Did you know that statistically a third of all seniors age 65 and older will suffer from an accident from a fall or other injury sustained in the home? It is true that as a natural part of aging we become less sure in our movements and what used to be easy tasks take on a new level of difficulty that could disable us from acting quickly enough to get ourselves out of harm’s way. For this reason many concerned family members encourage the senior citizens in their lives to live in a retirement home or assisted living center so that they can be under the constant watch of someone who is there looking out for their well-being.

Of course no one wants to be confined to a retirement center and you can bet that the senior in your life probably is not going to leap at the opportunity to leave behind their home, neighbors, routines, and independence for a retirement home. Fortunately there is a compromise. Medical alarms allow families to have the peace of mind that they are looking for in order to allow their senior family members to remain at home. Seniors love medical alarms because they play a large role in helping them to stay independent.

In a survey of customers of  medical alarm service providers, it was found that 87% of those who had a medical alarm system said that the protection that medical alarms provide were a main or an important factor in determining that they would live at home rather than be put in a retirement facility. You too can be part of the percentage of American seniors who have found or re-gained their independence because of a medical alarm system.

Medical alarm systems basically function as follows:

1. The senior is given a pendant that can be worn around the neck or wrist. Each subscriber is also given a separate receiver system that can be used to communicate with a medical alarm operator.
2. In an emergency the wearer of the pendant simply presses the button on the pendant.
3. The pendant sends a signal through the transmitter to the medical alarm system provider.
4. The operator asks you some questions to determine your needs and contacts the proper authorities who can help you. If you do not answer the questions of the operator it is assumed that your condition is urgent and emergency personnel are notified right away.
5. The appropriate authorities or personnel are directed to your home to assist you.

So you see, medical alarms can keep you independent not only by giving your loved ones the peace of mind that you will have someone looking out for you and someone that you can contact at any time in case you need anything, but you as the senior feel safer in your home and more confident in your ability to live independently. Most medical alarm systems will even offer the service of notifying the individuals that you select in the case of an emergency.

Ultimately, a medical alarm can keep you independent by protecting you from being without needed emergency assistance for any period of time. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for a senior to have a fall, seizure, heart attack, injury or serious illness and not be able to reach the phone to call for assistance. The result is hours or even days of being unable to call for help. Time is of the essence with life threatening conditions. Fortunately with a medical alert system you can prevent the loss of any of your precious time by having help available at your fingertips.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Medical Alarms, Senior Safety :: No Comments »

If you are interested in making your home a safe place to live or trying to help a loved one stay independent in their home, it is important to consider what measures you can take to ensure senior safety, especially if they are going to live alone as a senior.

The set of challenges a senior faces are different from those that face others when it comes to safety, especially home safety. While it is highly important for them to consider typical safety measures, such as turning the stove off, and keeping electrical system up to date, and the home in good repair, there are other things they must do to ensure their safety.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to ensure your safety when you live alone as a senior:

One of the biggest things you can do when you live alone as a senior is get a medical alert system with a button to push if you have an emergency. This allows you to stay independent, but gives you the reassurance that should you slip and fall, or have a medical emergency you will not be lying on the floor of your home for hours, in pain hoping someone will stop in. Instead you can push a button and get an immediate response.

Most of us wait until an emergency occurs before getting a medical alert device. However, if you are going to live alone, prevention, and planning is a better idea. The fear and insecurity that comes when you do have a medical emergency situation and no ability to call for help can be debilitating. So if you want to keep your independence, a medical alert system is a great idea.

Another thing you can do to help ensure your safety when you live alone as a senior is to have plenty of locks on your doors and windows. Seniors are often targets of burglaries, as they can often afford nicer things, and take less care to lock doors, and close windows. So, keep your shrubs cut low, make sure your outside lighting is good, and make sure windows are locked, and doors are locked. This will keep you safe from outside harm.

Next, to stay safe as a senior who lives alone at home, you will want to make some simple changes in your home to aid prevention of safety concerns. This means things like moving the items you use most in the kitchen to the most easily accessed cupboards. Clearly mark the off position for burners on your stove. Change batteries on smoke detectors twice a year. It means installing grab bars in tubs and showers, and support bars near the toilet, or raised toilet seats to help in these areas. Secure the rugs to the floor so you do not trip on them, and having sufficient lighting on stairs and hallways. Simple changes can greatly increase your ability to move about your home, and live in your home alone with out fear of injury. Talk to a safety consultant if you want to take more serious steps towards making your home safer and more adapted to the challenges you face as a senior.
Part of ensuring your safety when you live alone as a senior is just having a system where you check up on your neighbors, and they check up on you. Have a family member call at the same time each day, or make sure you have plenty of activities lined up, and people to know you are OK. That way, should something happen, you will not have long to wait before someone figures out there is a problem and comes to your help.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

Senior safety at home is a real concern. There are several issues to worry about if you are a senior that you may not have needed to worry about as much previously. The following are some tips in areas of each of these issues:
Fires:
The fact is that elderly people experience more fires than not-elderly people. Usually this is because often cognition is decreased as you age, vision and hearing become impaired etc. Protect yourself and your home from fires with these helpful tips:
• Test your smoke detectors once a month to make sure they work. Replace smoke detector batteries twice a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor in the house, and one near the stove in the kitchen.
• Have a cognitive plan for fire escape routes.
• Obtain an escape ladder for bedrooms located on the 2nd floor or higher.
• Test to make sure you can open your windows easily.
• Make sure burners are turned off after use. Mark the off position clearly so that even if you have impaired eye sight you will get it right.
• Keep and store flammable materials in a safe place, away from heat, wires, etc.
• Eliminate fire hazards in your home.

Slips and Falls:

As people age their chances of slipping and falling increase due to vision impairment, hearing impairment, loss of cognition, loss of balance, decreased muscle strength, etc. As a senior, slips and falls are even more dangerous because bones start to become brittle and skin gets thinner. So here are some tips for fall prevention:

• Wear thin rubber soled shoes with shallow treads, they won’t slip on typically slippery surfaces, and the tread won’t catch rugs and make you trip.
• Pick up your feet when walking - walk heel-toe, this may be awkward at first but will really help.
• Install and use handrails in areas that are difficult to maneuver.
• Focus, do not let yourself get in too big of a hurry, as rushing can cause accidents.
• Remove slipping/tripping hazards immediately, especially items such as rugs, toys, wires, cords, etc.
• Install grab bars around your tub or shower
• Use non-skid strips or tub mats around sinks and toilets and tubs.
• Keep regularly used items in easy to reach places.
• Keep a phone nearby in case of an accident.

Medical Emergencies:

As you age you become more susceptible to chronic illness, and more likely to be injured in a fall etc. So, these things qualify as medical emergencies. To help protect yourself from these consider the following:
• Use a medical emergency response program like Pioneer Emergency First Alert so that you are never alone and hurt and unable to get to a phone for help.
• Have people check in on you regularly, or stay busy enough that someone will notice if you stay in.
• Have a list of all medications you are taking on your person, so should you have an emergency your medical history and medications are easy to find.
• Keep emergency contact numbers on hand and easy to get to.
• Make sure you know the side effects of any medications you are on.

These are just a few tips for senior safety, but take your safety seriously and you will live a longer, happier, healthier, and much more enjoyable life without the fear of lying helpless on the floor, or the pain of having bruised and broken bones.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

Preventing safety problems is the best thing you can do for yourself as a senior who wants to live at home and maintain independence. There are a number of common problems elderly face, and some good ways to prevent these problems:

Falls:

The older population’s risk of falling is usually caused by three things: the normal aging progress, pathology that increases with age, and environmental conditions.

The fact is that as people get older their vision, , posture, hearing, cognition, and other factors are altered, and this can increase the incidences of falls. So what once would not have been harmful to someone, can be potentially dangerous to them as they age. For example, a person may not have the muscle strength or reflex reaction to avoid a fall after an unexpected trip. Another example is that often times as you age your eyesight gets poor, and this impaired vision may interfere with your ability to avoid obstacles.

There are many other reasons that elderly and seniors are at risk for falls much more than someone else. These include environmental factors, their medications, and more.

Since a fall can be very dangerous to a senior as they have more brittle bones and thin skin, it is good to do what you can to prevent falls and accidents.

Some of the things you can do include:
• Wear rubber soled shoes.
• Secure any throw rugs securely to the floor
• Have non-slip surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens
• Keep stairs well lit.
• Have grab bars in tubs and showers.
• Clean up any spills immediately.
• Keep things you use often in easy to reach places.

Medical emergencies:

Preventing a serious medical emergency is a good idea for all seniors, but especially for seniors living along. One great plan for prevention is to choose a medical alert company. Instead of waiting for an accident to happen where you can’t get help quickly, prevent that problem by choosing a company to monitor your home. This can be a medical alert company that gives you a pendant to wear in the shower, in case of a fall, or a neighborhood sponsored program that has regular visits and checkups scheduled to ensure you are not left lying alone on your floor for hours if you were to fall or have some other problem.

Fire:

If you want to prevent a fire in your home, do the typical things like have smoke detectors installed, and make sure they have working batteries. However, it is also a good idea to mark the off position on your stove top very clearly so that impaired vision does not become a reason for a house fire. Also, make sure your hair is tied back if it is long and you are cooking. Do not wear loose fitting clothing near gas burners. Make sure there is nothing flammable close by. Etc.

Self evaluation:

Besides having safe habits, it is also smart to regularly evaluate yourself, and whether or not you are capable of living alone. It is understandable to want your independence, but it is important to consider safety first, and prevent problems from happening. If you find you are struggling with simple tasks, preventing a problem might mean getting in home care, or moving to a nursing facility.

So, discuss your lifestyle with your doctor. Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Have regular eye examinations and keep glasses clean and in good condition. These things will help you know if you are physically capable of taking care of yourself.

Next, make sure you know and understand the side effects of your medication. If they make you dizzy after taking them, you need to know that so you are not up walking around, as you will fall.

These are three areas where prevention is the best thing for senior safety in the home.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

As a senior there are many safety concerns you might have. In your home there are going to be concerns such as fire hazards, falls, slips, medical emergencies. Your body has changed, your abilities have changed, and you have a whole new set of challenges to face. Besides these however, there is yet another safety concern that all seniors should be aware of. Most seniors know to be careful of slips and falls, and have seen commercials for medical emergency call buttons, etc. However, how many seniors are more cautious about burglary and theft in their homes?

Seniors have become the target of many criminals. In the mind of a thief, a senior is the perfect target. They are slower to respond, have impaired hearing and vision, and usually have a collection of items of value, from antiques, to cash.

The truth is that many robberies take place in daylight hours, and could easily be prevented. So, as a senior, let’s talk about some of the things you can do to stay safe at home:

1. Never open your door automatically. Install and use a peephole. Just because it is the middle of the day, and the person knocked on the door does not mean it is safe to open. Make sure you know the person, or are expecting someone. If it is important they will come back or call.

2. Lock your doors and windows. The easiest way to deter a thief is make it harder to get in. So, install locks on all doors and windows, and use reinforcement for sliding glass doors and windows.

3. Vary your daily routine. If you are predictable, and always follow the same routine, someone could watch you and know that between 11 and 1 you go out for a walk, and visit the neighbors. It would be easy to break in.

4. Get others involved. This is not a problem unique to you, so use “Neighbor Watch” to keep an eye on your neighborhood. Communicate with your neighbors so that you can keep an eye out for one another.

5. Don’t leave notes on the door when going out. This is like a big sign that says, “I am not home, come in and take what you want.”

6. Try to make your home look occupied, even when it is not, for example, leave lights on when going out at night; use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period. Make sure your answering machine does not indicate that you live alone. Cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for someone to pick up your mail, mow your lawn, or do any of the other things that need to be done to make it appear as though you are home.

7. Keep an inventory with serial numbers and photographs of re-saleable appliances, antiques and furniture. Leave copies in a safe place not in your home. This will make it easier to get your things back or be compensated for them.

8. Ask for proper identification from delivery persons or strangers. Also, safe guard your important information. For example, if a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him or her yourself. Then make sure they use a portable phone, and are not closed in a room near a computer, files, etc.

9. Never let a stranger into your home. And never indicate to someone you do not know personally that you will not be home at a certain time. Even a repair guy could take advantage of such knowledge.

10. If you are ever worried that someone may be in your home, call the police.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

Many elderly and seniors do not take their safety as seriously as they should. They think that because they have never had a problem or incident before, they won’t ever have one. Many people will not do anything about their safety until after a safety issue occurs. However, as a senior it is important that you think prevention. Safety in your home should be a priority.

Many seniors face serious problems because of something simple like a fall. In fact, falls are one of the leading problems facing the older person. Many times injury from falls leads to permanent disability, effectively ending a person’s active, independent lifestyle. And, many of these falls were easily preventable, and would not have happened if the senior would have taken their safety more seriously.

The older population’s risk of falling is related to three influences: the normal aging progress, pathology that increases with age, and environmental conditions. Falling is not because you are uncoordinated. Falling is something that happens as you age because of normal alterations in vision, gait, posture, hearing, and cognition. These changes may increase incidence of falls.

As you age your muscles weaken, your reflexes and reactions slow, your vision and hearing begin to become impaired. These are all reasons safety should be taken seriously because you are not as safe as you once were. In addition, the elderly also have a higher incidence of chronic illness, which can affect your functional capabilities.

So, with this in mind, it is time to set up a rule. Because your risk of injury, and the consequences of medical emergencies, slips, falls, etc. are much higher as you age, the rule is that you must practice good safety habits and stay alert even when performing the most mundane tasks.

So what are some things you can do to take your safety seriously?

• Consider hiring a safety consultant to come in and make your home more senior living appropriate. They will do things like install grab bars in the bath and shower areas so that you have something to hold on to and support yourself with. They may get you taller toilets that are easier to get in and out of. There are many simple changes that can be made to help with your safety. Even moving items from a low shelf to one at eye level can increase your safety as a senior. They are professionals, and will talk with you and address the needs and safety issues specific to you.

• Lock your doors. Seniors are often the targets and victims of theft. So, stay safe and protect yourself from this growing problem by keeping your door and windows locked, your outdoor areas well lit, and by being smart about who you let into your home.

• Create a checklist so you never have to worry about fires, etc. This checklist is going to help you stay on top of your game even when you are starting to forget things. Your checklist should include things like making sure the stove is turned off, making sure you have non-slip rugs near sinks and toilets, wearing rubber soled shoes to decrease your chance of falling, etc.

Your independence is important, so take your safety seriously so you can stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Senior Safety :: No Comments »

At some point in life, things that were once easy are not any longer. As you age your muscles start to lose strength, your eyes start to fail, your hearing, and simple things like stepping over the tub to get out of the shower can be difficult.

These changes in life are what make things like senior safety companies very valuable. Let’s face it, although we would love to hope there will never be a point in our life when we face a medical emergency and can’t get help, it does happen.

Mom could fall and not be able to call for help. Grandma Sue’s arthritis could get really bad making it impossible for her to get out of her bath. Your dad, uncle, or grandpa could slip coming in from the garage and not be able to get to a phone.

Having a button to push to get help can alleviate a lot of fear and difficulty in an emergency situation. Most of us would never want to have our loved on lying on the floor in pain, crawling, or not crawling, but trying desperately to get to a phone to call for help, without the ability. So, using a senior safety company becomes a reality, and a blessing.

Most people wait until an emergency occurs before getting a medical alert device. However, a fall, heart attack, stroke, breathing difficulty, or whatever kind of threat could occur, and if your loved one has no way to summon help, because they can’t reach the phone for help to dial 911, they lose precious time for recovery. They also often become fearful, and lose their faith in their ability to remain independent.

A loved one can remain living independently in their own home far longer by having a senior safety company that gives them a button to push that will get them help when they need it most. Usually this button comes in the form of a pendant that is worn around the neck, and can be worn in the shower, tub etc.

So, how is this better than the phone? And what kind of senior safety company button is best?

Well, it is better than the phone because it is easily kept on the person.It is also waterproof so it can go in the shower or bath, where most falls occur. However, in many respects it is the same as a phone. The truth is that most senior safety companies hook their button devices up through a phone line. However, depending on the company you go with, the reliability may vary. For example, if the senior safety company you choose uses wireless jacks, splitters and Voice over IP Internet phones to call for help, there are times that such services are inconsistent and not as reliable. So you want the most reliable emergency device, find one that simply uses an old fashioned analog phone line.DSL phone lines are also reliable.  That way you never have to worry about  noise, or Internet failure issues.

Using a senior safety company is not necessary. You can always try to keep a cell phone or portable wireless phone on your person, or make sure people check in on you. However, a senior safety company can give you the peace of mind that should a real emergency occur, YOU have the ability to do something about it, to get help for yourself, and thus maintain your independence.

One of the better known senior safety companies is Pioneer Emergency Medical Response. However, there are several, so do your research and find the most reliable one that fits within your budget.

howard :: Mar.25.2008 :: Senior Safety :: 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 »