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National Pie Day: January 23, 2021

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

What You Should Know Before Buying a Medical Alarm

Medical alarms aren’t just for the elderly who fall. If a loved one in your family has been recently diagnosed with a medical illness, injured, or undergone surgery, an alert system is a smart investment in their safety, security and recovery. Knowing they can get help when needed provides the assurance they need to continue living independently. Find out what to consider when shopping for a medical alarm below.

How They Work

medical alarmThe system user wears a personal help button (PHB) as a necklace or bracelet. If they need assistance, they push the alarm’s panic button.  All Around the Clock Medical Alarms subscribers are immediately connected to a monitoring member of a team of certified Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD) who are able to dispatch your family, friends, fire, ambulance and/or police to respond to any emergency situation. The system allows for fast action and ensures people get assistance –  even if they’re physically incapacitated or unable to speak. 

What to Look For

Look for devices that are durable and warrantied.  There are many providers of this type of service, but not all are created equal.

You want 24/7 access to live emergency response teams. Opt for providers, like Around the Clock Medical Alarms, who staff their call centers with EMD-certified professionals. They have the same training as 911 operators and can promptly recognize life-threatening situations and provide lifesaving information until help arrives. 

Additionally, look for customer service, which includes monthly device testing as well as a personalized file for each client with details like the user’s birthday, medications, allergies, and medical health conditions. This is extremely important, because if you are unable to speak, they can relay your information, on your behalf, to those who respond to your emergency.

Finally, elect to utilize companies who do not require long-term contracts.  None of us have a crystal ball or time ticker above our heads.  Thus, we are not certain how long we would need this kind of service….  Around the Clock Medical Alarms is here to help you for as little (or much) as you need – even for a short term, while you are getting your strength back, following an elective surgery, illness, and/or hospital stay.

  • Around The Clock Medical Alarmsa nationwide PERS provider, has been providing concerned families with top-quality medical alerts for eight years. Their innovative alarms, which can be worn around the neck or on the wrist, are waterproof and have a range of up to three football fields. Their EMD-certified team is available 24/7 to provide personalized support and dispatch emergency crews to provide lifesaving care when life-threatening emergencies arise. Find out more about their products online. If you have questions, call (573) 334-7233.

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5 Tips for Talking to a Loved One About Moving In With You

As loved ones age, their safety and wellness become a principal concern. From purchasing medical alarms to hiring part-time caretakers, there are many ways to help an aging parent. If you decide to ask them to settle into your home, handle the discussion tactfully. Although approaching the subject may seem a bit daunting, here are a few tips to open the dialogue.

How to Discuss Moving an Elderly Loved One Into Your Home

1. Don’t Rush the Conversation

Convincing a parent to make a major life change is unlikely to happen during a quick exchange. Wait for an opportunity to bring the topic up when you can talk face-to-face without interruption. This conversation demands your full attention.

2. Listen to Their Concerns

You’ll probably encounter some pushback, but instead of dismissing your parent’s concerns, take the time to hear them out. They may fear they’ll lose independence, have to change daily routines, or be a burden. Ease their concerns by coming up with fair solutions. 

3. Describe Your Worries

medical alarmsUse the conversation to address your concerns, too. Although a medical alarm ensures access to emergency help, you may be worried about your parent’s overall health. From providing nutritious meals to helping with laundry and errands, moving in together will allow you to ease their workload.

4. Revisit the Topic

If your loved one remains resistant, table the topic. Consider broaching the subject when a sibling can be present to support your points. Invite your parent for an extended stay. After they spend time with you at home, they may see the value of living together.

5. Reach Common Ground

To encourage your parent to warm to the idea, talk about how you would modify your home to fit their needs. For example, you could give them free rein over a spare bathroom and access to your at-home office to quilt and sew. As long as they agree to keep their medical alarm on hand when you’re out, the new arrangement should satisfy everyone involved.

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3 Tips to Help Seniors Eat Healthier

Eating a nutritious diet can help seniors maintain a healthy weight, have more energy, and fight off illnesses. However, loss of appetite and mobility as well as poor oral health make it more difficult for some elderly citizens to eat well. Helping your senior improve their diet is just as necessary as other actions you may take to keep them independent, such as equipping their home with a medical alarm. Here are three different tactics that will help seniors prepare and consume healthy food.

How to Help Seniors Eat Better

1. Stock the Kitchen With Protein-Rich Foods

People are susceptible to muscle loss as they age, putting them at risk of falls. If you encourage your elderly loved one to eat plenty of protein in their diet, their muscles will stay strong. Protein-rich foods, like chicken, tuna, and peanut butter, slow muscle loss and help seniors stay mobile. Installing a medical alarm in their home can also keep your loved one safe and secure.

2. Make Fruits & Vegetables Easier to Eat

medical alarmFruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals essential for good health. However, if your senior has dental problems, chewing foods may be painful. If they turn fruits and veggies into smoothies, they’ll be able to enjoy the best of nature’s produce without discomfort. Consider buying them a blender and a cookbook with recipes about whipping up healthy drinks.

3. Encourage Exercise

Regular exercise increases muscle mass and improves bone health. It can also increase appetites, whether it’s walking or riding a bike. Don’t let the seniors in your life be sedentary. Encourage them to stay active, and exercise with them as often as you can. Having a medical alarm in the home provides reassurance that seniors can get the help they need if they exercise indoors.

If you’re looking for a reliable medical alarm system for your elderly loved one, turn to the professionals at Around The Clock Medical Alarms. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, the company produces state-of-the-art medical alert systems that make it easier for elderly people to live alone. Small personal help buttons can be worn as medical alert necklaces or bracelets, and they come with a lifetime warranty. For more information about their products, call (573) 334-7233, or visit their website to browse their devices.

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