting up from the ground and aiming to get one's bearings- turning to one side, crawling on fours towards a stable chair or surface, grabbing the chair for support while getting up on one leg first, then the other, and sitting upright for a few minutes before moving away- aims at getting one's bearings first and over the initial shock (or embarrassment).

     Medical alert systems can vary from the very simple - bells, and baby monitors - to ones requiring mediation by call centers.  The latter consists of a button used by the person, a receiver base unit in the home and a central monitoring center.  The service starts with choosing the appropriate button to use - for example, worn as a pendant or on the wrist like a watch. It is important to evaluate the products based on reliability (Will it work when I need it?) and convenience (Will I be able to activate it?).   It is recommended that you use a local company for ease of interaction regarding the service; to rent rather than to own (as the technology is young and continues to update; and to choose a service that may be cancelled at any time.  Current research on products involves use of mobile alert systems that combines the use of fall monitors, cell phones and GPS locators, especially for those who are not home-bound.

     Medical alert systems can assist in removing some of the barriers for a person with ALS to live a quality life. It is worth checking out whether it would fit one's lifestyle and abilities.