Deleware Valley Vital Link

Medical Alert systems and Medical Alarm Devices – A Short History Lesson about the “Help, I’ve fallen and Can’t Get Up” Medical Alert Bracelet

admin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:24:00 +0000

A medical alarm is an alarm system designed to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to summon emergency medical personnel. Other terms for a medical alarm are Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), medical alert, medical alarms, medical alarm bracelet, medical alert button, medical alert pendant, etc.

Typical systems have a wireless pendant or transmitter that can be activated in an emergency. When the medical alarm is activated, the signal is transmitted to the Vital-Link central station, Emergency medical personnel may then be dispatched to the site where the alarm was activated.

Elderly people, senior citizens, children concerned about senior safety(or the safety of their seniors) and disabled people who live alone commonly use and may even require medical alarm devices.

Home alert systems were conceived and developed in Germany in the early 1970s with the aim of developing new comprehensive structures for ambulatory and non-ambulatory care for the sick, the elderly, those who live alone, and disabled persons who strive to stay independent.

What medical alarm systems do:

A medical alarm system consists of:

an emergency wireless transmitter, which is worn like a wristwatch or a pendant
a console, which is connected to the telephone line and contains a microphone and speaker.

In case of emergency, for example, after a fall or a suddenly appearing ailment, the user can set off a call for help by a simple press of the alert button on his wrist or medical alarm pendant worn on a chain around the neck, without needing to reach the telephone. The medical alarm signal is sent to the Vital-Link Medical Alarm monitoring center and the data of the affected person (address, medical conditions, family contacts) are displayed. Through the microphone/speaker unit in the base station our emergency monitoring staff will attempt to speak with our subscriber in order to clarify the type and severity of the emergency and discuss further measures. Depending on the type of emergency help required, relatives or neighbors may be informed. If necessary, EMS(emergency medical services) may be notified. It is common practice for the user to leave a house key with a neighbor or family member so that emergency personnel can enter the house even if the subscriber cannot open the door. Keys are kept in a safe and marked only with numbers so that improper use is precluded.

Medical Alarm Monitoring Services

The monitoring service for the Vital-Link medical alarm (also known as a central station) is a call center facility that is staffed by trained professionals and staffed 24 hours per day … every day. Our professionals are available at all times to receive calls from the medical alarm system. Vital-Link’s medical alarm monitoring centers are approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have internal backup systems to add redundancy. Vital-Link emergency medical alarm monitors are trained to deal with people, get them the necessary help, sometimes just keep them company or to just listen to the person. At Vital-Link, we spend as much time as needed with our subscribers.

Medical Alert Devices – The Next Generation

PERS, a commonly accepted abbreviation for Personal Emergency Response System or medical alarms have been sold throughout the marketplace for more than forty years. PERS systems and service models, which originally were designed to help the elderly summon emergency services when needed, are rapidly evolving. Here is what is on the medical alarm horizon:

Automatic Fall Detection. Fall detection without the need of a “panic button” which is often inaccessible when unconscious.
User Compliance Tracking. Detection when the device is not worn – alerting caregivers of the heightened risk or to provide gentle reminders to seniors that wish to wear, but forget.
Caregiver Notifications. Adult children and other authorized caregivers can receive notifications with text and email messages to alert loved ones if the user is ok.
Private caregiving websites are created for each user to monitor vital signs and activity levels

Traditional or legacy PERS offer benefits to independently living seniors and can save money. PERS 2.0 products will offer everything legacy PERS offer but adds new benefits at higher price, hopefully, making these upcoming products extremely popular within the senior safety medical alarm market and as the demand increases the cost for the next generations of medical alarm devices should decrease.

Medical Alarms in Pop Culture

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” was a catchphrase of the late 1980s based on a line from a United States based television commercial. In this commercial an elderly actor is seen fallen and distraught and uses the medical alert system to summon help. The unexpected humor in the commercial made it a universal punchline for many comedic acts.

About Caring for Elderly Parents – When a Medical Alert Device Makes Sense

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:27:41 +0000

The aging process can be difficult for families. Children must watch as their elderly parents lose the ability to care for themselves and accomplish everyday tasks. While some elderly individuals can accept the limitations of age, others fiercely attempt to cling to their independence. It seems inevitable, however, that one day the parent will become the child and the child will become the parent.

Medical Care

A variety of medical problems can affect the elderly, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular problems, cancer, arthritis and other physical impairments. Caring for elderly parents who have medical problems can be a challenge. A caregiver may have to administer medications and provide transportation to and from many doctor appointments.

A caregiver facing this situation should realistically gauge his ability to meet the demands associated with caring for elderly parents who are ill. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a nurse.

Legal

Caring for elderly parents often includes presiding over their business and financial affairs. A caregiver may have to pay the bills, keep up with financial records and fill out forms and applications for her elderly parents. While this is often carried out informally, an elderly individual can decide to award power of attorney to a child who serves as his caretaker. Power of attorney gives the designated individual legal authority to preside over another person’s business affairs and transactions.

Effects

Caring for elderly parents usually involves cooking, cleaning and attending to their physical needs. As a result, many caregivers neglect their own health and become physically and mentally exhausted. Some caregivers ultimately quit their jobs or reduce their work hours to care for their elderly parents. The loss of or reduction in income can cause additional financial stress.

Caring for elderly parents may also cause a caregiver to neglect her own household. This may lead to tension between the caregiver and his spouse or children. The stress from caring for elderly parents can become overwhelming for caregivers who are often trying to maintain two households.

Prevention/Solution

Although it is easy to become overwhelmed when caring for elderly parents, it is very important for caregivers not to burn themselves out. Caregivers must take care of themselves to have the ability to care for their elderly parents. Caregivers should pay attention to their bodies and know their own limits. Taking a break whenever possible will give the mind and body time to recuperate. It is also important to address the frustrations of a spouse or child who feels neglected. Successfully caring for elderly parents involves the cooperation and understanding of an entire family.

Communication

Communication is a very important aspect of caring for elderly parents. It is not uncommon for elderly individuals to become angry or depressed after losing their independence. They may speak harshly to or refuse to cooperate with their caregiver. Caregivers should try to have patience with their elderly parents and keep in mind that losing one’s independence can be frustrating. Talking with your elderly parents about their concerns and wishes and remaining open and honest can help to keep the relationship strong.

Something to consider to ease your worry and keep your loved one safe … A Vital-Link Medical Alarm System.

Medical alert devices, medical alert buttons, medical alert systems, medical alarms, medical alarm systems, medical alarm buttons, fall alarms, wrist buttons, panic buttons for seniors or the “I’ve fallen and Can’t Get Up” thing … no matter what you call these emergency medical alarm buttons … they do not prevent falls or other medical emergencies. However, given this discussion regarding caring for the elderly and senior safety…the question that still remains is … “What can be done to lessen the worry?” One possible answer is to consider subscribing to a Personal Emergency Response System Service such as Vital-Link. Click here to learn more about the Vital-Link Emergency Response Medical Alarms

Medical Alarms and Keeping Seniors Safe While Respecting and Preserving Their Dignity All at the Same Time

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:10:24 +0000

At Vital-Link we often get calls from an adult child of an aging parent and their leading statement is often something like this: “My dad fell for the second time last week and we now want to order your medical alert device for him”.One of our questions will then be … “What does you dad think about having to wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant?”. The response sometimes is … ” he is not happy about the idea” or “… he is resisting it but we are insisting that he gets some kind of emergency medical alerting device”. Here is what we have learned via our decades of experience in dealing with these issues … if you force somebody to do something against their will … they generally will not comply. In this case that means that instead of wearing their medical alert pendant … they will leave it on the dining table or put it in a drawer … where it will do them no good at the time of a medical emergency. It is here that we wish we could provide the magic words that you would say … and abra cadabra … dad would say … “you know what, you are right … get me one of those “I’ve fallen and can’t get up things”. WE HAVE YET TO FIND THOSE MAGIC WORDS. Sometimes dad can be presented with the idea that these kind of medical alarms may keep in his home longer and more safely … thus preserving his independence. Sometimes dad may decide to wear the “alert button” simply because he knows you will worry less. And, sometimes no matter what you say … dad will still say “NO”. If he says “no” … we at Vital-Link ask you to respect their decision. While it may not be in his best interest relative to keeping him safe … It preserves his dignity and respects his right to make this choice for himself. We know that a whole lot of our elderly population NEED these emergency response system devices … we also know that at least some of those that need a medical alert … just don’t want one. And, if that is the case … that decision needs to be respected.

Preserving Choice and Dignity While Taking Care of a Loved One

If you are reading this … you could probably write the rest of this paragraph because you are now wrestling with the things your loved ones really need … but, MAY NOT WANT. After all mom or dad has reached the age at which they now need to be taken care of by us … but we often forget this simple premise. Your mom or dad or aunt or uncle or whoever you are now taking care of … was once able to take of themselves … make decisions for themselves … do things for themselves. Now they can’t … and in that circumstance our loved ones move from being independent to dependant. Imagine for a second … how a circumstance like this would make you feel. Imagine for a second … how it would feel if you needed to be taken care of by your children … even if they had the time and the money … you probably would not like to burden your family with your aging needs. So this really boils down to maintaining the dignity and respect of the people we love.

Now it May be the Time to Think About You Preserving Choice and Dignity When You Need Care

If you ever have a long-term illness, a chronic condition or Alzheimer’s disease, you may need help with things like bathing, dressing and eating. Your family may want to help you, but they may not be physically able to provide care or their busy schedules may make it difficult to devote enough time to your needs. Aides can come into your home, but these costs are not usually covered by ordinary health insurance policies and Medicare. These expenses can quickly deplete your nest egg, no matter how much you’ve saved. This is when long term care insurance can help.

Long term care insurance can help cover the cost of care you receive at home from nurses’ aides, home health aides and therapists. It can help cover services in an assisted living facility and, if you require skilled care, nursing home expenses can be covered.

It helps you maintain your dignity and financial freedom and gives you the flexibility to participate in making choices that impact your care — about the services you receive, where you receive them and who provides the care you need.

Someone who has a chronic condition or is returning from a stay in a hospital or rehabilitation facility may need these services, which can be covered by long term care insurance:

Nursing Home Care
Nursing homes give residents skilled nursing care 24 hours a day, along with medication monitoring, rehabilitation and physical therapy, room and board and personal care and supervision.

Skilled In-Home Nursing Care
In-home and live-in nurses provide skilled nursing services like clinical assessment and monitoring, intravenous therapy, ventilator and tracheotomy management and cardiac care.

Adult Day Care
Based in the community, adult day care centers provide daytime supervision, giving family caregivers much needed assistance. Along with social activities, they may provide health services and therapy.

Hospice Care
Hospice care furnishes medical services and emotional support for those in the last stages of terminal illnesses. Hospice helps patients manage their symptoms so they can continue an alert, pain-free life and spend their final days with dignity, surrounded by loved ones. It also helps their family members with the practical details and emotional challenges of caring for a dying loved one. These programs offer services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in homes, hospice centers, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and hospitals.

Personal and Home Health Aides
These aides help the elderly, disabled or ill with personal care like bathing, dressing, eating and taking medication. By receiving these services at home, people can remain in the comfort of their own homes longer.

Homemaker Services
These aides help people complete those household tasks that they can’t manage alone, like housecleaning, cooking and running errands, making it possible for their clients to continue to live independently in their own homes.

Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities (or residential care facilities) can provide personal care and health services for people who may need assistance with activities of daily living, but not the level of care provided by a nursing home. Assisted living is an intermediate level of long term care, not an alternative to a nursing home.

Are you ready for a medical alarm bracelet or medical alert pendant?
Medical alert devices or medical alarms or the “I’ve fallen and Can’t Get Up” thing … no matter what you call these emergency medical alarm buttons … they do not prevent falls. However, given this discussion regarding fall prevention, the question that still remains is … “What can be done after a fall happens?” One possible answer is to consider subscribing to a Personal Emergency Response System Service such as Vital-Link. Click here to learn more about the Vital-Link Emergency Response Medical Alarms.

Senior Safety Ideas For at Risk Elders

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:50:01 +0000

Safety in the home is paramount, regardless of age or disability. However, there are specific senior safety features and medical alert type of systems that are geared toward senior citizens.

Physical therapists recommend that senior citizens, have certain safety features installed in the home. Handrails in bathrooms are a great way to prevent slips and falls. It is also recommended that no-slip grip pads or stickers be placed in the bottom of the bathtub. These grips aid either in total prevention of a fall or in quick recovery in case of a fall.

Throw rugs pose a serious problem for the elderly. It’s so easy to get caught up on an end that isn’t secured and topple over, injuring yourself. It is important to secure rugs to the floor with double-sided tape to prevent the ends from coming loose. Footwear that doesn’t get snagged on things easily is also important. Open toed or open backed shoes aren’t probably not safe for the elderly.

Handicap commodes are good options if a replacement toilet is in order anyway. Handicap commodes cost a little bit more than a typical toilet, but are higher up, and within a safe range for elders. Bedside rails are available and easily attached to beds for added safety getting into and out of bed.

Reachers and grabbers – those really cool arms that pick up stuff – are great for senior citizens, especially ones who have cabinets that are out of reach. Instead of pulling up a chair to the cabinet and risking a fall, a handy dandy grabber can be utilized thereby enhancing senior safety.

Another important step to take when thinking about fall prevention is to eliminate clutter. Cluttered areas are hard to navigate, even for the most nimble of people. Keeping pathways free of toys, books, and odds and ends offers not only a sense of neatness, but also a clear walking area in which falls are more avoidable.

Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are a good way to give senior citizens the independence that they deserve while still being able to stay safe in their own homes. When a client needs assistance, he or she simply presses a button on the necklace,wristband or panic button medical alarm transmitter and a signal is sent to the console. An operator will come online, and pending a response will dial the appropriate medical or emergency services. If there is no response from the client, the operator is trained to call emergency services anyway, assuming that there was an emergency.

It is important to also protect the home from invasion. Seniors who are home alone, often are susceptible to robberies while they are in the home – increasing the violence of such crimes. Home monitoring systems such as burglar alarms or medical alerts may be used to alert authorities of a burglary in process. Within minutes, authorities can be present at the home.

Shrubs should be kept cut short to avoid a burglar hiding in the bushes and to increase visibility out of windows. Most doors should remain locked, even when someone is at home. Garages should be treated as a house, and should be kept secure at all times.

Home safety features are designed to keep all occupants safe and healthy. Take a moment to walk through your home and look at possible areas or objects that may pose a problem – whether this means taping down a rug or changing the locks. The priority is senior safety!

Please Consider the Peace of Mind that a Medical Alert Panic Button Might Provide You and Your Loved Ones.

Medical alert devices or medical alarms or the “I’ve fallen and Can’t Get Up” thing … no matter what you call these emergency medical alarm panic button or fall alarm … they do not prevent falls. However, given this discussion regarding fall risk, the question that still remains is … “What can be done after a fall happens?” One possible answer is to consider subscribing to a Personal Emergency Response System Service such as Vital-Link. Click here to learn more about the Vital-Link Emergency Response Medical Alarms.

Medical Alarm Systems and Services including medical alert pendant buttons and medical alarm wrist buttons … the good, the bad and the ugly.

admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:44:18 +0000

Competing honestly is what America is all about. In the emergency response system industry, as in most industries, there are good companies and bad companies. By definition most companies are just average. At Vital-Link, we think we are among the best at providing medical alarm systems, medical alert devices medical alert and alarm buttons and the associated service of medical alarm monitoring.

It makes all of the good companies that do what Vital-Link does … look bad … when there are a few ” bad apples” in the bunch. Even if you are about to choose Vital-Link as your medical alert system provider … take a few extra minutes … make a few calls and get a feel for who is going to be taking care of your at risk senior citizen who might need a medical alarm button at the time of an emergency. We are confident that you will find Vital-Link the most appealing PERS (personal emergency response system) provider in the country. We would not encourage you to call our competition in the medical alarm industry if we did not think that we not only have the best offer but that we also provide one of the best medical alarm systems and services in the country.

If you so desire, please check out … http://www.consumeraffairs.com … a sampling found on this website on 8/17/11.
Life Alert Sales Practices … http://www.consumeraffairs.com/age/lifealert_sales.html

Consumer Complaints & Reviews

I originally called to get information about a Life Alert product because my ailing grandmother had fallen down after using the bathroom and spent the night on the floor. She spent the night on the floor and I thought a life alert push button thing would be good for her. If we couldn’t hear her faint calls for help, at least they would know she needed help.

When a guy from the company called me back, it wasn’t to send me info like the commercial promised. Instead, a hostile man started trying to sell me one. Repeatedly I told him I don’t know any info on it and that’s what I was trying to get. Then the man started going off telling me that if anything happens to her after this conversation and I didn’t buy their product, I would be 100% responsible for anything that happened to her.

He went as far as to tell me that he would document this conversation in case things went bad for her so I could be tried. Not only was the conversation very threatening, but it had to be the without a doubt the rudest/most insensitive conversation I have ever had with a person.

I will never do business with any company that uses hostile sales techniques. As far as I’m concerned, the federal government should be investigating them!

sean of san diego, CA

Click here for more information about how the Vital-Link Medical Alarm System and Service works.

I was , until today an installer of Life Alert systems for seniors. The reason I refuse to do any more installs is because of the deceptive and sales tactics used to sign up seniors for this service.

Russell of Garrison, TX

LeJay from the Beverly Hills Life Alert facility got on the phone with my 87 year old mother, Phyllis, and me because I had referred my mother to buy a Life Alert system. The company is housed in our office building and LeJay had introduced herself to me.

The sales tactics were heavy handed and very personal, but my mother and I decided to go with the Life Alert System system, even through they got $195 up front and the system was $49.95 a month with a 3 year contract that LeJay kept emphasizing was cancellable if my mom went into a 24 hour care facility. (LeJay originally had asked $300, but reduced it when my mother refused.)

When my mom got the machine she realized that it offered no monitoring, just reporting if she pushed the button for help, a service that was of no use to her if she passed out. She wanted someone to check on her daily, as her last monitoring system had. Life Alert delivered by UPS the machine, and the next day the contract, a 4-page document with several small print items that had not been explained to my mother and to me:

• at the end of 3 years she had 30 days to notify the company in writing that she wanted to discontinue the equipment or else the contact automatically renewed for another 3 years, uncancellably;

• that she had 60 days to return the machine or else she had to pay $400 for it;

• that the nursing home had to be permanent and 24 hour a day to cancel the service.

Life Alert scheduled a UPS contract pick-up the next day. My mother and called Life Alert Friday, November 5,and told LeJay to have her company pick it up and return my mom’s $195 sign-up fee. The Life Alert manager called her back and told her to return it she would have to pay for handling fees. My mother told him that he could deduct only the actual cost of UPS shipping, nothing more. He said that the charge had already gone to the credit card company and couldn’t be stopped.

My mother does not believe that Life Alert will return her $195 fees, and they have not verified that they will do so. She signed no contract at any time, and the extra fees at the end of 3 years were not explained to her during the sales call.

This company takes advantage of senior citizens in many ways. My mother is very alert and so could read the contract that was so egregious and one-sided toward Life Alert. But other seniors are not so able to read a 4-page contract with small print. Life Alert services are overpriced, because competing monitoring companies offer better services with smaller fees ($30-$45 per month) and require no contracts, set-up, and end fees.

This company uses unfair high pressure tactics on seniors, locking them into contracts that it rushes them to sign before they have a chance to consult relatives or personal managers. It uses UPS delivery and pick-up, probably to avoid federal mail fraud charges. I would like my mother’s money returned promptly, but my complaint is not only for my mother, but for those other seniors seniors who are not so able. The company emphasizes Surgeon General Koop endorses the Life Alert System. I would hate to believe that such a prominent figure is involved in this.

JK of Beverly Hills, CA

Click here for more information about how the Vital-Link Medical Alarm System and Service works.

I called the 800 number they have listed on their website. The website says for a free brochure to call the 800 number. After they obtained my grandmother’s mailing address from me they said that they cannot just send her the brochure without also having her phone number so their sales person can call her.

I told the sales person that I only wanted them to send her the brochure and not bother her with a salesman calling her. He told me that they have to have her phone number and they can’t just send her the brochure … even though their website says they will send a free brochure. I told them I knew of their heavyhanded sales tactics and I didn’t want my grandmother subjected to that over the phone and that I would do business with their competition.

Rebecca of Avon, CO

Alert several months ago to inquire about monitoring products for my 92-year-old mother. They sent me literature but never mentioned (on phone nor in brochure) about the 3 year contract. After checking their records and learning of several complaints, I decided NOT to purchase and informed them of such.

Anyway, they continue to call me at work even though I have told them I am not interested. A salesman called me again today and asked me why I was no longer interested. He kept on and on and practically called me a liar. I told him I did not have time nor the desire to argue with him. He would not stop accusing me being wrong. I had to hang up in his face to get rid of him.

Judi of Jacksonville, FL

I called to disconnect Life Alert and was told some one would call me back, but no one will return my call. I never signed anything but they take their payment from my bank every month. This unit is at my mother-in-law’s home. My husband is deceased and I have two children to care for and can no longer pay for this, my in-laws said they would but they don’t, so I got stuck with this bill.

Paul the salesman understood that I would make the down payment and my sister-in-law would make the payments, but he had the monthly payments taken from my bank.

Susan of Gilmer, TX

My mother called for product information only and has been called repeatedly by Life Alert sales people using high pressure and unethical sales techniques. Without her consent they have shipped product to her home and instructed her to have a check in an envelope for the technician they were sending to perform the installation.

I called the company last week and left a message insisting they cease calling and harassing my mother. I left my number for them to call if they had questions but have not been called. My sister and brother-in-law have both called, at separate times, also instructing them to stop calling. Life Alert is still calling mom and attempting to deliver product.

Wynn of Roswell, GA

Click here for more information about how the Vital-Link Medical Alarm System and Service works.

While I was visiting my father-in-law, he received a call from Life Alert and he politely told them he was not interested. Within 45 seconds after he hung up, the same representative with Life Alert called him and he again politely told them he was not interested. When the phone rang again within 45 seconds after he hung up the second time, I answered the phone. I heard the female representative say to someone with her “I’ve got him on the phone again.”

I told her to quit calling and she tried to tell me she was obligated to call. After our brief conversation about her obligation, she hung up on me. All three times the number on the caller ID was 656-733-1999. I called that number and asked to speak to a supervisor. I was giving somewhat of a runaround and then put on hold. I did speak to John Aceri. I explained the events to him and he was going to look into the matter. When I was investigating just who “Life Alert” is, I found the reference to their law suit about the ConsumerAffairs.com website. I wanted to share this story in case you needed a current example of their sales practices.

My father-in-law is in a wheelchair and has limited use of his hands as well. It is an effort for him to answer the phone. Not only is unwanted telephone solicitation mentally aggravating but it is physically demanding in his case. Three times within a matter of minutes is harrassment!

Jerry of Winder, GA

Your site notes complaints and legal suits. However, the BBB in Calif. gives them a good Report, with all matters attended to satisfactorily. Can you not advise the BBB of the info you documented and the suits for the benefit of other consumers who will be using BBB’s Report? Likewise, have you consulted with C. Everett Koop, MD (Former Surgeon General) whose Picture is currently posted on Life Alert’s Web site their Current 9 x 12 mailing material? Don’t you feel Dr. Koop would be interested in what his good name is used on?

As a direct result of my using Life Alert’s WEb site and filling out a request form for “more info,” I was telephoned and received their mailing. I am not registering a complaint. However, Mr. Jason Stanley certainly used high pressure tactics to try to get me to sign up right then and there, at $199.95 for equipment and set-up and for taking my medical info, etc., plus $49.95 monthly for the service. At no time did he hint at any “3 year obligation”.

If all Life Alert Telemarketers use the same friendly yet excessively forceful sales pressure/tactics, it is no wonder at all that many other elderly folks cannot get away before they timidly sign up! Who will protect them?

In response to Edward’s questions, the BBB must take responsibility for its reports, as must Dr. Koop, who is presumably aware of the fact that he has endorsed Life Alert.

Edward of Hawthorne, FL

Click here for more information about how the Vital-Link Medical Alarm System and Service works.

My mother ordered a unit for herself and had the man from Life Alert call both my sister and myself to pay for the unit. We were told that she would own the unit after we paid the inital start up fee $250.00 and that we could then pay the monthly fee at $29.99 a month. We were also told that it would be activated immediately.

We were never sent a contract. Yet $500.00 was taken from my sister’s account. Life Alert attempted to charge $49.99 to my credit card without notice. Which is $20.00 more then I was told. I never signed or recieved a contract. I wrote to cancel the service with a money order enclosed for the intial 2 months service. Then the salesman (Mr Mann) called me and agreed to cancel the contract and was very rude about it.

Then he called my ailing mother and harrassed her for the money on the contract and demanded the return of her unit. Then he sent a UPS man to pick up said unit from my mother. She still is in posession of the unit. They have refused to return my sisters money and we will not send a unit back until she gets back a full refund. They lied to us about their whole program the unit was never activated by life alert. The company is harrassing an old and infirm person even though they said that they would not do that.

I was never informed of the true terms of the contract and Mr. Mann point-blank refused to give me a copy of any contract.

Deborah of Catawba, VA

My mother is 87 years old and was more or less bullied into buying the Life Alert system. They did not and would not give her a copy of the contract and did not inform her it was a 3-year contract. They also didn’t tell her she did not own the equipment. She is practically blind and can not read small print.

She trusted a sales person of a business to be honest with her but instead he bullied her into beliveing she had to have this equipment. They have also tried to bully me with their phone calls telling me what I had better do and when. I’m not 87 and I won’t be bullied.

Helen of Mantua, OH

The salesperson had my 98-year-old mother sign the contract without sending me a copy or informing me that we had incurred a 3-year debt by installing the machine. It took 5 phone calls to the Encino business office to get a copy of the contract (which I had never seen). Only learned of the 3-year contract when my mother decided she did not want the service.

My mother was having panic attacks. It adversely affected her health. The business office was not forthcoming with the contract copy; I would never have signed anything with a 3-year commitment of funds.

Jean of Haverhill, MA

Received a “cold call” for a demonstration of Life Alert, but they weren’t “selling” anything. Your ConsumerAffairs.com shows a 3 year contract which implies to me “high pressure” sales tactics. I wasn’t buying into it.

Oh, but it will only take a few minutes to “show” it to you and tell you all about it. ha ha, then comes the intimidation. Been there done that many times over in my youth. I have not been affected in any way but thought i’d alert you to what is gong on. I don’t accept solicitations via phone.

Tom of Willingboro, NJ

Salesman came to house. Explained how LifeAlert works. Talked us into it, but never told us that we were in a 3 year contract. Was supposed to be for ailing wife, only she passed away 9 weeks later.

Monday 3/18/02, unit malfunctioned. I called LifeAlert for repair. Told me 3/31/02 for repairman. I called back to cancel service and was THEN told I was responsible for paying for 3 years. Salesman never explained terms of contract.

I am 85 years old with failing eyesight and my wife was stricken with a form of Alzheimer’s during her cancer bout. I feel this was a terible way to take advantage of seniors and their last bit of savings.

John of Toms River, NJ

Click here for more information about how the Vital-Link Medical Alarm System and Service works.

Fall Alarms, Medical Alert Systems and Medical Alarms do have their place.

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 01:19:44 +0000

How about trying to prevent falls in the elderly? Consider some of the tips referenced below for the overall safety of your seniors.

Quick Facts…

The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.
Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.
A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.
Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.
At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home.

Causes and Prevention

The causes of falls are known as risk factors. Although no single risk factor causes all falls, the greater the number of risk factors to which an individual is exposed, the greater the probability of a fall and the more likely the results of the fall will threaten the person’s independence.

Many of these risk factors are preventable. As obvious as it may sound, a lack of knowledge about risk factors and how to prevent them contributes to many falls. Some people believe that falls are a normal part of aging, and as such are not preventable. Lack of knowledge leads to lack of preventive action, resulting in falls.

Discussed below are five key risk factors of falls among older adults. Preventive measures for each factor are briefly listed. No attempt is made to provide a comprehensive description of preventive measures. Refer to the references listed at the end of this fact sheet for more detailed information.

Factor #1: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition wherein bones become more porous, less resistant to stress, and more prone to fractures. Caused by hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and a decrease in physical activity, osteoporosis is a chief cause of fractures in older adults, especially among women.

What is debatable is whether brittle bones break after a fall, or break when stressed and in turn cause a fall. In either event, a decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.

Prevention Tips

Eat or drink sufficient calcium. Postmenopausal women need 1,500 mg of calcium daily. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, fish and shellfish, selected vegetables such as broccoli, soybeans, collards and turnip greens, tofu and almonds.
Get sufficient vitamin D in order to enhance the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream. Vitamin D is formed naturally in the body after exposure to sunlight, but some older adults may need a supplement.
Regularly do weight-bearing exercises.
Please check with your doctor before implementing any of the above tips. Make sure you have your doctor’s understanding and approval prior to taking any such actions. This is not to be used as or understood as this site providing medical advice.

Factor #2: Lack of Physical Activity

Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility. All contribute to falls and the severity of injury due to falls.

Prevention Tips

Engage regularly (e.g., every other day for about 15 minutes daily) in exercise designed to increase muscle and bone strength, and to improve balance and flexibility. Many people enjoy walking and swimming.
Undertake daily activities in a safe manner, such as reaching and bending properly, taking time to recover balance when rising from a chair or bed, learning the proper way to fall, and learning how to recover after a fall.
Wear proper fitting, supportive shoes with low heels or rubber soles.
Please check with your doctor before implementing any of the above tips. Make sure you have your doctor’s understanding and approval prior to taking any such actions. This is not to be used as or understood as this site providing medical advice.

Factor #3: Impaired Vision

Age-related vision diseases can increase the risk of falling. Cataracts and glaucoma alter older people’s depth perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare. These limitations hinder their ability to safely negotiate their environment, whether it be in their own home or in a shopping mall. Young people use visual cues to perceive an imminent fall and take corrective action. Older adults with visual impairments do not have this advantage to the same extent.

Prevention Tips

Have regular checkups by an ophthalmologist to discern the extent of age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Use color and contrast to define balance-aiding objects in the home (e.g., grab bars and handrails).
Add contrasting color strips to first and last steps to identify change of level.
Clean eye glasses often to improve visibility.

Factor #4: Medications

Sedatives, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotic drugs can contribute to falls by reducing mental alertness, worsening balance and gait, and causing drops in systolic blood pressure while standing. Additionally, people taking multiple medications are at greater risk of falling.

Prevention Tips

Know the common side effects of all medications taken.
Talk with your physician or pharmacist about ways to reduce your chances of falling by using the lowest effective dosage, regularly assessing the need for continued medication, and the need for walking aids while taking medications that affect balance.
Remove all out-of-date medications and those no longer in use.
Have a physician or pharmacist conduct a “brown bag” medicine review of all current medications.
Limit intake of alcohol as it may interact with medications.

Factor #5: Environmental Hazards

At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home. The most common hazard for falls is tripping over objects on the floor. Other factors include poor lighting, loose rugs, lack of grab bars or poorly located/mounted grab bars, and unsturdy furniture.

Prevention Tips

It is useful to conduct a walk-through of your home to identify possible problems that may lead to falling. A home visit by an interior designer or occupational therapist might also be useful in that they are trained to identify risk factors and recommend appropriate actions.

Outdoors

Repair cracks and abrupt edges of sidewalks and driveways.
Install handrails on stairs and steps.
Remove high doorway thresholds Trim shrubbery along the pathway to the home.
Keep walk areas clear of clutter, rocks and tools.
Keep walk areas clear of snow and ice.
Install adequate lighting by doorways and along walkways leading to doors.

All Living Spaces

Use a change in color to denote changes in surface types or levels.
Secure rugs with nonskid tape as well as carpet edges.
Avoid throw rugs.
Remove oversized furniture and objects.
Have at least one phone extension in each level of the home and post. emergency numbers at each phone.
Add electrical outlets.
Reduce clutter.
Check lighting for adequate illumination and glare control.
Maintain nightlights or motion-sensitive lighting throughout home.
Use contrast in paint, furniture and carpet colors.
Install electronic emergency response system if needed.

Bathrooms

Install grab bars on walls around the tub and beside the toilet, strong enough to hold your weight.
Add nonskid mats or appliques to bathtubs.
Mount liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub-wall.
Install a portable, hand-held shower head.
Add a padded bath or shower seat.
Install a raised toilet seat if needed.
Use nonskid mats or carpet on floor surfaces that may get wet.

Kitchen

Keep commonly used items within easy reach.
Use a sturdy step stool when you need something from a high shelf.
Make sure appliance cords are out of the way.
Avoid using floor polish or wax in order to reduce slick surfaces.

Living, Dining and Family Rooms

Keep electrical and telephone cords out of the way.
Arrange furniture so that you can easily move around it (especially low coffee tables).
Make sure chairs and couches are easy to get in and out of.
Remove caster wheels from furniture.
Use television remote control and cordless phone.

Bedroom

Put in a bedside light with a switch that is easy to turn on and off (or a touch lamp).
Have a nightlight.
Locate telephone within reach of bed.
Adjust height of bed to make it easy to get in and out of.
Have a firm chair, with arms, to sit and dress.

Stairways, Hallways and Pathways

Keep free of clutter
Make sure carpet is secured and get rid of throw rugs.
Install tightly fastened hand rails running the entire length and along both sides of stairs.
Handrails should be 34 inches high and have a diameter of about 1.5 inches.
Apply brightly colored tape to the face of the steps to make them more visible.
Optimal stair dimensions are 7.2 inch riser heights with either an 11 or 12 inch tread width.
Have adequate lighting in stairways, hallways and pathways, with light switches placed at each end.

Essential Features of a Physical Exam from Your Doctor:

Vital Signs
Mental Status Testing
Cardiac
Musculoskeletal
Neurologic
Proprioception
Vision
Hearing
Gait and balance testing

Statistics

The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than men.
Annually, falls are reported by one-third of all people 65 and older.
Two-thirds of those who fall will fall again within six months.
Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 or over.
Approximately 9,500 deaths in older Americans are associated with falls each year. The elderly account for seventy-five percent of deaths from falls.
More than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or over, only 4 percent of the total population.
Among people 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture, and among those 85 or over, one fall in 10 results in a hip fracture.
One-fourth of those who fracture a hip die within six months of the injury.
The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care. About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home.
Most falls do not result in serious injury. However, there is often a psychological impact. Approximately 25 percent of community-dwelling people 75 or over unnecessarily restrict their activities because of fear of falling.
The majority of the lifetime cost of injury for people 65 or over can be attributed to falls.

Something to Consider if One has Already Fallen

Medical alert devices, medical alert buttons, medical alert systems, medical alarms, medical alarm systems, medical alarm buttons, fall alarms, wrist buttons, panic buttons for seniors or the “I’ve fallen and Can’t Get Up” thing … no matter what you call these emergency medical alarm buttons … they do not prevent falls. However, given this discussion regarding fall prevention, fall alarms and fall detection …the question that still remains is … “What can be done after a fall happens?” One possible answer is to consider subscribing to a Personal Emergency Response System Service such as Vital-Link. Click here to learn more about the Vital-Link Emergency Response Medical Alarms

Web Sites

Administration on Aging: www.aoa.gov
Aging Network Services: www.agingnets.com
American Academy of Family Physicians: www.aafp.org
Andrus Gerontology Center: www.usc.edu/dept/gero
Elderweb: www.elderweb.com
Home Modification Resource Center: www.homemods.org
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com
National Council on Aging: www.ncoa.org
National Institute on Aging: www.nih.gov/nia
National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org
National Safety Council: www.nsc.org
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov
A Vital-Link Emergency Response Systems: www.avitallink.com

References

Aid Association for Lutherans. (1998). Home sweet home: How to help older adults live independently. Appleton, WI: Aid Association for Lutherans.

American Association for Retired Persons. (1998). Home safe home: How to prevent falls in the home. Washington, DC: American Association for Retired Persons.

Covington, G.A., & Hannah, B. (1997). Access by design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Fuller, G. (2000). Falls in the elderly. American Family Physician, 61, 2159-2168.

Leibrock, C. (2000). Design details for health. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

National Institute on Aging. (1992). Preventing falls and fractures. Washington, DC: National Institute on Aging.

Sadovsky, R. (Ed.). (1999). Conditions of aging. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins.

Steinweg, K. (1997). The changing approach to falls in the elderly. American Family Physician, 56, 1815-1822.

Steinweg, K. (1997). Decreasing your risks of falls. American Family Physician, 56, 1823.

Studenski, S., & Rigler, S. (1996). Clinical overview of instability in the elderly. Clinical Geriatrics Medicine, 12, 679-688.

Tideiksaar, R (1997). Falling in old age: Prevention and management. New York: Springer.

Tremblay, K., & Kreul-Froseth, S. (2003). Safe housing for the elderly. Fort Collins: Colorado State University Extension.

U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (1998). Home safety checklist for older consumers. Washington, DC: U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
1 K.R. Tremblay Jr., Colorado State University Extension housing specialist and professor, design and merchandising; C.E. Barber, former Colorado State University professor, human development and family studies. 5/96. Reviewed 12/05.

Medical Alert Devices to the Rescue

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:11:20 +0000

These personal medical alarms really can help when you’ve fallen and can’t get up

This rather distinguished 90 year old gentleman was putting his shoes on when his stool collapsed, slamming his head into the doorframe at his suburban Philadelphia home. Bleeding profusely, he called out to his wife several times, but she was puttering around the house and didn’t hear him.

At that point, this proud and accomplished man decided to push the button on his medical emergency alert pendant. Within minutes his wife received a call from the 24 hour medical alarm monitoring center’s operator who said, “We got a medical alert signal. Is anything wrong?” she ran upstairs and found her husband lying in a growing pool of blood. The operator stayed on the line while his wife tried to stopped the bleeding enough to help her husband into the car and drive him to the emergency room.

The medical alarm device really proved its worth. He had worn it every day for several years. His kids and wife insisted that he wear some kind of emergency pendant. By the way, this couples “kids” were in their late fifties and early sixties … they were really two grown children … who knew that Dad was getting frail and his frailty caused them concern .

Personal emergency alert devices, such as the Vital-Link, can help older adults to remain independent and in their own homes. The devices also are reassuring to adult children who know that if an aging parent suffers a fall or, worse, a stroke or heart attack, help and medical attention may be summoned.

But doctors, aging experts and even the staff and ownership of Vital-Link emphasize that while medical alert systems can save lives, the key to their success is a motivated user. The commercial about the old lady who falls down the stairs and yells …”Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” … raised awareness of the problem but also created a stigma. None of the seniors we know wants to be that 80 year old women lying on the floor screaming for help.

Falling and the Fear of falling

Falls among older people are a huge problem. More than one in three adults 65 and older will fall in a given year. Two-thirds will fall again within six months. Falls can result in debilitating injuries such as broken hips and head trauma. Moreover, people who fall and lie helpless for hours or days can suffer serious complications, including dehydration, hypothermia, pressure ulcers, muscle breakdown and renal failure. The elderly mother of one of our clients in Bucks County, PA was discovered alone in her bedroom, dehydrated, injured and barely conscious a full day after she suffered a fall and stroke last year..Because of the delayed discovery, she had missed the window in which strokes can be aggressively treated to minimize or counter the effects of interrupted blood flow to the brain. Before the stroke she had no serious health conditions but now has to live with her daughter and son in law. Moreover, the fear of falling, even without ever actually falling, has its own serious consequences. Seniors who fear falling may restrict their activity. This, in turn, creates premature physical and functional decline, which increases their risk for falls.

The first medical alert systems were introduced in the mid-1970s and were relatively simple push-button devices worn on the wrist or around the neck. Typically, the device would alert a 24-hour call center in the event of an emergency and allow wireless two-way communication. In addition to Vital-Link, many of these systems are still on the market, including ones from Life Alert, Lifeline and ADT .

Lingering Stigma

It’s real easy to sabotage the value of these emergency alarm devices for seniors. They are a great tool … but any medical alert device needs to be embraced by the user. It is not uncommon for a Vital-Link client to have a fall while the device is hanging on the bed rail or sitting on the dining room table. This is why it is important for senior safety to have the user enrolled in the process and have their agreement before getting an emergency response system for one of your loved ones. The bottom line is … if a medical alarm is forced upon an at risk senior … they will likely not wear it and it will not be available at the time of a medical emergency when it would really be needed to provide true senior safety.

Indeed, in some number of falls, push-button medical alarm pendants or medical alarm bracelets are never activated. Reasons include forgetfulness, panic, trauma or simply not wanting to bother others. There is also some resistance and even nonuse of medical alert devices, even after a senior has experienced a fall. The newer personal emergency response systems are designed to overcome most if not all of these barriers, and possibly any lingering stigma attached to their use. Many of the recent devices on the market are sleeker, lighter and less conspicuous.

* Life Alert ® is a registered trademark of Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.
* Lifeline ® is a registered trademark of Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.

New ideas in the Fall Alarm World

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:20:39 +0000

New ideas in the Fall Alarm World: Fall Detection Devices versus GPS enhanced medical alarm buttons versus standard medical alert systems for keeping Seniors Safe.

The medical alarm systems that are mostly in place today are not that much different than those that were in use in the late 1970′s and early 1980′s with one notable exception. Back then the medical alert devices did not have the two way communication component that can function as a speakerphone.The medical alarm systems of today are comprised of essentially two component … a wireless panic button or medical alert bracelet button and the console that contains the speaker and microphone.

Emergency Response System technology is changing … maybe not for the better.

In a nutshell here is what we are seeing on the market. Medical alarm systems with the speaker and the microphone in the pendant or medical alert wristband itself. On the surface, it seems like a good idea … except our evaluation has shown these products have some drawbacks. First, they tend to be big and bulky … in the real world this makes it less comfortable for our seniors to wear their medical alarm pendants or wrist bands … and there is no magic here … if theses medical alert devices are not worn … they will not be available at the time of a fall or other medical emergency. Not to mention … in our opinion … they are too expensive. If the idea is to be able to get help simply by pressing a medical alarm button … what is the point of paying more for “sizzle”. The current emergency response system technology has been working for the past few decades and continues to work today. Until the Personal Emergency Response System(PERS) technology changes for the better at a price that if affordable for the at risk senior community … we so no reason to offer new medical alarm technology that costs more, may be less effective and does nothing to enhance the safety of our seniors.

Some companies are now offering fall detection devices … truly a great idea and when they get perfected … they may be the first big change that makes sense for those that provide and those that have a need for medical alarms. The problem with theses devices as the currently exist is two fold. First, with the fall detection technology for the senior community the false alarm rate is too high for our liking. Secondly, they are too expensive for what they currently do. We still think, on balance, the existing technology, at the current price level keeps seniors safe … at a lower cost than some of these new offerings. By the way, once new medical alarm and emergency response system technology proves to meet our standards for both performance and value … only then will it be offered to the public by Vital-Link. Once again, until medical alert technology changes for the better … at a price that if affordable for the at risk senior community … we so no reason to offer new medical alarm technology that costs more, may be less effective and does nothing to enhance the safety of our seniors.

In our view GPS technology with the purpose of being coupled with medical alarms is not yet ready for prime time. GPS is great for tracking cars, trucks and valuable items. It has a place in the commercial world where what is at risk are inanimate things. When it comes to GPS for the protection of real people we think, at least for now, it is a cute gimmick that sounds good but does not really deliver and still costs way too much for medical alarm kind of protection. When its right Vital-Link will have it … until then we will stick with the medical alert devices that we know work … are affordable … and do not create expectations that cannot be achieved.

In closing, … just because a medical alarm company is offering something that appears to be new … it does not mean that the new panic button technology is better … The ultimate goal for any good medical alarm system/service provider … should simply be to provide a medical alert device and the associated medical alarm service that keeps seniors safe,independent and in their own home … at an affordable price.

Vital-Link has been serving the senior community since 1981 with medical alert systems that simply work.

To find out more about how the Vital-Link Medical Alert Devices could work for you … Click here to find out

Medical Alarms Cannot Prevent Falls in the Elderly … consider a medical alert device prior to the fall.

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 00:57:09 +0000

Below you will find some tips for preventing falls in the elderly as it relates to overall senior safety.

Some Quick Facts…

The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.
Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.
A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.
Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.
At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home.

Causes and Prevention

Factor #1: Osteoporosis

Prevention Tips

Eat or drink sufficient calcium. Postmenopausal women need 1,500 mg of calcium daily. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, fish and shellfish, selected vegetables such as broccoli, soybeans, collards and turnip greens, tofu and almonds.
Get sufficient vitamin D in order to enhance the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream. Vitamin D is formed naturally in the body after exposure to sunlight, but some older adults may need a supplement.
Regularly do weight-bearing exercises.
Please check with your doctor before implementing any of the above tips. Make sure you have your doctor’s understanding and approval prior to taking any such actions. This is not to be used as or understood as this site providing medical advice.

Factor #2: Lack of Physical Activity

Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility. All contribute to falls and the severity of injury due to falls.

Prevention Tips

Engage regularly (e.g., every other day for about 15 minutes daily) in exercise designed to increase muscle and bone strength, and to improve balance and flexibility. Many people enjoy walking and swimming.
Undertake daily activities in a safe manner, such as reaching and bending properly, taking time to recover balance when rising from a chair or bed, learning the proper way to fall, and learning how to recover after a fall.
Wear proper fitting, supportive shoes with low heels or rubber soles.
Please check with your doctor before implementing any of the above tips. Make sure you have your doctor’s understanding and approval prior to taking any such actions. This is not to be used as or understood as this site providing medical advice.

Factor #3: Impaired Vision

Prevention Tips

Have regular checkups by an ophthalmologist to discern the extent of age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Use color and contrast to define balance-aiding objects in the home (e.g., grab bars and handrails).
Add contrasting color strips to first and last steps to identify change of level.
Clean eye glasses often to improve visibility.

Factor #4: Medications

Prevention Tips

Know the common side effects of all medications taken.
Talk with your physician or pharmacist about ways to reduce your chances of falling by using the lowest effective dosage, regularly assessing the need for continued medication, and the need for walking aids while taking medications that affect balance.
Remove all out-of-date medications and those no longer in use.
Have a physician or pharmacist conduct a “brown bag” medicine review of all current medications.
Limit intake of alcohol as it may interact with medications.

Factor #5: Environmental Hazards

Prevention Tips

Outdoors

Repair cracks and abrupt edges of sidewalks and driveways.
Install handrails on stairs and steps.
Remove high doorway thresholds Trim shrubbery along the pathway to the home.
Keep walk areas clear of clutter, rocks and tools.
Keep walk areas clear of snow and ice.
Install adequate lighting by doorways and along walkways leading to doors.

All Living Spaces

Use a change in color to denote changes in surface types or levels.
Secure rugs with nonskid tape as well as carpet edges.
Avoid throw rugs.
Remove oversized furniture and objects.
Have at least one phone extension in each level of the home and post. emergency numbers at each phone.
Add electrical outlets.
Reduce clutter.
Check lighting for adequate illumination and glare control.
Maintain nightlights or motion-sensitive lighting throughout home.
Use contrast in paint, furniture and carpet colors.
Install electronic emergency response system if needed.

Bathrooms

Install grab bars on walls around the tub and beside the toilet, strong enough to hold your weight.
Add nonskid mats or appliques to bathtubs.
Mount liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub-wall.
Install a portable, hand-held shower head.
Add a padded bath or shower seat.
Install a raised toilet seat if needed.
Use nonskid mats or carpet on floor surfaces that may get wet.

Kitchen

Keep commonly used items within easy reach.
Use a sturdy step stool when you need something from a high shelf.
Make sure appliance cords are out of the way.
Avoid using floor polish or wax in order to reduce slick surfaces.

Living, Dining and Family Rooms

Keep electrical and telephone cords out of the way.
Arrange furniture so that you can easily move around it (especially low coffee tables).
Make sure chairs and couches are easy to get in and out of.
Remove caster wheels from furniture.
Use television remote control and cordless phone.

Bedroom

Put in a bedside light with a switch that is easy to turn on and off (or a touch lamp).
Have a nightlight.
Locate telephone within reach of bed.
Adjust height of bed to make it easy to get in and out of.
Have a firm chair, with arms, to sit and dress.

Stairways, Hallways and Pathways

Keep free of clutter
Make sure carpet is secured and get rid of throw rugs.
Install tightly fastened hand rails running the entire length and along both sides of stairs.
Handrails should be 34 inches high and have a diameter of about 1.5 inches.
Apply brightly colored tape to the face of the steps to make them more visible.
Optimal stair dimensions are 7.2 inch riser heights with either an 11 or 12 inch tread width.
Have adequate lighting in stairways, hallways and pathways, with light switches placed at each end.

Essential Features of a Physical Exam from Your Doctor:

Vital Signs
Mental Status Testing
Cardiac
Musculoskeletal
Neurologic
Proprioception
Vision
Hearing
Gait and balance testing

Statistics

The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than men.
Annually, falls are reported by one-third of all people 65 and older.
Two-thirds of those who fall will fall again within six months.
Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 or over.
Approximately 9,500 deaths in older Americans are associated with falls each year. The elderly account for seventy-five percent of deaths from falls.
More than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or over, only 4 percent of the total population.
Among people 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture, and among those 85 or over, one fall in 10 results in a hip fracture.
One-fourth of those who fracture a hip die within six months of the injury.
The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care. About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home.
Most falls do not result in serious injury. However, there is often a psychological impact. Approximately 25 percent of community-dwelling people 75 or over unnecessarily restrict their activities because of fear of falling.
The majority of the lifetime cost of injury for people 65 or over can be attributed to falls.

Something to Consider if One has Already Fallen

Medical alert devices, medical alert bracelets, medical alarm necklaces or pendants, medical alarms or the “I’ve fallen and Can’t Get Up” thing … no matter what you call these emergency medical alarm buttons … they do not prevent falls. However, given this discussion regarding fall prevention, the question that still remains is … “What can be done after a fall happens?” Or what type of medical alarm safety systems can be implemented to keep seniors safe in their home, so they can live independently and safely as long as possible. One possible answer is to consider subscribing to a Personal Emergency Response System Service such as Vital-Link. Click here to learn more about the Vital-Link Emergency Response Medical Alarms

Web Sites

Administration on Aging: www.aoa.dhhs.gov
Aging Network Services: www.agingnets.com
American Academy of Family Physicians: www.aafp.org
Andrus Gerontology Center: www.usc.edu/dept/gero
Elderweb: www.elderweb.com
Home Modification Resource Center: www.homemods.org
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com
National Council on Aging: www.ncoa.org
National Institute on Aging: www.nih.gov/nia
National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org
National Safety Council: www.nsc.org
Senior Alternatives: www.senioralternatives.org
Senior Friendly: www.senioralternatives.org
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov
A Vital-Link Emergency Response Systems: www.avitallink.com