For me it is the 27th Christmas since I helped pioneer the medical alarm industry or personal emergency response systems.

Christmas is the time lots of falls occur not only in the house but on the steps outside the house and on the walkways that are frozen at times.

I can remember back in the 80’s when a dear customer was letting her cat out for a nature call on her patio and she fell in the snow. Luckily she had her help button on and pressed it for help. The interesting part of this happy ending story was that the Philadelphia fire department had to shovel there way to her to get the gurney back down to the street.

Other recollections I have are of dear seniors laying overnight in the backyard, no snow, but dropping their body temperatures and not being able to summon help. The next day they ordered the system.

Others elderly loved ones just falling walking down the steps.

Safe up your loved ones houses. Make sure someone young will shovel their walkways and steps.

Call and make sure mom and dad are safe.

Simple things become more difficult for them as they age.

Think about a medical alarm system to help them when they can’t reach the phone for help.

This is mutual peace of mind.

Jeff

If you are ordering an elderly friend or family member a  medical monitoring system for the holidays…Monday is the day to order.

During the holidays shipping is not predictable. If you are looking for the medical alarm to arrive prior to Christmas it would be best to order next day delivery at this point.

Senior citizens that are receiving a medical alarm system for their personal protection are blessed but not always happy about what they may perceive as an inconvience.

Take the time to help your mom or dad or aunt or uncle or loved one realize they are getting peace of mind for them and you.

When winter arrives it brings difficulties for seniors in navigating the frozen ground…they fall.

First, a senior who falls needs a personal medical alarm to alert 911 and family of their emergency.

Second, family and caregivers should make sure they have set up a plan to clear the walkway of snow and ice. It’s like winter proofing our elderly loved ones house like you would baby proof a house for your new born.

Seniors need help and your attention. A medical alarm system may be a great Christmas/Hannukah gift.

I’m often asked to compare medical alert systems for the elderly who fall.

It’s funny, I could easily answer this question, however, the companies (particularly the large ones) are very litigious and sue if you mention their name.

Here’s what I can tell you:

Be suspicious of anyone who attempts to force you to buy now.

Be cautious of companies that speak poorly of other companies.

Use your gut to decide if you like the people you are talking to, don’t allow them to pressure you.

Make sure their monitoring center is at least UL certified.

Realize that most of the equipment out there is good…it’s the service behind it that counts.

If something sounds like to good of a bargain, it probably is. Neither the cheapest nor the most expensive may be the answer to your solution.

Request everyone’s brochure…do your homework.

These are just a few good thoughts as you approach getting a medical alert device for your loved one.

The transition for seniors is difficult to acknowledge when they are elderly and need a medical alarm system. It’s similar to the time that it’s time to tell your loved one that they need to stop driving.

It’s difficult to intervene in your mom, dad, aunt, uncle or loved ones life because the need assistance to stay in their own home alone.

The best approach is to let your loved one know that a medical alert device allows them to stay in their home while still being able to call for help when they can’t reach the phone.

It’s a difficult conversation. Some of our loved ones think it’s a great idea, while others could have fallen 3 or 4 times yet still remain to proud to allow the assistance the medical alarm system provides.

A good approach for those that feel they are fine is to blame it on yourself, let them know that you are uncomfortable and that you would feel better if they humored you.

Of course all people be they young, elderly, seniors or troubled with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), MS (Multiple Sclerosis) or anything that challenges their speach can use medical alert devices.

Many times we work out a simple set of questions that are yes no answers. Our operators are specially trained to assist in these situations. We know how to relieve stress while getting you the help you need.

A medical alarm system in these situations is most valuable, easy to use and bring peace of mind to all parties

With Thanksgiving a few days away besides giving thanks, take a good look at your elderly loved ones. Think about whether is is time for you to protect your loved one with a medical alert system.

We don’t get together enough with our loved ones, but it is a perfect time to think about your elderly loved ones safety and peace of mind.

Mom, dad, aunt, uncle and other loved ones are reticent to advise you of the health problems they have recently been encountering.

If they are bruised from a fall, look less stable or not feeling well now is the time to protect them with a medical alarm help button. Give them the ability to call out for help even if they can’t reach the phone for help.

Give both you and they the peace of mind you both deserve.

Don’t wait to take care of you mom, dad, aunt, uncle or loved one.

When you visit them during the holidays, take the time to order them a medical alarm so that you and they can have “Peace of Mind”.

Never allow your loved one to be in an emergency situation like a fall or a medical condition without the ability to reach help when they can’t get to the phone.

One pust of their medical alarms help button could save them in any emergency

Why does the holiday season always see an increase in requests for a medical alarm system?

Is it that mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather has more problems at Christmas and the holidays where they need a medical alert?

NO! The reason seniors get more medical alarms in the holiday season is that you the caregiver visit your loved one’s during the holidays and are shocked to see how much help your parents, aunts and uncles now need.

Over a 3 month period of time, when a senior reaches certain ages, much can happen in a short period of time. They may have fallen 3 times and lost their confidence. They may just be getting more weak, less able to take care of themselves.

The answer is to stay in touch with your loved ones general health, act proactively instead of after the third fall, after they’ve lost confidence to live alone.

This is the place to ask me any questions you have about medical alarm systems for seniors or loved ones.

No question is thought to be silly here.

I have pioneered the medical alarm industry since 1981 when they first started to appear. I enjoy answering questions about systems, caregiving or even just chatting about senior safety issues.

Ask away!