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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

 

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

National Pie Day: January 23, 2021

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Two weeks ago, I went to visit one of our clients who is a farmer. Harlan, has cows, sheep, barn cats, and a beagle-mixed (aka “mutt”) female dog named “Buddy” that he tends to daily.
 
While there, I noticed that he had a Wal-Mart sack of cracked pecans — that he was eating as fast as he could shell. I sat there and visited and we managed to get them all picked from the shell. When we finished, he asked if I knew how to make a pecan pie. “Of course,” I replied. He asked if he could send enough nuts for me to make 20 pies — to which I stated that I’d be happy to make two…. A few days later I dropped off two pies that were from the nuts we shelled together.
 
On January 23, 2021, appropriately enough, Harlan called and I asked him how he liked the pies. In the fashion of a two-year-old kid (instead of an 88-year-old man) he enthusiastically replied, “They were gooder than good!” What an awesome slice of humble pie!!!! This totally made my day…!
 

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: 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

Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO: Grateful For Senior

Being Grateful For Your Senior Adult — The “Gift Of Time” Is Priceless!

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In this time of social distancing, remote learning and meetings, washing and sanitizing EVERYTHING, we have basically been forced to change virtually every part of our former lifestyle. But in this time of change, please give thanks for our many blessings and remember our Senior adults.

For the most part, many of them have seen far worse than the troubles of today. They have experienced wars, “Great Depressions,” famines, and yes, even a possible pandemic in their lifetime. They all have been introduced, firsthand, to death and loss. It is very important to note that at this stage in their life, NOTHING is more important to them than friends and family. It is the social interaction with friends and family that fuels their drive to thrive.

For those that still have living parents, and are reading this, reach out to them OFTEN and just share some time with them. For those of us whose parents are gone, “adopt” a Senior adult who might not have family nearby, or who has little to no regular contact with others. It takes just a few minutes to be kind, share a memory, or some food or other resources. But most importantly, share love and care for them. They need this as much as, if not more than, air to breathe and food to eat.

To a Senior adult, ISOLATION is a cruel punishment for a crime that was never committed. And perhaps far worse, a sentence that has no foreseeable end from where we stand today. “In-person visits” are likely forbidden, so be creative. You can be a pen pal and write to them. You can send pictures or music. You can use Facetime or Skype to share time with them. Do whatever is necessary to break their isolation and lift their spirits. Your reward is that you may very well see them smile, laugh, cry, or simply LIVE again. Perhaps they will, at least for a short time, forget the isolation they are forced to endure.

Everyone reading this article has what is needed to invest in a Senior adult — TIME. We are all so busy with life, yet we must not be so busy that the ones who built all that we have surrounding us, (all of the freedoms we enjoy, the life we are able to choose to live), go without our investment of TIME. The precious commodity that each of us, in turn, will see grow in importance and value with each passing day. I ask you to invest in a Senior adult before it is too late and the opportunity is gone for good. You will be AMAZED at the return on your investment.

Les Tainter
Regional Manager

 

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

 

 

Senior Care Spotlight: Real Estate Agent for Your Car?

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At iAutoAgent, “We are like Real Estate Agents for your car.” We understand how stressful it can be when a family member can no longer drive. You are faced with multiple decisions and might not be sure whom to turn to when selling the car that your family member has treasured throughout its life. We created a streamlined process for our sellers to enjoy a hassle-free, straightforward, and transparent experience selling their cars while obtaining top dollar for them.

For Sellers we provide the following:

More Money Than The Dealer
Door-to-Door Service
Guaranteed Value on your vehicle within 24 hours
We provide professional-quality photos & video
We inspect and market your vehicle for you
Safe & Convenient– We show your vehicle at a police station
We handle the complicated paperwork
Zero Fees To Seller

If you are trying to sell or buy a vehicle this holiday season, here are 3 tips to keep you safe:

Tip 1: Never Meet Anyone unless you have spoken to on phone. Also Make sure on the phone they have the cash or financing to purchase car to avoid wasting your time.

Tip 2: ONLY MEET AT POLICE STATIONS for showing your car and bring someone with you. DO NOT BRING THE TITLE WITH YOU FOR SAFETY REASONS. You can bring a picture, but not the real thing, unless you want to potentially be involved in a crime where someone takes your title as well as your car.

Tip 3: Make sure you get a driver’s license, insurance card, take a photo of them and the license plates on their vehicle they are driving prior to test driving, and send this information to a loved one to let them know where you are and who you are with.

However, if you have an unwanted car, there is a new, easy, safe way to sell it — iAutoAgent!

To sell your car with iAutoAgent, simply go to iAutoAgent.com and click “Sell” or call us at 636-614-3711.

 
Guest Article Contributed by:
Jay Grosman
CEO/Founder iAutoAgent
www.iAutoAgent.com
314-596-2277 mobile
636-614-3711 business
636-614-3712 fax

Google Reviews: https://g.page/iAutoAgent/review

 

 

 

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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5 Home Safety Tips for Recent Surgery Patients

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Recovery after surgery is vital and ensuring safety post-operation is a critical step. Preparing the home and taking a few precautions will be a lifeline for those who have recently been discharged from the hospital. Here are five tips.

Tips for Recovering Safely After Surgery

1. Stock Up

Whether you will be on a restricted diet after your procedure or you will have limited mobility, a stocked freezer and pantry will help. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them, and make sure to have nonperishable staples in the cupboard, so you have plenty of options. Good nutrition is vital for your recovery, making a well-stocked kitchen a top step.

2. Consider Home Care

You may need help with a variety of tasks after surgery, from bathing to changing bandages. Look into a home caregiver or visiting nurse who can assist with certain necessities in the few days after you get home. Always set up the first appointment before you leave the hospital, so there is no gap in care.

3. Stay on the First Floor

lifelineIf your home has multiple levels, move onto the first floor for the duration of your recovery. Set up a sleeping area, so you don’t have to go up and down stairs, and make sure to have easy access to essentials like a bathroom.

4. Boost Safety

Remove clutter, so there is nothing in your way that can cause falls or injuries, especially if moving about is more difficult post-surgery. Set up nightlights for moving in the dark, and wear slippers, flat shoes, or socks with non-skid grips on the bottom to reduce slip risks. Also, consider adding a shower seat and handrails in the bathroom for extra safety, as well as lifeline equipment like medical alert necklaces in case something happens while you are alone.

5. Ask About Limitations

Speak with your doctor to learn what you can and can’t do, and how long you must wait to return to your regular activity. Ask about driving, traveling, and returning to work. Also, find out about possible side effects to watch for and what to do if you feel them, such as fever, pain, nausea, dizziness, and lethargy.

If you or a loved one has recently been released from the hospital after surgery, you want to ensure safety at all costs. That is where Around the Clock Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, comes in. Their goal is to help individuals stay secure and independent in their own space by way of their medical alarm systems. These personal items are small and waterproof but have a range the size of three football fields to guarantee you have a lifeline when you need it most. Their knowledgeable team also provides 24-hour customer service, so you have a friendly, personal emergency response system any time of day. Call (573) 334-7233 for more on their medical alert bracelets and necklaces, or visit their website for more on their productsimage

 

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