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Personal emergency response system in South County MO: Senior Falls

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

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Fall Detection Device

4 FAQ About Personal Emergency Response Systems

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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VA Aid and Attendance Pension helps wartime veterans, and/or their surviving spouses, to stay safe in their homes!

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

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 their surviving spouses.
  • 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.

Around the Clock Medical Alarms works collaboratively with an independent agency that will assist you to file the paperwork with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and they will set up your home care, once the application goes to the VA. The best part is that you don’t have to wait for the VA to approve your claim in order to begin receiving services. They will provide you with help at the beginning of the month after paperwork is submitted.

It is estimated that nearly 20% of all people, over the age of 65, could qualify for the Aide and Attendance Veterans Pension or Death Pension. Consider, if you will, the number of war-time veterans and/or their surviving spouses that there are in this country.  Understand that ONLY 20%  (1 of EVERY 5) of those individuals could qualify. In addition, unfortunately, few people have the knowledge to understand how to get this benefit. Currently, an estimated 480,000 individuals are actually receiving it, which represents about 5% of those seniors who are 65 or older. Thus, this benefit is the “best kept secret” of the VA.

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. In addition, typically, when they remain independent, their quality of life is better, which equates to a WIN-WIN situation for all involved.

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 Alarmsimage

 

Home Modification Ideas for Senior Safety

Seniors should have homes that minimize risks to their safety. A medical alarm, also, will help the elderly live independently and reduce anxiety. If you’re anticipating updating a home to accommodate an aging parent, here are a few ideas that could make a significant difference for their security and comfort.  

 6 Remodeling Tips to Help a Senior

1. Wide & Open Spaces

Open floor plans and wide rooms and hallways—at least 5 feet by 5 feet—will allow a senior to move around with greater ease and visibility. Work with your home remodeling contractor to widen doorways and rooms to accommodate an aging senior, whether wheelchair-bound or not.  

2. Fewer Stairs

Ascending and descending stairs is a safety hazard for many seniors. Single-story homes or those with elevators are best for senior residents. One entrance to the home should be a stairless entry. Eliminate steps by installing ramps, wherever possible. The purchase of a reliable medical alarm can also allay concerns about falls.

3. Handrails & Levered Door Handles 

medical alarmSeniors 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.

4. Lower Light Switches & Countertops

Accessibility is an issue of concern for seniors. Keep light switches and countertops low and within easy reach. Adjustable rocker-style light switches need only a gentle push to operate and will help seniors live in well-lit comfort.

5. Raised Outlets

Home remodels, if they include raising electrical outlets, will ease the strain on seniors with back or leg pain. Work with an electrician to reposition outlets that seniors use more than others, especially those in kitchens, bathroom, and bedrooms. 

6. Walk-In Showers With Seating

Remodeling a senior’s bathroom by installing a threshold-free shower with built-in seating will improve comfort, independence, and security. In addition,a medical alarm will ensure that seniors are never alone and that they can get help whenever they need it. 

 

Around the Clock Medical Alarms of Cape Girardeau, MO, offers medical alarms that can immediately send help to a senior in need. Products and services include medical alarm necklaces, tabletop monitors, and fall-detection devices. To learn more, call (573) 334-7233 to speak with the staff, or message them online to initiate a conversation.

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