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Looking for a Great Gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day?

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Are you a caregiver who is looking for “The Perfect Gift” for your aging mom and/or dad?  Are they independent, but you worry about their home safety?  Do you know that a medic alert system can bring you (and them) peace of mind?  

Around the Clock Medical Alarms is a nationwide provider of the Personal Emergency Response (PERS) device.  They are able to help you to help them to never be alone and to be able to get help any day, time, or reason — 24/7, 365, even if they cannot speak!  

Unlike many of our competitors, we do not have a contract and your loved one can use our service for as little or much as they need.  “None of us have a time ticker or a crystal ball to know how long we might need this kind of service,” states owner, Linda Bass.  “To ask a senior to commit to a long-term contractual obligation is just wrong on so many levels!”  

Following are some of the FAQ’s that we have encountered over the last 9 years in business:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long do I have to sign up for?

There is NO long term commitment with our system. You’re only required to keep the system for 1 month. After that you can send it back any time for any reason and there is NO cancellation penalty.

Is there a Contract?

There are no long-term contracts. Your Around the Clock Medical Alarms service is able to be cancelled at any time. You will be asked to sign our monitoring agreement after ordering, but this agreement states that your service is simply on an month-to-month basis.

Will the monthly rate ever go up?

Absolutely NOT! With us, the price you pay when joining our service will be locked in. You could have it 20 years and it will never increase!

Which price plan is right for me?

Our most popular plan is Quarterly. However, we have the variety of plans to best meet your financial needs. It is recommended that you set up automatic payments on your account through credit card or bank automatic withdrawals.

Are there any funding sources available?

Yes, some long-term care policies can cover the cost of our service.  Additionally, the VA Aid and Attendance pension plan (for wartime veterans and/or their surviving spouse) can provide the service as well.  

Around the Clock Medical Alarms is honored to serve wartime veterans and/or their surviving spouses to stay safe in their homes by providing a PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) that can be paid for through the little-known VA Aid and Attendance Pension.  This system can provide an extension to 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 — even if they cannot speak!  

This Department of Veterans Affairs pension (VA Non-Service Connected Pension with Aid and Attendance Benefit) provides 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 a medic alert device, as well as assisted living, if, and/or when, they are no longer able to maintain their independence in their own homes.  

Is the button waterproof?

YES, the button is 100% waterproof. It can be worn in the shower or tub. This is very important because a majority of falls occur in the bathroom on wet, slippery surfaces.

What is the range/distance the button will work from the base unit?

Up to 600 feet away, that’s the length of 2 football fields. It’s designed for our clients who have VERY large backyards.

Does it automatically detect a fall?

Yes, there is a fall detection pendant available.  Please note:  ActivePERS technology does not detect falls with perfect accuracy or precision.  IF YOU NEED HELP, YOU MUST ALWAYS PUSH THE HELP BUTTON on your wearable device or base unit.

Is the equipment hard to install or set up?

No, it’s very easy. In fact, most of our clients do it themselves. It’s like plugging in an answering machine. It simply plugs into the phone jack in the wall and the power outlet. If you have any trouble at all, you’ll call our customer service number (which comes with the system) and we’ll walk you through it.

Can I take the system with me if I move, or go to my winter home (or any 2nd residence)?

YES, many of our clients move or have duel residences so it’s quite common. You just bring the system with you. When you get to the new residence, you’ll let us know the new address and phone number and we’ll get everything switched over immediately.

How will emergency personnel gain access to my home?

There are a few options to gain access to the home. 1st option is to hide a key outside the house. You will give us the location of the key to keep on file and our monitoring station would dispatch the location of the key to emergency personnel. 2nd option would be a lockbox, like the home realtors use. It hangs around the front door and secures a key inside of it protected by a 4 digit combination. We would keep that code on file and dispatch the code to emergency personnel as well. A 3rd option would be to give a key to a neighbor or someone close by who we could call in an emergency. A final option would be having the paramedics bypass the lock to gain access into your home.

Will the operator be able to hear me anywhere in my home?

The system is designed to cover a person’s voice throughout 2500-3000 square feet. It’s made to cover a large 2 story home with a basement. The speaker amplifies up to 20 times a normal speaker telephone.

What if I am outside, can the operator hear me there?

No, most likely not. But remember, if in any scenario the operator cannot hear you, they don’t take any chances. The care specialist will send the paramedics to your home and begin calling your emergency list of family and friends to let them know an emergency has taken place. If you would like a different protocol set, we can do that for you.

What kind of personal information do you keep on file?

You will fill out a form that comes with the system. We keep medications, medical history, doctor information, hospital preference, and additional information that might be good to know in an emergency.

Does your system work with VoIP or cable phones?

YES, our advanced system is actually the FIRST in the country to work with VoIP or cable phones. It’s actually one of the questions we ask while taking your order. We will program the system to work with VoIP or cable phone before we send it out to you.

Do I have to have a “land line” phone for the service?

No, not at all. The cellular unit has all the features of the advanced unit, without requiring a “land line.” It does, however, require reliable cell phone signal.

What about protection away from my home?

A Mobile GPS unit is available. This device is designed for individuals who are always “on the go!”

How are services cancelled?

After the first month, you are free to cancel services at any time! The equipment must be returned to Around the Clock Medical Alarms to formally close out your account. If you need to cancel, please give us a call so that we can give you complete instructions on returning our equipment.

Additional questions?  Please don’t hesitate to give us a call, so that we might be able to answer those as well.  If you are looking for a great gift idea, or find that this system can be a solution to your problems of helping your aging grandparents, parents, neighbors, or others to maintain their safety and independence, we would be honored to protect them with an Around the Clock Medical Alarms system!

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

Time to Clean the Clutter!

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It’s that time of year where many of us start thinking about end of winter “Spring Cleaning!”  

Purging our homes of things that are no longer used, needed, or wanted, will make us feel less overwhelmed. Not only will it help to organize our lives, but it can also be an opportunity to help others. Additionally, if we reduce the clutter in our homes, we can reduce the risk of falls. This is an important fact to remember for those seniors, typically living alone, who are already at risk of falling.

If there are things that you are removing from your household, think about donating it to a charity that will help those in need. Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there that needs what you have to give.

Today, we took a car load of “stuff” to the Safe House for Women Thrift Store. They are an awesome charitable group that helps our community. They have this “wish list” of items they need — give if you can….

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing a Personal Emergency Response System in Perryville MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO: Senior Care Spotlight

Senior Care Spotlight: Loved One Need Home Care?

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Merit Home Health Care

Dedicated to Providing Quality In-Home Care to the People We Serve

About Us:

In-Home Care is the extra help that someone might need to remain living at home once they are no longer able to manage the household tasks that they used to. We Believe quality care is the key to maintaining independence. We believe in your right to age at home with dignity and offer the extra support you need. From our door to yours, we are here for you.

What we do:

Merit Home Health Care offers assistance with personal care including bathing, dressing and grooming as well as meal preparation, household chores, laundry, shopping and errands and respite services.  These services are often covered by Medicaid, by a Veteran’s Aide and Attendance benefit, by Long term care insurance or through private pay.

Families rarely have a plan in place as to what to do when Mom and Dad start having difficulties managing the day to day at home, yet this is something most of us will face.  Visiting with loved-ones for the holidays can shine a spotlight on just how much assistance is needed or how much one’s abilities have changed with time. 

Navigating available services and how to access them can be overwhelming.  Our staff has a combined experience of over 40 years in the healthcare industry and we can help you find the option that works best for your family.

How We Got Started:

Lydia Killoran – owner of Merit Home Health Care:
“I am the youngest of seven children. As my siblings aged and moved away, I realized that my parents weren’t in the best of health and they needed extra care. In 1989 I began a career in the in-home health care industry. This path gave me the opportunity to care for my parents while touching many other lives. The services of Merit Home Health Care allow my clients the ability to remain in their homes, aging with dignity and as independently as possible.”

Merit Home Health Care provides services for the Greater St. Louis area, St. Louis County – North and South, St. Louis City – North and South, and St. Charles county since 2004.  We are fully staffed to meet all your in-home needs.  You can reach us at 314-522-8088 or visit our website at https://www.merithomehealthcare.com/

Lydia Killoran, Owner – Merit Home Health Care

Lydia Killoran, Owner – Merit Home Health Care

 

Other services:

Some people just aren’t comfortable accepting help from a stranger and that’s okay.  Merit Home Health Care has expanded to include our new Consumer Directed services offered through Merit CDS. 

Consumer Directed services is a Medicaid based program, allowing the participant to hire a friend or family member to provide their care.  Our staff can help you enroll in the Consumer Directed services program and assist you in training the caregiver you have hired to ensure your needs are met.  Merit CDS covers a large territory of Missouri and can assist you in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Lincoln county.

 

Stephanie Powers – Director Merit CDS, Consumer Direct Services

Stephanie Powers – Director Merit CDS, Consumer Direct Services

 

Find me on FB!    https://www.facebook.com/MeritCDS

Guest Article Contributed by: Stephanie Powers

We recommend that everyone re-evaluate their personal situation, if changes in health and needs are apparent.  Sometimes, when life events occur, seniors feel that their only option is to move out of their homes into an Assisted Living Facility.  When you are considering making changes to your living situation, due to physical changes or health concerns, home health care may be a viable option.  At that point, please consider the benefit of a Personal Emergency Response System from AroundTheClockMedicalAlarms.com as well.  

 

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

Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO: 2020 Torch Award

We are humbled…. Thank you!

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Last week, we received the following note from a clients daughter — “BIG CONGRATS on your recent business award! You are the Best!” – Tammy S., daughter, MO

Today, we received this FaceBook post from the spouse of a previous client — “Congrats on your BBB Torch Award!  The community is better off with you and your organization in it. Thank you for setting a positive example for other business owners in the community and the willingness to set the bar with self regulations and taking care of your clients.  Cheers to much success for years to come!” – Ed W., husband, MO

In between, we received the following note from the daughter of another one of our clients — “My Father died November 18 this year and we are returning his medical alarm equipment to you. Thank you for the help and ease of mind your service provided while he was alive.” – Sarah O., daughter, Missouri

THIS is WHY we do what we do!

We are truly humbled to be a recipient of the 2020 TORCH Award from the Better Business Bureau!

https://www.bbb.org/us/mo/cpe-girardeau/profile/medical-alert-systems/around-the-clock-medical-alarms-0734-310488924

Let us help you to protect your aging, or ill, loved one(s) with a #MedicAlert system from AroundTheClockMedicalAlarms.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

They Came Even Though I Was Not Able to Respond…

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I would like to tell you some things about having a medical alarm system. I had heard about them for years but never thought about getting one. My son and nephew changed my mind, they said, “You are getting one!” My nephew contacted Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

When I called them, they explained all that it could do for me, so I decided to take it. Just to let you know, I consider them wonderful friends now.

A few weeks ago, I went out the back door onto the patio, started back in, and the door was locked. Here I was out without a coat and it was a cool morning. I know all other doors and windows were locked. I pushed the button on my Medical Alert, but couldn’t hear them answer. I thought it doesn’t work…. I ran to my neighbor across the street, she came to the door and wanted to know what I was doing out there. I said, “I’m locked out of the house”. I went in to call my nephew, who has keys, and had just sat down when I saw a truck with 2 men pull up in front of my house. Out I ran home. The men wanted to know if I lived there. I said “yes, and I’m locked out!” They were from the Rescue Squad and had gotten a call from my Medical Alarm that something was wrong at my home, since I didn’t answer them back. In just a minute here came the ambulance, but it wasn’t needed. Thank goodness. They got my storm door unlocked and I was able to get back in my house. I wouldn’t do without my Around the Clock Medical Alarm. ~ Lou K., Missouri

 

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Around the Clock Medical Alarms — Peace of Mind at the Push of a Button.

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Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) allow you to live the independent lifestyle you want.  Around the Clock Medical Alarms’ medical alert systems provide you (and your loved ones) peace of mind at the push of a button.  Our response center staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to emergent, or non-emergent, calls.

Around the Clock Medical Alarms’ medical alert systems help thousands of people regain the sense of independence they once enjoyed, by providing the most comprehensive personal emergency response systems available.  Around the Clock Medical Alarms’ emergency medical alarm service possess all the features of other popular systems on the market.  However, our unique two-way speaker picks up sounds that others don’t, meaning that no matter where a subscriber is when the panic button is pressed, our operators will be able to communicate with them and send help quickly.

Senior alarms grant independence to those at risk for injuries and accidents, allowing many to continue living at home, when they otherwise wouldn’t be able.  Family and friends are also given the freedom to leave their loved one alone, with the reassurance that they will be contacted immediately, if an incident occurs.  Medical alerts offer a great sense of relief, providing a way for trained medical professionals to be notified of an incident simply at the push of a button 24/7, 365, — regardless of whether they can or cannot speak.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us at 1-877-449-5566 or 573-334-SAFE (7233) or email info@aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com

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Personal emergency response system in South County MO: Senior Falls

Why A Medical Alert System Is Worth Taking Seriously

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Did you know that 1 of every 3 seniors, aged 65 or older, will have a fall this year? Do you know that 80% of all falls occur within or immediately around a person’s home? Have you (or someone you know) fallen and laid there for hours or days, because you were unable to get help?

These questions give great concern to Linda Bass, as long-time southeast Missouri resident and owner of Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

In 1972, Linda’s mother died and she was “adopted” by her retired grandparents. This situation is more prevalent in today’s society, but was unheard of at that time. As the primary caregiver for her grandparents, Linda lived the same challenges that families face today in helping to care for their aging loved ones. She has worked her entire adult life in the medical field by working in various capacities in hospital settings and medical offices, was owner of Comfort Keepers in Cape Girardeau, MO from 2000-2005, and was a marketing representative for two local hospice agencies. It is obvious that she has a special affinity for the elderly.

“I know that I worried when my grandparents did not answer the telephone, because my mind always went to the unthinkable….”, states Bass. In 2012, her father-in-law suffered from COPD and heart issues. Again, she found herself facing those same kind of fears, because he was alone during the day. “What if…worried me!”

After exploring the local options available, she found that none could meet her dads needs. Due to the size of the pendant, she knew he would not wear it. additionally, she found that some providers have limited service areas. “That,” says Bass, “is when I decided to explore other options and eventually started Around the Clock Medical Alarms. I needed to feel security that Dad was okay to be alone while I was at work. A medical alarm could help me to feel better about that situation.”

According to Ruth Dockins, former public information director at Aging Matters, (previously Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging), “If you live alone or are concerned about elderly loved ones who still live at home, a medical alert system is worth taking seriously. The thing I would look for is one where you didn’t have to sign a contract”, she says. “One where you can pay on a monthly basis and there is no contract and no hookup fees. One where I could just bring into the house and turn it on. I would want one that was answered by a live person.”

Around the Clock Medical Alarms is just what Linda and Ruth ordered. Since they are a nationwide provider, they can help anyone, anywhere in the U.S. and have rate plans to meet any budget. NO contract means that it can be used on a short-term basis — even post operatively! “No one has a time ticker or a crystal ball,” muses Bass. “So, how can an elderly or ill person be asked to commit to a 3 year contract? This is just unreasonable!”

Bass concludes, “My goal is to help provide my clients (and their families) the peace of mind knowing that help is available at the push of a button 24/7, 365 — regardless of whether they can speak or not — Around the Clock.”

 

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

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How to Choose the Right Personal Emergency Alarm System

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Personal alarms have come a long way because of the advances in communication technology. This might be the perfect solution for your senior. Finding the right system means looking at all of the various specifications, features, and behind the scenes details involved. These are just a few of the different parts of the system you want to think about as you decide on the right one.

 

Medical Alert in Dexter MO: Right Medical Alarm

Medical Alert in Dexter MO: Right Medical Alarm

 

 

Look at the Features Offered with Each Personal Emergency Alarm System

Different types of personal alarms offer a variety of different features. Some offer simple emergency alert assistance, while others also offer automatic fall detection. Other services also can offer check-in services, which involve calling your senior and monitoring how she’s doing. It’s important to check which features are available and compare those with what your senior needs most.

 

Double Check the Specifications, Too

It also helps to know where your senior is likely to be when she wears the device. If she’s at home, she may only need a device that works with a base system. If she’s on the go a lot, then a device that uses GPS technology might be more appropriate. For seniors with mobility concerns, fall detection is a good idea, but so is a waterproof device that can be worn in the shower.

 

Ask about Response Times and How Emergencies Are Handled

Something else to consider is how emergency calls are routed and what the procedure is on the dispatch side of the personal alarm system. You’ll want to know details about average response times as well, because that helps you to get an idea whether this is the type of system your senior needs. If there are other monitoring features, it’s also a good plan to ask for details about how those work.

 

Find Out What Other Information Is Necessary

There may be additional information that emergency dispatchers need to have on file for your senior, so it may be a good idea to ask about those details. Finding out whether there can be an emergency contact list on file is one of those details. Dispatchers may also need basic information about your elderly family member’s health in order to know what sort of help they need to send if she’s unable to talk.

With a personal emergency alarm system, your senior may feel more confident than she has in a long time. If an emergency should arise, she’ll be able to call for help quickly and easily.

 

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

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LINDA BASS AROUND THE CLOCK MEDICAL ALARMSLINDA BASS AROUND THE CLOCK MEDICAL ALARMS

Linda Bass Appeared On The Senior Care Industry Netcast with Valerie VanBooven RN BSN!

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Episode 49 of the Senior Care Industry Netcast is live!

We were fortunate enough to have Linda Bass, https://aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com, on our show and she offered some great insight and #advice for other #seniorcare and #healthcare providers.

 

About This Episode:

Meet Linda Bass

Linda Bass, Owner, Around the Clock Medical Alarms

Linda Bass, Owner, Around the Clock Medical Alarms

Around the Clock Medical Alarms – Nationwide!

“Around the Clock”
(24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year)
Around the Clock Medical Alarms National Headquarters
Local:  573-334-SAFE (7233)
Sales: 1-877-449-5566
Toll Free: 1-877-449-5566
Fax:  1-573-334-5506
Email:  les@334SAFE.com
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Central)
Answering Service available after hours & on weekends to assist whenever your need arises.

Full Transcript:

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

This is Valerie Vanbooven with the Senior Care Industry NetCast where leaders with three or more years of experience in the senior care industry share their advice. It’s six questions in nine minutes, so let’s get to it.

In a few sentences, tell us who you are and what you do?

Linda Bass:

Good morning. My name is Linda Bass. I am the owner of Around the Clock Medical Alarms. We are a nationwide provider of the PERS device, which is a personal emergency response service. Basically, it’s the button. We are here to help people to maintain their independence, to stay safe at home as long as they possibly can.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

I know you do a great job with that.

What is the best thing about serving seniors and their families?

Linda Bass:

I think the best thing that I get from my job is the ability to help individuals to maintain their independence, to age in place, to enable them to have the peace of mind that they can stay at home rather than feeling like their only option is to move in with their kids or go to a community.

Linda Bass:

Those things are good, but you know statistically people can live in their homes, on average, six years longer if they have a PERS device. It is very, very important for people to realize the benefit that the assurance they get, the ability to get help in an emergency situation, and it doesn’t necessarily only have to be lights and sirens. It could be they don’t feel good and they want their kids to come check on them.

Linda Bass:

Rather than risk standing to get to a phone to call someone for help and risk falling, they can set where they’re at, push their button and our response center would get that help that they need.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

I can personally attest to this because my husband’s mother had a PERS device for years and years, and I will tell you that if she hadn’t had that she would have been in assisted living or nursing home care a lot sooner.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Now she’s 86 years old and she is in a nursing home. She has severe mobility issues now, but she was at home with her necklace or her wristband on, and I can say she probably used it over those years maybe three or four times. But those three or four times kept her from having a serious injury, serious fall.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

In a couple of cases, she did need to go to the emergency room, but it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be fixed, and we were so glad that she had a way to get a hold of Charlie’s sister or us or someone to come over and check on her. They really are lifesavers.

Linda Bass:

Absolutely.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

All right. Let’s switch gears for a second and talk a little bit about online marketing because you have a nationwide business, and you have a website and folks can go to your website, which we will put with your video, your interview here, so people can locate you and talk to you about whatever it is that they have questions about. I understand that online marketing can be challenging. We know it’s ever changing.

What has been your experience or your thoughts with online marketing?

Linda Bass:

Well, to sum it up, my grandmother was born in 1909 and she was proverbially always giving words of wisdom, tidbits. One of her favorite things that she said whenever things were just overwhelming was that you had to be a Philadelphia lawyer to understand how to make that operate or to make it work. I feel like that is absolutely true because the rules are constantly changing.

Linda Bass:

My expertise is not in trying to market my business. My expertise is to help people to realize that we’re an option, and to be able to enabling them to get our service so that they can be protected, so that they can get the help they need. To advertise is very important for any business, I don’t care who you are, but it’s difficult to know all the rules and all the guidelines. As I said, you got to be a Philadelphia lawyer.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah, you do. It’s definitely one of those things where you really want to… You’re an expert at what you do, and we need experts like you everywhere to help people stay in their homes longer. But to be an expert on online marketing is a whole nother full time job, for sure.

Linda Bass:

Absolutely, and kudos to those who have the knowledge and the expertise to do that.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Okay. Let’s talk about your experience and folks that have maybe made an impression on your career or your life. I’m sure there are other folks out there, whether they’re in the industry or maybe your parents, grandparents, or organizations that you just feel like do a really good job.

Is there anybody you’d like to give a shout out to?

Linda Bass:

Well, I think we’re all a product of our experiences. In 1972, I was six years old and my mother passed away. My grandparents on my dad’s side stepped up and actually took me on to raise. They were both retired and that was unheard of back then. It’s pretty common today. However, back then it was not.

Linda Bass:

As a result of that, my experience with my upbringing and my ability to understand what families go through, it was learned at a very early age. They taught me things that I could never repay them for the knowledge that they instilled in me and the values. But they also enabled me to realize that my calling in life is to help older folks because that’s what I’ve done all my life.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Nice.

Linda Bass:

I think that that is where we all learn from past experiences that it makes us who we are. My grandparents helped me to become a person that I am so glad because, honestly, I was born in a big city and I was taken away from that environment and put on a 120 acre farm in the middle of nowhere.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah.

Linda Bass:

Going back to visit friends as I was growing up in that city. I remember one visit with a girl that was my best friend and I was probably about 11 or 12 years old. I went to visit her, ran up to her. She was having a pool party in the backyard. She had an above ground pool and she looked at me and she smoked on a cigarette and looked me up and down and said, “Oh yeah. I remember you.”

Linda Bass:

I felt so uncomfortable, and I looked at my sister-in- law and I said, “Well, it’s nice seeing you again,” and I walked away and as we were walking down the driveway, I looked at my sister-in-law and I said, “I think, Barbara, you need to take me back to the farm.” Because it was an entirely different situation, and I know that had I been left in that environment, I would be a totally different person than I am today.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

You know what? I totally agree. You know what? There’s something to be said about the 120 acre farm. It’s a lot of hard work.

Linda Bass:

Cows, chickens, pigs, horses, we had them all. Garden, we had it all.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

We live in a very suburban community, but our school district is a farming community and the girls are just mesmerized. I mean, we live in a small, very small school district with lots and lots of farms and kids that are raised on farms a lot of them out here. I always tell them, you need to go to somebody’s house and learn what this is like because it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so rewarding. This is a great life.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Anyway, I love it that you were raised on a farm. I think that’s amazing. I was the little city girl, but I would go to my grandmother’s house in Kentucky and city girl was afraid of bugs and afraid of everything outside. I got a lot of ribbing for that because I was afraid of bugs.

Linda Bass:

Right.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah. I love farm life. All right. What piece of advice would you give to other senior care providers out there?

Linda Bass:

Well, I think the main thing that I would like to relay is that we are in this together and our goal is to help senior populous, or those that are ill, to be able to maintain their independence, to stay safe, to live their life in their homes and with the quality of life that they deserve, and integrity.

Linda Bass:

What I would ask is that we work together. When we are with our clients or we hear something that our client says to us regarding a change in their health, or ask them, “Do you need extra assistance? What kind of things do you think you would be in need of?” And relay that to their families, because a lot of times we can be a trusted advisor, but we can also be a confidant.

Linda Bass:

If we reach out to our customers when we are able to speak with them, listen to what they say, help them to be able to find the resources that are available because there’s a lot of resources out there. Enable them to trust you. Don’t go tattletale to their family, but reach out to their family and just express your concern and tell them, I don’t want to break this trust because we want future communication between the two of us also.

Linda Bass:

That will enable them to have a better life and a better quality of life, and to enable them to get the help they need rather than waiting until it’s too late. A lot of times they won’t tell anybody, not even their doctor, even if they have a fall. If there’s not visible signs, they’re not going to tell anybody. But if you have that relationship with that individual and they trust you, they will talk to you. Listen, and then share that and forward that on so that they can get the help they need.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Very good advice, and I love the advice of sharing resources. Because, for instance, a home care agency has a lot of clients that probably would benefit from introducing a personal emergency response system. If they want to keep that client at home and in home care, having that device available and on that person is probably the best idea ever.

Linda Bass:

Absolutely.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Because that’ll keep them in home care, but also keep them at home.

Linda Bass:

Right. Well, the thing is, is that a medical alert can be an extension of that home care service because they are there 24/7 with that person when your caregiver is not. If Mrs. Smith has an event, say she falls and her family is aware that she fell or the home care agency itself can be a responder and be notified. If you are aware of that situation, then you can be more proactive in their care. You can assist them, because it may be that that person has a urinary tract infection and they just need an antibiotic.

Linda Bass:

But if they fall and they do not have any signs of that, they don’t have any bruising or anything and visible to the caregiver, and the caregiver is not aware, if she falls later because the progression of that UTI, she would then possibly lose her independence. Because if something happens like that and she gets hurt, her family’s going to say, “Well, that’s not going to happen again,” they yank them a lot of times.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah.

Linda Bass:

Collaboratively, we can help them to be able to be proactive rather than reactive to the care of those individuals, and we’re there when they’re not. It’s a wonderful relationship, and we do work with agencies in that regard, but I’m trying to help people to realize that that is very important, that they need advocates everywhere.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah. Absolutely, and I’m glad you said UTI because I will say that the biggest challenges that I saw with Charlie’s mom and some of the things that happened there was when she got a UTI, for whatever reason, that was the biggest challenge. That’s the moment she couldn’t get up out of bed by herself. That’s the moment that she fell. Those are the things that… Because it took a toll on her joints. I know people get confused as well when they get a UTI, and it’s not really apparent as to what’s wrong, but something that simple to fix could easily be the reason that they’re falling.

Linda Bass:

Right.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

I don’t know how else to explain it, but it would really affect her joints, that UTI, terribly. She would have a hard time with mobility on top of her other issues with mobility.

Linda Bass:

Right. Right. It just adds fuel to the fire, unfortunately. Again, awareness, being proactive, looking and trying to listen and make sure that they deserve the best quality care that they can, and we can help together to be able to assist them in that regard.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. All right. My last question is supposed to be a fun one.

Linda Bass:

Okay.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

When you have a win in life, and that could be anything. It could be a marriage, it could be a new baby in the family, it could be a birthday, or it could be that you just know today, you helped somebody.

How do you like to celebrate?

Linda Bass:

Typically what I do is a no cook Friday.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah. I’m going to use that.

Linda Bass:

We go to our favorite restaurant, and we like a Mexican restaurant here in town, and go and just enjoy the food. Of course, with COVID, it’s been a little difficult to do, but that is really my go to. Just to relax and have a margarita and not have to cook. That’s always win/win.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Right. No cook Monday through Friday.

Linda Bass:

Any day that ends in day.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah. No cook Friday. That’s a good one. I haven’t had that one before. I’ve had martinis.

Linda Bass:

Hopefully, that could become a trend.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

Yeah, I’ve had martinis. I’ve had all kinds of dancing but no cook Friday.

Linda Bass:

No cook Friday. Bring on the celebration.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

All right. Yeah. Okay. That’s good. Well, I want to thank you for being on the show and for helping us learn more about what you do and that you’re nationwide and that we’ll make sure your website’s, like I said, available if folks are wanting to know more about what a personal emergency response system is, and you showed us your necklace.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

I’m sure most people have seen the commercial with the necklace or the bracelet. They also can be very pretty now. I know that a lot of people will say, “Oh, well, you know.” But they have some really pretty necklaces to go with them now. I mean, they can be a fashion statement like they didn’t use to be.

Linda Bass:

Absolutely. Absolutely.

Valerie VanBooven RN BSN:

I will make sure everybody has your information, so thank you, Linda. We appreciate it.

Linda Bass:

Thank you. Appreciate it.

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Fall Detection Device

4 FAQ About Personal Emergency Response Systems

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If an aging member of your family wants to remain independent, you may be concerned about their safety and well-being because they’re so often alone. Personal emergency response systems are designed to provide assistance when they need it most. If you’re trying to determine if your elderly relative could benefit from a medical alarm, review the answers to these four frequently asked questions to help you make an educated decision.  

Your Questions About Personal Emergency Response Systems Answered

Are monitoring centers open 24/7?

When you sign up for a personal alert system, your loved one will be able to reach trained staff at any time of day, any day of the week. They’ll respond to an alert immediately and provide lifesaving support until emergency services arrive.

Who responds to an alert? 

personal emergency response systemThe emergency medical dispatchers that respond to calls for Around the Clock Medical Alarms are all EMD-certified, receive the same training as 911 operators, and know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures. This training enables them to recognize signs of a life-threatening problem and send lifesaving assistance, dispatching the police, fire department, or other emergency responders depending on the situation. The client’s family is also notified.

What happens if a client relocates?

Whether your loved one relocates or has a second residence where they spend winters, personal emergency response systems travel with them. Simply take the system to a new residence, and inform the call center of the new address and phone number.

What costs are associated with the service?

Alert systems are available with numerous options, whether you prefer to pay monthly, quarterly, or annually. Your cost depends on the landline or cellular-based system (3G/LTE)  you select and the personal alert device and plan you choose.

 

To help a loved one obtain care during an emergency, consult the professionals at Around The Clock Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO. Their expert teams are trained to respond to alerts from personal emergency response systems in 22 seconds or less, dispatching the necessary authorities at the same time. To learn more about their alert systems, visit them online, or call (573) 334-7233 to speak with the staff.

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