Injury and death from falling down is a continued problem among our senior population. The statistics show that falling is the number one cause of unintentional injury at home among our seniors 65 and over. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that more than 30,000 Americans are seriously injured weekly by falling, and nearly 250 die from their injuries.
Last week, we had a hospital admission of a senior who survived the frightening experience of a fall. For 32 hours, the patient laid in an empty bathtub after a tumble in the bathroom. A perceptive neighbor who noticed two issues of the morning paper saved her life by calling 911. Fortunately, the patient has recovered and has now been discharged with a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). There are 8 key questions to ask when you or your caregiver decides to invest in a personal response system:
1.) Do you live alone or are you left alone for certain periods?
2.) Are you suffering from a chronic illness?
3.) Are you isolated in your living environment?
4.) Do you need assistance with daily living activities?
5.) Have you had challenges with physical or sensory impairments?
5.) Have you had a history of falls or medical emergencies?
7.) Have you had a history of hospitalizations?
8.) A history of medication management issues
If you can answer Yes to two or more questions, the Center of Health of Healthcare Communication recommends a personal response system.
How to find a reputable Personal Emergency Response
The market is flooded with a variety of PERS. Generally, medical alert systems can be purchased, rented, or leased. The cost of the system is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. However, you cannot put a price on safety, security, or peace of mind for you or your caregiver. Prior to purchasing or renting a system, it is important to contact your local Better Business Bureau.
The best product for a personal emergency response system
There are a variety of PERS on the market. After a careful review of PERS on the market, I highly recommend the A + Better Business Bureau product called LifeFone. Lifefone Medical Alert – Only $24.95 per month, no long term contract. has provided a sense of security to seniors and their caregivers for over thirty-five years. For less than a dollar a day, a senior has 24/7 secure monitoring without a required contract. In addition, their devices, bracelets and pendants are easy to use and their emergency specialists are accessible 365 days a year. One additional feature of the LifeFone product is their LifeFone Emergency Care Plan.
The plan allows subscribers and their loved ones to customize an emergency plan that details medications, allergies, physicians, names of neighbors, and even a preferred hospital. The LifeFone medical alert system is mobile. If your loved one relocates for a week or even a month, a simple call will transfer personal alert service. LifeFone continues to receive recognition from national healthcare organizations such as WebMD.com and the National Council On The Aging. As a caregiver, give yourself and your loved one the gift of safety and security. The LifeFone personal emergency response system is a great option.
Source: The Center of Health of Healthcare Communication
