Medical Alert Archives - Around the Clock Medical Alarms

Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO: 2020 Torch Award

We are humbled…. Thank you!

December 18, 2020/in Client Testimonial, Company News, Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO /by Linda Bass

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

Personal emergency response system in South County MO: Senior Falls

Why A Medical Alert System Is Worth Taking Seriously

October 28, 2020/in Fall Detection in St. Louis MO, Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO /by Linda Bass

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

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

‘Cheers’ from our family to yours!

Go ahead and admit it…. Momma knows best! In other words, typically, she is right and you are wrong! However, if you’re concerned about her home safety, and she refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem, then you might actually be right!

Are you considering a PERS (personal emergency response system), medical alert necklace, or emergency button? We can help! We can give the gift of “peace of mind“ to you both!

Please give us a call at 877-449-5566 or visit online. Around the Clock Medical Alarms. Hometown Response. Nationwide Coverage

Does your loved one need guidance?

May 6, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

Formerly known as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, “Aging Life Care is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing health challenges. The Aging Life Care Professional is a health and human services specialist who is a guide, advocate, and resource for families caring for an older relative or disabled adult. Working with families, the expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals™ provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers.”

This profession is a wonderful resource to families, as they try to navigate the maze to elder care services. As our society continues to age, it’s importance will only increase in value.

Aging Life Care Professionals are trained in various fields related to long-term care. These can include, but are not limited to the following:

counseling
gerontology
mental health
nursing
occupational therapy
psychology
social work
and other allied health professions, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging.

Do you currently feel that your aging loved one is at a point and time in their lives, where they are a potential candidate for assistance? Are you struggling to find resources available for them? If so, visit “Find an Aging Life Care Expert.” to locate an Aging Life Care Professional in your area.

Additionally, if a personal emergency response system, (also know as a “PERS” or “medic alert”), could be of benefit, please call us at 877-449-5566 or visit online. Remember – even when home care or family caregivers aren’t with them – a medical alarm system can get help for your loved one(s) 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year! Around the Clock!!!

Around the Clock Medical Alarms

April 29, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

Around the Clock Medical Alarms system consists of three parts; the personal help button, master unit and the response center. The personal help button is available as a necklace or bracelet and should always be worn by the member. When the personal help button is pressed it will activate the master unit which conveniently plugs into any type of telephone connection in the home. The master unit immediately calls the response center and within seconds our highly trained care specialist will speak to the member over the base unit. Depending on the emergency the care specialist will notify EMS, police, fire or friends and family to let them know what is going on with their loved one. Seniors and their families now enjoy great peace of mind knowing that help will be only a push of a button away.

Around the Clock Medical Alarms is proud to say they only use equipment that is made in the USA and our new master unit is the only system on the market today that’s 100% compatible with all types of telephone connections. Our EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) trained and certified response specialists are also located in the USA and can assist not only with medical emergencies but also any equipment questions. (Our Response Center is the ONLY ONE in the U.S. that requires its responders to obtain their EMD Certification. This is the same training that a 9-1-1 operator must obtain).

Statistics on Falling and the Elderly
Falling and its resulting injuries are an important public health problem for older adults. The National Safety Council estimates that persons over the age of 65 have the highest mortality rate (death rate) from injuries from falls. Among older adults, injuries cause more deaths than either pneumonia or diabetes. Falls account for about one-half of the deaths due to injury in the elderly.

Among 65-year-old women nearly one in three (33 percent) will fall in their home; after age 85, over half of women will suffer a fall in their home.
Men between the ages of 80 to 84 have a 30% chance of falling at home.
It appears that for the elderly living at home one-third to one-half tend to fall — or do fall — female, single, divorced or widowed have an increased rate of falling.

Complications of Falls
The complications of falls are numerous and significant.

Fear of falling can be a very real reason for loss of mobility in the elderly. After a few falls, some people become so frightened and anxious that they will not attempt to stand even when there is adequate help and support. Fractures of the hip or forearm are common results of falling.
Hip fractures carry high morbidity (health problems related to a disease or condition) because of prolonged immobility, surgical risks and functional disability, possibly related to hospitalization.

For more information call Around The Clock Medical Alarms at (877) 449-5566 or visit online. Around The Clock Medical Alarms is based out of Cape Girardeau, MO, serving the greater St. Louis, MO area, all of Missouri and across the United States.

6 Remodeling Tips to Help a Senior

April 22, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

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.

Remodeling Ideas for Seniors

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

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.

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.

What to Do If You Notice a Decline in a Loved One’s Health

April 15, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

As the caregiver or relative of a loved one who needs medical care, you’re familiar with their condition and usual routines and behaviors. If, however, you haven’t seen your loved one in a while, take the opportunity to assess their health while home for the holidays. Awareness of the signs that their health is declining will allow you to implement safety measures. A medical alarm, for example, will enable them to remain safe and secure in their home.

Signs a Loved One’s Health Is Declining

Changes in Habits

If your loved one used to be sociable and outgoing but is now withdrawn and sullen, they may be in pain or need help. Changes aren’t limited to personality. Their health may be declining if changes in their eating habits, weight, personal hygiene, appearance, and routines are apparent.

Forgetfulness

Some people are more forgetful than others. If your loved one’s forgetfulness seems out of the ordinary, have their memory and mental health evaluated. Take note if they often forget where they put objects, miss appointments, or seem unsure of what’s going on.

Mood Swings

Abrupt changes in mood can sometimes indicate a change in health. Your loved one may seem calm and happy one moment, then shift into anger, sadness, apathy, or frustration the next. Be aware of sudden mood swings when you’re spending time with a loved one.

What to Do If You Notice a Decline

It can be challenging to address a loved one’s decline in health. You may feel reluctant to intercede. However, if you notice any warning signs of deterioration, take steps to ensure their safety and security. For their care and support, consider a medical alarm. They’re small and discreet enough to be worn as jewelry. In an emergency, your loved one can press a panic button to contact a response center for help. A medical alarm will ease your worries and also give your loved one a sense of independence

For Safety’s Sake, Modify Your Loved One’s Home

April 8, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

In addition to being the number one cause of hip injuries in seniors, falls lead to around $50 billion being spent on medical costs each year. Plus, they can result in an ankle, arm, or wrist fracture, which can be dangerous for seniors, especially if they don’t have a “life alert system”. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your elderly loved one. Here’s what you need to know.

3 Tips to Modify Your Elderly Parent’s Home

1. Install Grab Bars

If your parent wants to age in place, put in equipment that they can use to support themselves throughout the day; this will help them stay safe while remaining independent. At a minimum, add grab bars to their shower, stairs, and hallways.

Also, keep in mind that there are different types to choose from. For example, straight bars are the most common, and they can be installed in multiple directions. Wave-style bars are similar, but the metal is twisted, providing a decorative element.

2. Assess the Lighting

Begin by inspecting the placement and power of their lighting. Because less light reaches the retina as you age, use bulbs with high wattage to ensure the fixtures are bright enough. Next, add lighting to areas where falls are common, such as stairways, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Finally, since falls are more common in the dark, put night lights in as many outlets as you can, and place a flashlight on the nightstand next to their bed.

3. Remove Unnecessary Furniture

While more mobile seniors may be able to avoid bumping into a stool, many cannot. Thus, remove any items that may get in the way of their walking path to give them extra room to maneuver. Plus, get rid of plush armchairs or recliners, as your loved one may lack the body strength to get up once they’ve sat down.

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

April 1, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

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 Alarms

4 Tips for Helping a Loved One Manage Medications

February 12, 2020/in Featured /by Austin Bollinger

As a person grows older, their medical needs often become more complex. Advanced planning is key in this case, which is why many older people opt for life alert systems. The same planning should be applied to a loved one’s medication regimen, with which you can provide a great deal of assistance.

How Can I Help a Loved One With Medication Management?

1. Link Medication to a Daily Activity

It’s often easier to remember taking medication when it’s linked to an activity. For instance, encourage your loved one to take his or her pill during breakfast. You can also associate it with a nightly grooming ritual.

2. Be Aware of Drug or Food Interactions

Some medications can cause problems when taken together. Certain foods can also be a concern, and your family member’s doctor should provide this information when prescribing medication. Make sure you’re also privy to this information so you can monitor for any potential interaction.

3. Use a Pill Organizer

Pills can be sorted into days to help your relative remember which pills should be taken on which days. This also helps in the event of a missed dose. Instead of wondering whether a pill was taken or not, you’ll be able to notice that a dose was missed right away.

4. Keep Side Effects In Mind

All medications can cause side effects, so it’s essential that you and your relative are aware of potential concerns. Remember, some side effects can be severe or even life-threatening. If you’re concerned, have your loved one sign up for a life alert system in case a serious medical issue occurs while you’re away.

Around the Clock Medical Alarms takes the concept of a pill organizer one step further. Their medication dispenserscan be linked to a medical alert system, which sounds an alarm when a dose is missed. They also offer many other essential services, including life alert systems. Their devices can monitor you at home or on the go, and they even offer fall detectors that can call for help in the event of an accident in the home. Visit them online to learn more about their many life alert systems. Hometown Response. Nationwide Coverage. Call (573) 334-7233 for more information.