When you decide to spend the money to ensure your senior’s (or your self) safety, but hiring a medical alarm monitoring company, you need to make sure they have a great monitoring center. After all, what good would it do to push a button for help if no one gets the call, or is paying attention to it? Here are some things to look for in a medical alarm monitoring center for senior safety at home:

1. What quality are their operators?

Do they speak the same language as you? Are they committed to making sure your service is high quality? Basically to find this out you need to find out what kind of training program they have for their operators. You want one that has a comprehensive customer service training program designed to teach the operators how to handle all situations. Also, find out if calls are recorded and reviewed for quality and training purposes.

2. How are their operators trained?

This overlaps the above question, but it is important to ensure that your monitoring center’s training program was designed specifically for medical alarms. You also need to make sure that they are certified to handle medical accounts, and that they know how to advise you, calm you, etc. they basically need to know how to handle medical situations in a calm manner.

3. How many operators do they have?

Basically, you just want to make sure that when you call for help they will have enough people on staff to answer your call and quickly. So, just make sure that the company you hire has a Call Management System (CMS) that monitors the call flow traffic and projects staffing needs. This way they will be able to schedule correctly based on relevant data, and should have short wait times if any.

4. How is the monitoring center certified?

Basically you want to ensure that the monitoring center is UL listed, FM approved, CSAA 5 Diamond certified. HIPPA compliance is also a plus. These agencies certify monitoring centers and ensure they meet stringent requirements. They also perform annual reviews.

5. Is there a backup power source?

If a system fails is there a plan and a back-up system that can be implemented immediately and automatically. Back up power generators and UPS systems are something you want to ask about, and make sure they are certified. There are three different systems and certifications, never use a monitoring system that is not at least UL certified. The point of this is that no matter what, even if the power is out, you want to make sure that if you have an emergency that they will get your call for help and be able to answer you and get help to you as quickly as possible. A backup facility geographically remote from the primary center is also highly advisable to prevent against natural disasters.

6. What is their promise about your call?

You want a monitoring system that is going to have a live person answer the phone within a few rings no matter what. This is hugely important because if your loved one is hurt and scared, they will want immediate assurance that a real person is aware of their situation.

There are other things to look for, but do your research, and take your time, you want to make a well informed and good decision. Your safety is a huge priority, make sure that whatever company you hire feels the same way.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

There are literally dozens of different national and local medical alarm companies available for you to choose from. Some advertise on television while others gain their business from word of mouth. With so many options available it is hard to know which one is best. However, by knowing what is most important to you in a medical alert system you can begin to research and ask the right questions to narrow down your options until you are left with the medical alarm system that is right for you.

Below you will find some of the more commonly desired traits that seniors and their family members are looking for in a medical alarm system. You should add your own requirements to this list in order to find your own unique match.

What to look for in a medical alarm system that is right for you:

• A company that is honest and straightforward – the last thing that you need is to have to worry about the small print of some companies that will require such things as lengthy agreements, excessively high late payment penalties, extra fees for services that you assume should be included in your service plan, etc. A good company values their customers as real people and will not use tactics to squeeze money out of those customers at every available opportunity.

• You get what you pay for – of course you would not settle for second hand medical service or mostly efficient medical help. But all too often that is what you get when you choose a medical alarm system solely because of their low price. Reputable providers cannot offer top-rate medical services for next to nothing.

• Satisfaction guarantees – you should be re-assured that you will be given the opportunity to test your system, have repairs done, or even have the whole system replaced as part of your company’s commitment to providing you with the best service possible. A device that falls into disrepair or a customer support team that can only be reached during business hours does not constitute a company that is committed to the satisfaction of their customers. Your medical alarm system service providers should be accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Most emergencies don’t accommodate “business hours”.

• Building a reputation takes time – ask around to find out how long certain medical alarm systems have been in business. Ask to see if they have their own facility, monitoring center and staff or if they are  outsourcing some of these services. You want to choose a medical alarm system that is all inclusive, meaning that you only have to talk to one company by calling one number to be connected with the party that can assist you best. Also, ask your friends and neighbors for any personal experiences that they may have with certain medical alarm companies and get referrals that way versus trusting a compensated celebrity endorser that you may see on TV.

• Make sure that both your medical alarm system monitoring center is UL listed – when your medical alarm system is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed, this means that the facility has met the high independent standards to achieve the distinction of being a benchmark for all monitoring centers.

• Regular self-tests – make sure that you test your medical alarm every week or couple of weeks to make sure that everything is still in working order. Just as it is wise to check your smoke detectors regularly, you must be able to test your monitoring system so that repairs can be made early so in case you need to use the system, you have the peace of mind of knowing that it is in good working order.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »

Medical alerts are a good idea for everyone to have. Unfortunately they are not free and thus it becomes necessary to really be sure that you need one before investing your money in a medical alert service. To summarize quickly, a medical alert is a device that involves a pendant that is worn at all times and a voice-box communicator. In the case of an emergency, the wearer needs only to push the button on the pendant and a signal will be sent via the voice-box transmitter the monitoring facility that services your medical alert. There a trained operator will ask you, through the voice box, what your emergency is in order to send you the appropriate authorities. Medical alerts are mainly acquired to protect the elderly or disabled from being rendered helpless after a fall or to protect them from dangerous situations such as a complication from a medical condition or a robbery.

If you live with someone else or you are rarely alone, a medical alert may not be necessary for you. When there is someone else in your home, they can help you by calling for help in the case of an emergency. However, if you are medically high risk, consider that you could have a serious medical event when your caregiver is out running errands.The service of calling for authorities is the same whether it is a family member or a medical alert operator. If, however, you are living at home alone and find yourself worrying about your own safety while you are there alone, you may want to look into what services a medical alert system could provide to you.

As far as a specific medical history is concerned, those who have trouble with mobility, serious illness, specific medical conditions and medications, or who have had incidents with accidents in the home are among the most persuasive qualifiers for needing a medical alert. Statistically, as we get older we become more susceptible to illness and injury and it becomes more difficult to heal from such blows to our health. Therefore, seniors are the most common medical alert customers. The risk of injuring yourself in your own home rises dramatically in the years following the age of 65.

For some families the possibility of injury or the actual occurrence of an injury of a senior in their home is cause enough to try to convince that elderly family member that why would be safer in a retirement home or other assisted living center where they can be watched and cared for at all times. For family members this is an excellent option because it allows for them to have the peace of mind of knowing that their loved one is taken care of.

However, such a set-up is rarely what the aging family member would call ideal. There is nothing wrong with living in a retirement home; in fact there are many advantages to doing so. However, there is something about the independence of living in your own home and carrying out your own routines that cannot be duplicated. A sense of independence is lost when a senior moves away from home.

This all too common scenario is perhaps the most compelling qualifier for someone to have need for a medical alert. With all of the reasons why a medical alert may not be possible, loosing one’s sense of independence is often the one thing that makes the effort and investment of researching and purchasing a medical alert worthwhile. If you are someone who is facing the possibility of moving away from your home because you fear for your safety or cannot guarantee that you will be able to get help when needed, a medical alert is for you. At the touch of a button you can have the peace of mind that both you and your loved ones want.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alert :: No Comments »

A medical alert is a tool that gives peace of mind to people at any age. Medical alerts are not necessarily just for the elderly or the disabled. Some perfectly healthy people who are looking for added protection can also benefit from a medical alert. With so many benefits and reasons for having a medical alert, it becomes difficult to differentiate between the people who really should have a medical alert and those who may be able to substitute a medical alert system with something less expensive or less technical (like carrying a cell phone with them at all times).

You really should have a medical alert if you have a chronic medical condition, have drug or food allergies, or take multiple medicines. Unfortunately, the majority of the people who fit into this category are the senior citizens. Those with the above mentioned ailments may be able to live very comfortably without a medical alert system if they live with someone else who can help them if necessary or if their living conditions are safe and they have the mobility to tend to their own needs immediately.

So we know about the types of people who really should have a medical alert system, but what about those for whom a medical alarm system is vital. Of all the unfortunate things that could happen in your house the number one danger that senior citizens face is the danger of becoming injured from a fall and not being able to get up or to otherwise call for help. If you are considering the purchase of a medical alert system for a loved one or for yourself, examine how real this threat of falling is in your situation. A previous fall or history of falls is often reason enough to purchase a medical alert system.

In addition, there are more specific conditions for which a medical alert can help you to be put in contact with emergency services at the touch of a button. But with the medical alert system, you disclose your individual medical issues and needs to the professionals in the monitoring center so that when you push your medical alert button to call for help, a record of those individual needs can be sent directly to the team or hospital that will be assisting you. When they have this information your treatment can be speedier and mistakes can be prevented.

You should seriously consider looking into a medical alert system if you have any sort of medical condition that could leave you immobile or unable to speak. Such things as a heart attack, stroke or seizures are extremely time sensitive. If you are unable to get medical help immediately, such attacks could cause irreversible damage and even death.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alert :: No Comments »

Seniors face a unique set of problems that create safety concerns. For example, a person may not have the muscle strength or reflex reaction to avoid a fall that they once would have. Decreased vision can make it harder to see small obstacles, such as toys left on the stairs by a grandchild. There are many other unique obstacles as well.

It is because of these reasons, as well as the basic issues that come along with aging, the pathology that increases with age, and of course the changes in posture, hearing, muscle tone, eye-sight, cognition, etc. that you should make your home more adapted to senior problems. If you do so you will find that you are more comfortable and that your risk of harm decreases.

The other reason you should make adaptations to your home that are specific to senior problems is because your body does not heal as quickly as it once did. Chronic illness may become a problem. Injuries become more severe because bones are weaker, skin is thinner. So combine higher injury with increased risk, and it is easy to see that it would be reckless not to make some adaptations to your home.

So, what can you do?

First, you can think prevention, and be aware of the possible problems. Many falls and accidents can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes and home modifications that may increase your safety and deter falls.

• Make sure your furniture is at a good height so that it is easy to get in and out of.
• Make sure you can see the edges of stairs easily. You can use some tape on the edges to help you see it better, or even paint them. This may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but it can certainly help keep you from falling down the stairs.
• Wear fitted clothing. Things that are lose and flowing can be caught on fire at the stove, can be tripped over, or caught on things.
• Always look where you are stepping.
• Keep stairs, hallways, and other areas where you walk well lit.
• Make sure all carpets and rugs are secure so they do not present a tripping hazard.
• Install grab bars in tubs and showers to make entrance and exit easier.
• Keep non-slip rugs near the sinks and toilet areas, and anywhere water might get on the floor.
• Get a toilet seat raiser which makes getting on and off the toilet easier.
• Install a grab bar near the toilet to aid in getting off and on so you do not have to use a sink or counter.

Second you have to be willing to accept the changes in yourself. If you are unwilling to install a grab bar or seating area in the shower, and you slip and fall and injure yourself, it is because of pride. So, recognize that the reasons behind adapting your home to your age are not because that is what old people are supposed to do, but because if you do that you will be able to remain independent longer. You will be healthier because your risk decreases. You will feel better, and have the confidence to move about your home knowing that if you need a handrail for support, or a grab bar to help you up and down that it will be there, and you will not be sitting on the pot waiting for someone to come visit so they can help you get off.

The reason you should adapt your home is simple. You will be happier if you do, despite any embarrassment, cost, or aesthetic reason not to.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

According to the Center for Disease Control more than 33% of American seniors aged 65 and older are involved in accidents and falls at home each year. For the loved ones of these seniors, those statistics are motivation enough to seek placement for their senior family member in an assisted living center. Here they are never alone and thus can get the medical help that they need as soon as possible.

Such a set-up sounds great for the loved ones but what about the senior? Doesn’t this individual get a say in how he or she will live out their life? Most seniors do not want to be placed in a “home for old people.” Many seniors have their own homes in neighborhoods that they have become accustomed to. They have routines and take pride in making their own food and having the independence to do as they wish in the comfort of their own home.

If you are a senior and want to stay independent you may consider getting a medical alarm. Medical alarms come in the form of a bracelet or necklace with a button attached that when pushed will notify emergency services to come and assist you. More than 1.5 million of seniors use a medical alarm to restore their sense of independence and so can you. Below are just five reasons why you should get a medical alarm if you want to stay independent.

1. With a medical alert alarm you have the ability to reach medical personnel no matter where you are in your home. In the case of an emergency you can still call for help even if you are not by the phone. This is especially helpful if you take a fall and cannot move. With a push of a button you can be connected with an operator who can talk you through a minor health concern or who can contact emergency services if the situation is more serious.

2. Medical alert alarms provide round the clock protection and is not limited to injuries. With a medical alert system you can notify the proper authorities no matter what sort of distress you are in. In the case of a robbery or other disaster, your same medical alert system can be used to send help right to your door. Some medical alert companies even offer lock boxes for your keys so that those providing you with assistance have easy access to better serve you.

3. Another huge reason to get a medical alarm is to give your family peace of mind. Remember that they only want to see that you are taken care of, that’s why they might place you in a senior living center. By having a medical alarm you will provide a strong argument for yourself because you will be able to have easy access to the same type of instant care you would find in a care center but be able to receive that care at home.

4. Medical alerts help you to feel safer being by yourself. You may be a bit apprehensive about living alone even when you want to be independent. To feel this way is perfectly natural. Medical alerts give you peace of mind as well. You know that someone else is always a button push away and that is definitely reassuring.

5. Medical alert systems are a good investment akin to insurance. If you are worried about the monthly payments or the initial cost of setting up a medical alert system remember that it is always better to prevent an accident or dangerous situation but in the case that something does go wrong, you will be glad that you make the investment and had your medical alert system. How much is your life worth to you and your family?

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

As we age most of our bodies loose the abilities that we once had. Most of us loose some degree of mobility and it becomes more difficult to recover from an accident. Some of us will develop brittle bones and can be seriously injured by a relatively minor fall. Aside from the changes and vulnerability of having an aging body, age and the natural progression of life claims those who we love and eventually we may find ourselves all alone in our homes. This sounds like a sad scenario and it very well may be that way for some, but for others there is the motivation to stay independent, continue enjoying life and what it has to offer and stay at home where they are free to do as they wish in their chosen environment.

Unfortunately there are often protests by younger family members that the senior in their lives would be safer in a retirement home where someone will always be there to provide help when it is needed. Family members do not want to risk that the well-being of their loved one be compromised because he or she may not be able to contact the appropriate authorities for help in an emergency. Many seniors themselves are fearful of something unfortunate happening and being unable to call for help. Could there possibly be a way for a senior to feel safe while being independent?

Fortunately a medical alarm can help. Medical alarms can provide you with easy access to medical or security help. In essence you can have the same ease of contacting others for help that you would have in a nursing home, while you enjoy the comfort and independence of living in your own home. Additionally, you can use your medical alarm for non-medical emergencies such as break-ins. You can feel safe while being independent because with a medical alarm assistance is only a button push away.

With a medical alarm you wear a pendant on a hypo-allergenic chain around your neck (some companies also offer bracelets). The pendant is a large button that when pushed can connect you to an operator who can contact the right authorities to help you. In addition to the pendant is a transmitter unit through which you and the operator can communicate (sort of like using the transmitter like a two-way radio). You can talk to the operator hands-free to get the help that you need or in more serious situations where you may be too far away or too injured to communicate, emergency services will be automatically dispatched for you.

There are several reputable medical alarm companies that you can choose from. Although most of them will vary slightly in the services and features that they provide, the system described above remains the same. With a medical alarm help is always at your fingertips.

With a medical alarm you can have the peace of mind that by staying at home you have taken the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Your loved ones will also have the peace of mind of knowing that if the unfortunate were to occur that you would have an easy and immediate way of getting help. Being independent is a privilege that none of us wish to loose. Fortunately there is a way not only to maintain your independence but also to feel safe about doing so. After all, you cannot really be independent if you live in fear of the dangers that exists. Medial alarms are more than just a speed dial to emergency help; they are the reason why over a million seniors feel safe and independent.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

We all age and as a result our health is more easily compromised. The correlation between age and injury, increase in required medications, illness, disease, etc. is unpleasant but unfortunately all too present for some. Although you or a loved one are fortunate enough to not be touched by some of the more common illnesses consider that over 13 million Americans are diagnosed with Diabetes and another 23 million Americans are diagnosed with heart disease. Add that to those who have Alzheimer’s, recent surgery, severe allergies, asthma, epilepsy or who are taking life saving medications such as the blood thinners like Coumadin and you may begin to see just how many older Americans struggle with their health on a daily basis.

Those age 65 or older account for an average of over 110 million emergency room visits in a single year. Roughly one third of all seniors also above the age of 65 will suffer from a fall or accident that occurred in the home. If all this information is not sufficient enough to convince you or a loved one that a senior may not be safe in their own home without a medical alert, perhaps we can better make these statistics have a more personal application to you.

Consider the following factors as they pertain to your personal health. If you cannot find any personally applicable reasons for why you should have a medical alert system in your home, then you may not need one. However, if you are over 65, it is likely that you will have at least one if not several issues in the following categories that are most important to caregivers:

• Medical history – Do you have a history of injuries, illnesses, inability to move well enough to get the phone, trouble taking care of yourself, etc. Or are you at risk for developing such symptoms in the future?

• Medication – Are you taking any kind of medication regularly (even if it is over the counter)? If so, do you notice that you are at times absent minded or forget to take the medications that you need when you need to take them?

• Allergies – Do you have allergies to foods, medications, or environmental factors around your home that you do not have the power or resources to eliminate?

• Surgery – Have you visited the emergency room or had any kind of surgery in the past 12 months? If so, did you have trouble healing or healing as quickly as you should?

• Specific needs – Do you have specific needs when it comes to your diet, physical therapy, exercise, etc.? Have you found that you have a difficult time taking care of yourself the way that has been suggested by doctors and loved ones?

• Family members – Do your family members worry that you are putting yourself at risk by staying at home, especially if you live alone? Are your family members looking into or encouraging you to go live in a retirement center?

If you have answered “yes” to any of the above questions you may need a medical alert in order to keep yourself safe by having easy access to contacting medical personnel at all times. All of the above mentioned scenarios can put seniors at a higher health risk if they choose to stay at home. You may need a medical alert not only to give your friends and family the peace of mind that they want to allow you to remain independent by living in your own home, but a medical alert can give the senior the confidence and re-assurance of knowing that if something were to happen at home, that they would be able to get help quickly.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alert :: No Comments »

Sometimes it is difficult to admit when we need help. Whether we are prideful or simply do not want to inconvenience others, sometimes we suffer in silence. Fortunately, if you are a senior you do not have to compromise your sense of independence or your privacy in order to receive the level of care that you are comfortable with. A medical alert can be just the answer you were looking for to solve your difficult situation.

A medical alert is a system that allows the customer to be put in contact with emergency services at the touch of a button. A pendant that is worn at all times serves as a type of speed dial to a safety monitoring center. You are immediately asked by the operator who receives your distress call what it is that you are in need of and the appropriate authorities are immediately dispatched to your home to take care of your needs.

A medical alert sure sounds like a nice thing to have around. But how can you know if investing in a medical alert is really going to pay off? And how are you supposed to know if you even need a medical alert in the first place. Below is a simple series of questions that you can ask yourself to evaluate whether or not you need a medical alert system in order to increase your level of personal safety.

Questions to ask yourself to determine if you could benefit from a medical alert system:

• Do you need the assistance of a device such as a walker or cane to get around your home?
• Have you ever taken a fall or multiple falls in your home that were serious enough to need to be treated by a doctor?
• Do you have brittle bones or difficulty healing after an injury?
• Do you have trouble getting up after a fall, balancing yourself or moving yourself around?
• Do you live alone?
• Do you suffer from vision, hearing, emotional, or medical problems? Do you take regular medications for any of these problems?
• Do you suffer from anxiety or feel unsafe in your home?
• Have you visited the hospital for any reason besides to receive a test of some sort in the last 12 months?
• If you do not currently have any serious medical conditions are you at risk for any?
• Is there a safety hazard in your home that would be difficult to correct (i.e. a flight of stairs leading to the bedroom, large scale disrepair, etc.)
• Are you older than 75 years old?

If you have answered “yes” to any of the above asked questions you may need to seriously consider whether or not you are taking precautions to ensure that you can get the kind of help that could save your life, were you to need it. Many seniors do not fully realize the dangers that are present in their own home. Studies have shown that nearly one third of all seniors age 65 and older will suffer from an injury that is acquired in the home. That statistic is frightening. Not taking the precautions necessary to protect yourself is foolish and could ultimately cost you your life. Additionally, failure to secure your own home and your well-being while you are there could be motivation enough for your loved ones to step in and take care of your safety on your behalf by having you move into a retirement home or assisted living center. Some seniors enjoy living in such facilities but many more miss the comfort and privacy of their own homes as well as the independence that they lose as a result of being monitored at all times by nursing home personnel.

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms, Senior Safety :: No Comments »

When it comes to medical alarm systems there are some differences that you will want to be aware of. No two companies offer the same features, at the same price, and with the same type of performance and guarantees. There are just too many different aspects of the product to consider that to make all systems identical is simply bad business.

With so many options to consider the task of researching out every possible medical alarm system company is daunting to say the least. Fortunately you do not have to start your search blindly. Below is a list of some of the various features of a medical alarm system. Read through these features and include any other needs that you have in addition to the things that are listed here. Once you know what features are most important to you, you can then use that list to compare some of your top medical alarm choices and come to the best decision for you. Whether you are looking to buy a medical alarm system for yourself or for a loved one, make sure that you remember that the most important things that a medical alarm system should be able to provide are safety and independence.

Various features of a medical alarm system for your comparison:

1. The button/pendant
   1. Some buttons are designed to be worn in the shower and tub.
   2. A high quality button battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, should last for at least 5 years while other batteries of lesser quality will need to be replaced much sooner.
   3. Some companies cover the cost of battery replacement in their service charge, while others do not.
   4. The smallest reasonably sized pendant is going to be about 1 inch wide by one inch tall with about ¼ inch depth. The total weight of the pendant when being worn should be somewhere around ½ and ounce. The size is important because of the pendant is not comfortable it is less likely that you will wear it at all times.
   5. Buttons can typically be worn as a necklace or around the wrist (some companies only offer a necklace version because they believe that it is safer to wear a necklace rather than a bracelet.)
   6. Range of coverage will also differ between service providers. Some customer’s buttons will not work if the individual leaves the house to do such things as check the mail or tend to a garden. Make sure that you select a product with a range that will suit your lifestyle.

The service/warranty

a. Look to do business with a reputable company who is willing to offer a warranty. The best warranty is a lifetime warranty (from a reputable organization) that includes repairs and service at no extra cost. You want to do business with a company that is willing to stand by their product.

b. Because an emergency is never convenient you need a medical alarm system with service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The speaker box/transmitter

a. The speaker box used to communicate to the medical alarm system operator should be hands-free.

b. You need for your speaker to be loud so that it can be heard in any room of the house. It also needs to have a sensitive microphone so that you can be heard no matter where you are in the house or how soft spoken you may be.

c. The speaker box transmitter should also have a back-up battery in the case of a power outage or other electrical short. Some back-up batteries last only 24 hours while others exceed 80 hours of back-up battery life. 24 hours is probably sufficient as it would be unsafet for a senior to stay in a house for 3 days with no power.

d. Your speaker box should automatically run diagnostic checks to ensure that your entire system is in working order. These tests should run at least once a month. Once a week would be even better.

Privacy

a. You should look for a medical alarm system that is going to take your privacy very seriously. Your information should not be shared with an outside party for marketing. The medical alarm system company should also be HIPAA compliant and employ staff members who are thoroughly trained and background-checked.

Other features and factors to consider

a. The price – ultimately you will need to be able to afford the system that you choose, but do not be too quick to agree to a deal with a system because of their low price.

b. Portability – can you take your medical alarm system with you if you go on vacation?

howard :: Mar.24.2008 :: Medical Alarms :: No Comments »