Why A Medical Alert System Is Worth Taking Seriously
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
The 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.
Seniors need grips to steady themselves when moving through their house. Round doorknobs are challenging for seniors, who may lack the wrist strength to turn them. If you’re remodeling a home for a senior, install levered door handles, which can open doors with a simple push.
