A Medic Alert Saves Young People Too!

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I’m appropriate for a “Medic Alert?”

But, I’m not falling and I’m not old!

When you think about a “medic alert,” you typically think of an “elder person who is falling.”  This, of course, is because the industry has trained us to think that way!  (ie “Help!  …I can’t get up!”)

The following CDC statistics also supports that idea: 

  • 1 in 3 Seniors (65+) WILL FALL this year!  
  • 50% of those who fall CANNOT get back up….
  • Two-thirds of those that fall will do so again within 6 months.  
  • The chances of surviving a fall are 6 times greater IF the person is found within the hour.
  • Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and older.

With those scary statistics, therefore, it’s no wonder that we have reinforcement to confirm the thought that you have to be elderly AND falling to be appropriate for a “button.”  We ALL know that.  Right?  Right!

However, did you ever stop to think that you don’t have to be elderly and/or falling to be appropriate?  

The Leading Causes of Death are Fairly Consistent.

Did you know, for instance, that approximately 74% of all deaths in the United States occur as a result of only 10 causes? The 2019 data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that the main causes of death in the U.S. have remained fairly consistent. They are as follows:

  1. Heart disease
  2. Cancer
  3. Unintentional injuries (Accidents)
  4. Chronic lower respiratory disease
  5. Stroke and cerebrovascular diseases
  6. Alzheimer’s disease
  7. Diabetes
  8. Kidney disease
  9. Influenza and pneumonia
  10. Suicide

So, when you consider all of the above “causes of death,” you realize that most have no age requirement. 

At this point, let us take a moment to think about individuals in our lives who could potentially benefit from the peace of mind a PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) provides. A medic alert SAVES LIVES!  

Unfortunately, Death Can Occur at Any Age.

Thus, our focus is on individuals who have health issues that would warrant immediate medical attention in an emergent situation — regardless of age!  In an emergency, therefore, being able to get help quickly could be the difference between life and death! 

Likewise, Medical Conditions Can Occur at Any Age.

Collectively, we can explore this sad, but true, fact. Unfortunately, we do not have to be old to be sick!

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women — in the U.S. and worldwide.

Cancer is a risk to everyone to a degree, but for most cancers, the risk will increase with age.

Accidents, or unintentional injuries, are the leading cause of death for those aged 1–44.

Chronic lower respiratory disease refers to a group of lung conditions that block the airflow and cause breathing-related issues. These diseases include:

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • bronchitis
  • emphysema
  • asthma

Cerebrovascular diseases develop due to problems with the blood vessels that supply the brain. The four most common cerebrovascular diseases are stroke, transient ischemic attack, or mini stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and vascular dementia.

Dementia refers to a group of conditions that cause a decline in cognitive function. This affects a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. In turn, this can lead to changes in memory, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Alzheimers disease is just one type of dementia. Alzheimer’s is also the only cause of death in the top 10 that medical experts cannot cure, prevent, or slow down.

Diabetes is a condition wherein the body can no longer control blood glucose, which leads to dangerously high levels of blood glucose. This is called hyperglycemia. It can cause serious health complications, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and the need for amputation of the lower extremities.

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious viral infection. It is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Pneumonia, a serious condition that causes inflammation of the lungs, can cause complications in people who have the flu.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) causes kidney damage. Damaged kidneys cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys. As a result of this, waste from the blood remains in the body and may lead to other health problems.

When a person dies by suicide, they may or may not have lived with a mental health condition — such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder — for a long time. Sadly, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 years.

But, I’m Too Young to Need a Medic Alert!

Do you, or someone you know, have any of the aforementioned health conditions?  

After considering the fact that a medic alert system could help ANYONE at ANY AGE to maintain their safety AND independence, wouldn’t it would be ideal to put that protection in place? Remember, in closing, that EVEN IF YOU CANNOT SPEAK, you can get help simply by pushing your button!!!

Around the Clock Medical Alarms has been a medic alert system provider since 2012.  

In closing, let us help you, or someone you know — Around the Clock — regardless of age!

 

 

Time for a Visit!

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Moving an aging loved one into an assisted living community represents a huge life change for all those involved. While it will give you peace of mind to know that your loved ones will be safe and well cared for in their new home, they will undoubtedly go through an adjustment period. They will be meeting new people, adapting to a new routine and getting used to a new living space.

Even after your loved one is settled in their new environment, it’s important to remember that scheduling routine visits is vital. Staying social is one of the most important things seniors can do to improve their quality of life, and a simple visit from family members helps ward off that feeling of isolation some seniors experience.

1) Let your loved ones know you care. This may seem obvious, and you may think your loved one already knows how much you care and love them. However, an in-person visit gives you a chance to be affectionate and serves as a reminder that you care about their well-being.

2) Allows you to check up on their health. As you spend time with your loved one, you’ll be able to evaluate their overall physical and emotional health. You can take note to see if anything about them has changed since your last visit. Are they showing any signs of depression or memory loss? Are they maintaining a healthy diet and taking proper medications? You’ll be able to listen carefully to any complaints or problems your loved one might be having, so you can be sure to address your concerns with the staff at the assisted living community.

3) Bring back and create positive memories. By sharing stories of the past and present with your aging loved ones, you’ll help improve their mood and encourage them to engage. You can bring in photo albums or videos, or favorite music to bring back those happy times.  Also, by visiting regularly you’re giving your loved one something to look forward to and creating new memories for the future.

4) Keeps aging loved ones socially connected. As mentioned above, staying social is vital to improve a senior’s quality of life. Keeping socially active can be as beneficial as being physically active! A visit helps your loved one’s emotional and physical health and gives them a sense of belonging.

We Rise by Lifting Others

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Kindness Matters

Treating other people well isn’t just good for your karma: It’s also a boost for your mental and physical health. And because small gestures have big importance, practicing kindness is an easy means to support your health.

Here at Around the Clock Medical Alarms we know a thing or two about kindness. Our entire company was started by one of the most sincere and kind people I know; Linda Bass. Her mission is simple, to help people, and that’s what she does each and every day. Looks like karma is definitely on our side!

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. – The Dalai Lama

Senior Care Spotlight: Transitions for Senior Living

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Senior Care: Have you been stressed about the care and safety of an aging loved one?

 

 

Not sure you understand all the care levels available or what care is needed?

Did you know there is a free, unbiased service that can personally walk you through the process? Transitions For Senior Living has been working in the St. Louis area for 10 years, helping families in your same situation, we care and can give you the peace of mind that you are making the best decision possible.

⦁ MAKE THE CALL…(it’s easy!)
Phone us, we will respond as soon as possible, we know this was a tough call to make and we don’t want you to wait. If you want to find out more about Transitions Team, check out our website: TransitionsForSeniorLiving.com and fill out our inquiry form.

⦁ PHONE CONVERSATION
Our first conversation will help us understand your family’s physical, cognitive, and social care needs, answer your questions, and set up a time to meet in person. 

⦁ PERSONAL CONSULTATION
At our meeting, we’ll discuss various care options that might be the best fit for your loved one, taking into consideration physical and social care needs, geographic preference, and budget. If placement is not an immediate need, we’ll discuss other resources, connect you with trusted care partners to ensure the safety and comfort for your loved one.

⦁ YOUR PLAN
Together we will create a plan with a clear understanding of timeline and next steps. We will be with you through every step of the process. Our services are personalized because every situation is unique.

⦁ COMMUNITY OR CARE AT HOME OPTIONS
When we identify the top 3 to 5 communities, whether independent, assisted, memory care or skilled nursing, we’ll schedule tours, accompany you to each community, ask the questions that will give you the most comprehensive understand of the care each community will provide, be an advocate, answer questions, and help make a smooth transition.

⦁ ONGOING SUPPORT
Once care has been established, we will follow up to ensure that your expectations of the care, comfort, and safety needs of your loved one are being met. We can help with connecting you to trusted partners for elder attorneys, financial planners, real estate agents, day programs, move managers, and in-home care.

So, whether in crisis-mode or planning ahead we can help, we have comprehensive knowledge, experience and connections for all facets senior care and can help you. We want to give you the education and understanding to make the best choice for your loved ones the first time.  

Transitions For Senior Living is a free, unbiased, family service that has been helping families, over the past 10 years, to personally help families with all their care needs. We have a wide range of trusted partners from financial planners, elder care attorneys, in-home care services, medical alert systems, and veteran’s benefit planning. Give one of our Senior Care Advocates a call and we will personally meet with you and your family to understand your physical, cognitive, financial, and social care needs, pare down the options and tour appropriate communities with you, Completely free of Charge.  

Guest Article Contributed by Sharon Balleau, .  

Contact us:
Sharon Balleau – 314-606-8531
Carmen Worley – 314-960-0519

TransitionsForSeniorLiving.com

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in St. Louis, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

 

Choices for Senior Adult Independence

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This is the time of year when we in America celebrate our independence.

Our country’s declaration of independence from Britain in 1776 was the idea to become independent from the “world superpower” of that time. Our forefathers fought and won against overwhelming odds. Today, many of the “Great Generation” of senior adults are in a battle to remain independent and in their homes. Many have lived in that home for decades and the thought of having to leave it can be an emotional battle seeming fought against overwhelming odds. This article is a tool to perhaps help families engage in conversations that might help determine if a change in lifestyle is needed.

There are basically 7 options for senior living today and this article will briefly explain them.


Aging in Place (in their home or a family member’s home)

In a recent survey conducted by AARP nearly 90 percent of people over the age of 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible, and 80 percent believe their current residence is where they will always live. However, for aging seniors to age in place their physical, financial, and care environments must be accommodating. A quote by Robyn Stone, (Executive director of the LeadingAge Center for Applied Research) puts it this way: “Most people are doing that until they aren’t doing it … it’s only when they reach either a crisis or a change in their condition or functional status, or in many times, the family support that they can no longer remain in their homes.” Such a crisis or change often happens after the age of 85. A home that lacks bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms on the first floor for example is just one of several barriers to aging in place. There are options to help finance home modifications such as a second mortgage or a reverse mortgage, but for low-income households and even many middle-income households paying to age in place is a serious challenge.

 

The Village Concept

The Village movement is a nationwide network of non-profit membership organizations. Members pay a fee for access to and help with local services including transportation, handyman services, help with household tasks, and organized social activities. On average it costs about $50/month or $600/year. A Village works just like a concierge service. A member needing a service would be connected to Village members who donate their time or volunteers who are vetted and trained. The Village concept is not yet widely available and many communities and would require a strong commitment of support from many businesses and services to be successful. Hopefully, it can be developed in many areas of the country.


 

Independent Living

This is defined as any housing designed exclusively for seniors, usually retirement communities, retirement homes, senior housing, and senior apartments. In general, the housing is compact, easy to navigate, and includes help with outdoor maintenance. The cost is medium to high depending on the location and services offered. Average costs range from $1500 to $10,000/month.

Residential Home Care

These are small facilities that offer personalized service to small groups of senior adults. They are often known as family homes, board and care homes, or personal care homes. They provide lodging, meal services, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These can often be half the cost of nursing homes but again, are not widely available in all communities.

 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

These communities are part independent living, part assisted living and part skilled nursing facility. Residents can start out in the independent living section and move to different parts of the community as they need increasing levels of care. The cost of this option is high. CCRCs are the most expensive of all long-term care options.

 

Assisted Living Community

These communities consist of small apartments where older adults can live somewhat independently but require some assistance. Typical services include a staff available 24 hours a day, meals, medication management, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and transportation. Again, costs are high and vary according to the level of daily help required and type of living space needed.

 

Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility

This option is for older adults who need 24-hour supervised care with medications, activities, and overall health management. This facility is to care for those adults with debilitating physical or mental illness and are unable to care for themselves. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is always on the premises. Costs are high and are according to the level of daily help required.

 

At Around the Clock Medical Alarms, we remain committed to assisting families to keep their loved ones in their homes for as long as possible. When it becomes time for a change in their living condition, we are able to assist them in Independent and Community Living Facilities where “pull cords” are the method of obtaining help. Often, they need help in areas of the apartment or home where the cords are not accessible. Our subscribers are able to get help in any living area and often coverage for the entire campus. We stand ready to help families fight for their ability to remain independent for as long as possible by getting them the help they need at the touch of a button.

No matter where you live, a medic alert system can help to maintain your independence and safety!  If you have questions about a PERS device, feel free to give us a call at 573-334-7233.

Article contributed by Les Tainter, Area Manager, Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

 

 

Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO:

2020 TORCH Award Winner Retrospective

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2020 was a time filled with many challenges for everyone.

The COVID-19 virus turned our world upside down AND inside out! In retrospect, we liken ourselves to John Travolta in the 1976 movie “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.” Fear, disconnect, isolation, and disparity were rampant.

 

Our industry helps the elderly, and ill, to maintain their safety and independence. These individuals were highly susceptible to this new viral nightmare that was taking over the world. Due to their predisposition of age and comorbidities, this demographic was hit extremely hard. Families were trying to protect their aging loved ones by isolating them and removing them from communal living. It was a time of unrest and uncertainty.

 

As we are now beginning to return to a somewhat sense of “normalcy,” we can reflect upon the positive things that should be gained from the past years experience.

 

As we “make up for lost time,” families should be closer. We should appreciate the time we spend together and make an effort to do so more frequently. This should be the biggest lesson learned since we get to choose the meaning that things have in our lives.

We, like many, suffered the anguish of the pandemic. However, we were blessed to have the ability to assist our clients to know that they were never alone and could get help when needed. Our role, in my opinion, was to keep our customers upbeat and positive. The connection from our staff to those individuals we serve was a “lifeline” during a time of great uncertainty.

 

In closing, we realize that no matter how difficult the past year has been, we were blessed to be chosen as a 2020 Better Business Bureau TORCH Award recipient.  We were humbled and honored to be recognized not only for our ethical business practices, but also our customer service — especially now!

 

This award is an annual presentation by the Better Business Bureau to businesses that are “…committed to exceptional standards for ethical business practices and customer service.”  We are humbled to be recognized for the commitment we have toward the service we provide to our customers — especially during the year when many businesses were unable to survive. We are blessed that we not only survived, but are thriving, as well.

If we can assist you, or someone you love, with a medic alert system, we would be honored to do so.

 

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing a Medication Dispenser in Ladue, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Another 5 Star Rating!

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This is WHY we do what we do!

Thank you, Desma, for the kind words about our service.

We were honored to help your mother with her medical alert service needs.

 

2021 Rotarian of the Year

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Congratulations, Les Tainter, on your 2020-2021 Rotarian of the Year award from Cape West Rotary!  Les has been a member of the club for the past 8 years.  Well done and much deserved!

What is Rotarian of the Year?

The ‘Rotarian of the Year’ award may be given to a member who exhibits “Service Above Self” in their daily activities and who promotes Rotary by their actions and involvements.  This may be accomplished through one major activity in club service, in multiple activities, or by serving on several committees.

We are extremely proud of this recognition and are even more proud of everything you do for the customers we serve and the community in which we live!!!! 

 

Aid and Attendance Pension

VA Aide & Attendance Pension Helps Wartime Vets and/or Surviving Spouse to Maintain Their Independence

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Keep them safe at home!
VA Aid & Attendance Pension helps them to maintain their safety and independence!

 

Aid and Attendance Pension

Aid and Attendance Pension

 

Do you know a wartime veteran, and/or surviving spouse, who could benefit from home care assistance through the Aid and Attendance Pension?

The little-known Department of Veterans Affairs pension (VA Non-Service-Connected Pension with Aid and Attendance Benefit) is for veterans:

  • with an honorable discharge
  • who have served at least 90 days on active duty, with at least one day of service during a period of war, or be their surviving spouse.
  • To qualify for this particular benefit, which pays for personal care services, the disabilities must not be service-related.
  • There are also financial limitations associated with the pension. This little-known pension can help them to maintain their safety and independence!

This little-known pension can help them to maintain their safety and independence by providing personal care services through home care to veterans and/or surviving spouses, so they can remain in their own home, which is where they want to be. Subsequently, it can also be used to pay for assisted living, if, and/or when, they are no longer able to maintain their independence in their own homes.

The VA requires a variety of documents including the following:

  • armed services discharge papers
  • proof of assets
  • marriage license and death certificate (surviving spouse).
  • medical information from your physician to verify your need for in-home personal care services.

 

In summary; the Aid and Attendance is a needs-based VA pension paid to wartime veterans with a non-service-connected disability, or their surviving spouses, who require help with daily living.  

It helps veterans, and/or their surviving spouses, receive personal care services to help them retain their quality of life and stay in their homes. If, and/or when, they are no longer able to maintain their independence in their own homes, it can be applied to the cost of assisted living. This is a huge resource that many are unaware even exists!

Additionally, the pension can provide an Around the Clock Medical Alarms “life alert” type of service to help them to maintain their home safety. The VA guidelines indicate that ”Cash assistance” is at the discretion of the beneficiary (or their family members / caregivers), and can be used to pay for home safety monitoring.  A Personal Emergency Response System, (PERS), can provide an extension to the home care, by bringing peace of mind that our aging heroes are never alone – and that they can get help any day, any time, any reason! Statistically, a PERS system can help an individual to stay in their homes longer, because they get help – instead of laying there for hours or days….

Financially, it is cheaper on our system to assist our aging populous to stay independent in their own homes, rather than to place them in nursing homes. Typically, when they remain independent, their quality of life is better, which equates to a WIN-WIN situation for all involved. However, when assisted living is needed, the Aide and Attendance pension can be used to pay for that as well.

Call 877-449-5566 or visit online for questions regarding the Aid and Attendance Pension and/or “life alert” type system provided through Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

 

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Certified Care Management

Senior Care Spotlight: Certified Care Management

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“My Mom called to say the power was out in her home.
It was late at night, she was frantic and I was concerned.

However, after talking with Ameren
I discovered Mom had “totally forgotten” to pay the electric bill.

While in her mind she is still fiercely independent…
I have noticed she is getting more and more forgetful.

I love my mom dearly, but I can’t always be there for her,
and I live out-of-town. I want to help her continue to live independently.”

 

Does this sound familiar?

Is a senior loved one in need of care and supportive services and you don’t know where to go for help?

Rest assured, YOU and your senior loved one are not alone.

At Certified Care Management, LLC, we understand what you’re going through.

 

 

Our team of experienced care professionals is here to help you avoid the pitfalls you may encounter and uncomplicate the dizzying maze of health and life care choices out there today.

In addition to bill pay assistance, our firm also offers services such as caregiver and family coaching, nursing, therapy, home care, insurance, and benefit qualification, hospital and community advocacy, health care agent and guardianship, legal rights, and much more. Certified Care Management has the experience you can count on when life’s journey takes you down a new road.

Consider us your personalized care consultants, providing the highest quality support for you and those you love. Contain your costs, your well-being, and your time by investing today in our professional services. Read more about Certified Care Management at www.certifiedcm.com or call 314-517-5944.

 

“When managing the difficult maze of health and life care choices, Certified Care Management has the experience you need and support you can count on! We are your Personal Care Consultants and we look forward to being of service.”

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

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