Bluetooth in medical alert systems add an extra layer of reliability and connectivity that are handy in emergency situations. Their low power usage and strong connections are starting to be utilized more in the best medical alert devices to last longer and for further distances. As Bluetooth advances in its capabilities, such as the increased utilization of bluetooth 5.0, medical alert systems with Bluetooth will offer greater freedom to its users.
Do I Need a Bluetooth Medical Alert System?
Bluetooth technology makes it easier than ever to keep multiple devices connected in your home. Bluetooth is useful when applied to medical alert systems, as it can automatically transfer vital health information to your phone or computer. However, there are only a few Bluetooth options on the market, and a system doesn’t need Bluetooth features to be high quality. If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality alternatives to a Bluetooth system, see our picks for the best medical alert systems below.
Benefits of Bluetooth in Medical Alert Systems
Bluetooth medical alert systems are incredibly easy to set up. You simply need to have each device in pairing mode, and they will find each other and stay connected as long as they are within range of each other. In the world of medical alert systems, this is best in cases where you have a health monitoring device on 24/7. For example, if you have a fall detection bracelet or heart rate monitor, and fall or suffer from a heart attack, the Bluetooth-enabled monitoring device will send help via your phone or medical alert system base.
As long as you have your phone nearby with the app provided by your medical alert system, all you have to do is press the alert button on your device. The Bluetooth connection to your phone will handle the rest in getting help!
Here is a quick summary of the benefits of medical alert systems with Bluetooth:
- Easy to setup and use
- Reliable connection to other nearby devices
- Low power consumption = longer battery life
- Increased mobility
- Secure connections
Shortcomings of Bluetooth Devices
You may be wondering, why doesn't everything use Bluetooth if it sounds so easy and versatile? While Bluetooth excels in some aspects, it may not always be the best choice. Most medical alert devices have not been upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 that offers much greater range, so your medical alert device will need to be within close proximity to your phone or home base station to work optimally.
Bluetooth medical alert devices are excellent when you are on the go and always have your phone with you that can send an alert to your monitoring company for assistance. However, if you want to be able to wander around your home or large yard without your smartphone, then a WiFi or cellular connected device may be the better choice as they will have ranges up to 300 feet.
Another thing to consider about Bluetooth medical alert systems is that they absolutely have to be connected to a secondary device, like a smartphone with a cellular connection, or a home base system with WiFi to stay connected to a call center that will send help when an alert is received.
Peace of Mind for Caregivers
Medical alert systems are not only helpful for the users, but also for their caregivers and family members. With the ease of setting up Bluetooth and their reliable connections, caregivers can focus more on other tasks and issues.
For example, as a caregiver, if your loved one is often home, you can be assured that their Bluetooth medical alert device will function properly as it will be within range of the home base station or smartphone. On the contrary, if your loved one goes out of range, then you can know to be with them at those times in case any potential emergencies arise. Medical alert systems with Bluetooth may be ideal for caregivers looking after seniors who are usually at home, and only venture out occasionally.
Future of Bluetooth Medical Alert Systems
As all technology improves over time, Bluetooth is no exception. Bluetooth 5.0 is the latest iteration, which offers even lower power consumption and greater range. If both the medical alert device and the phone or home base station are 5.0, then the range is up to 800 feet. That would be plenty of range for the majority of seniors living at home. It may very likely cover their entire yard in the event they like to do any gardening or other outdoor activities nearby.
While ranges increase, battery life does as well. Bluetooth 5.0 further optimized its energy usage, allowing for smaller and more discreet medical devices that can last for days or weeks.
Bluetooth 5.0 has been out since the end of 2016. Adoption of it has been slow, but should be utilized in medical alert systems frequently very soon. For the time being though, Bluetooth 4.0 – 4.2 are the most utilized versions. These still have great capabilities, with ranges up to 200 feet and excellent battery life. When shopping for a medical alert system with Bluetooth, you will want to check which Bluetooth version is being used by your medical alert device.
Final Thoughts
It can be a challenge to sift through information on Bluetooth medical alert systems and decide which one to commit to. With so many different types of technology out there, it's worth to first consider whether or not Bluetooth is necessary for your needs and lifestyle.
For most seniors, Bluetooth is a beneficial feature. Changing batteries or recharging devices can easily be forgotten, leaving elderly individuals going about their days with dead batteries in their medical alert device. Bluetooth devices significantly reduce the frequency of needing to charge batteries or change them out. In turn, the chances of an emergency occurring with no ability to alert anyone due to an unpowered medical alert device is lowered as well.
All in all, Bluetooth enabled medical alert systems can be a perfect fit for those who are often with their smartphone, or don't leave their home alone often. As medical alert systems adopt the latest Bluetooth iterations, Bluetooth devices will be more reliable and liberating.
