MedScope: Medical Alert Systems

The Doctors and nurses are doing their best and trying their hardest, and even though you do not do “emergency” room service and are scared, they do “emergency” work all the time and your case is just another case to them; they are somewhat numb to your terror, but that doesn’t mean they care any less. Get help, get answers, get information, just don’t get in their way.

If you are taking in your loved one to emergency, don’t show fear, show strength. Tell them how well they look, how they’ll be out in no time, how they are in the right place to be fixed and that they’ll be on the road to recovery in no time. Talk about the future and plan for a health strategy. Talk about nice things. Keep their mind at ease and their heart rate down. Just be there with them, for them, and tell them how well they’re doing.

NEW HOME

Our bodies aren’t what they used to be, therefore, our living spaces maybe can’t be what they used to be. For instance, stairs seem to become steeper and longer as we age, so you may want a single story home, or you could think about renting out the top floor, that way, not only would you have an income, but you’d have people around you. So think about your needs.

Also, think about your environment, such as, is your house on a slope? On a hill? On a slight incline?

As we age not only does our balance waiver, but our bodies do not react as quickly, not to mention our impaired judgment of distance due our aging eyes.

When you think about your living space and your style of living, keep in mind if you have to have help as in a nurse or a maid, or maybe both. Do you or will you have enough room for a live-in maid or nurse or caregiver? If you need the help, do you have enough space for you and for them?

And where do you want to live? The mountains, the beach, smack dab in a highrise in the city?

You may also want to think about living with your relatives, like your sibling and sharing expenses. Or maybe one of many of your children have wanted you to come and live with them. If you want to be close to the family, living in a Mother-In-Law apartment may be the way to go. That way you’re close to those you love, you’ll always have loving company for socialization and they will always keep a watchful eye on you.

Your town or city should have some type of senior friendly transportation also, such as cabs or a health-care van. And how about food? In addition to taking a cab or bus, many items can be ordered on-line, such as fresh fruit from Harry and David’s or groceries from your large grocery market chain, or even medications from the drugstore.

Also, think about what you want to do as you age. You may be aging but you still have muscle control and your mind.

So what will make you happy? What type of activities will bring enjoyment?

Would you like to paint? You’ll need space and light. Garden? You’ll need a rail to hold onto, a waist level hose bib, and a raised garden bed. Want to keep active? How about a lap pool? Swimming is great, buoyant, weightless, aerobic exercise.but will or do you have room for a pool? Maybe your home is or will be a townhome with lots of neighbors for company and a community pool for socialization and exercise.

There are a myriad of combinations, all of which should be carefully thought out.

It’s never to late to plan or daydream how you see yourself in your aging years. You have options just as you did when you were first starting out in life, only now your needs have changed.

Look at aging as an opportunity, not as a loss.

Re:  Life Alert Lifeline Life Line Medical Alert

Share This

Then there’s the thought of who will take care of me? And how long will I be in a convalescing facility. When I get out, will I be able, as an elder, to take care of myself or be involved in an assisted living facility? Do I have someone close to me who can help? How much should I rely on my children? How incapacitated will I really be? Will I need a nurse?

There are many questions about what will happen to us when we are extremely sick. And now, while you’re well, is the time to decide your course of action.

Know which convalescing homes are in your area. Tour them now. Write down which one you’d like to go to so that there is no question as to your wishes. If you live alone, post your information somewhere so that everyone is aware of its existence, such as taped to your dresser mirror.

If you need nursing care, find a competent company now, in your area and call for rates, that way you know for how much to budget, and your destination and the experience will not be so unnerving.

Re: Lifeline Life Alert Life Line Medical Alert

Share This

We hear all the time about the “graying” of America, as Baby Boomers get set to retire. And these Baby Boomers, for the most part, plan to stay put in their own homes. In fact, a recent AARP survey examining the opinions of Americans over the age of 45 on current and future housing situations found that the majority plans to stay in their current residence for as long as possible.

Combine this information with the Center for Disease Control’s findings that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 years and older and 60% of these fatal falls happen at home, and it is no wonder that there is a growing trend among homebuilders and remodelers to create “universal design” living spaces.

Universal design homes need to accommodate occupants with decreased health, vision, mobility, hearing, dexterity and income. There are a number of ways that new houses can be designed, or existing houses can be remodeled, to make life easier for people with such limitations, whether they be elderly or a teenager with a ski injury. And the bonus is that such modifications usually make the home more comfortable for everyone. The concept of universal design works for all.

Most issues related to universal design fit into one of three categories: convenience, safety/health, and economy. Designs for convenience include anything that makes life easier, such as automatic garage door openers, lighted switches, lever handles for doors and faucets, wheelchair ramps, home elevators and stair lifts, wider halls and doors, intercom systems, taller toilets, openings without raised thresholds (including shower stalls), among many others.

Safety considerations include adjusting water temperature to avoid scalding injuries, good lighting, installation of smoke detectors, placement of handrails and grab-bars, removal of slippery throw rugs and generally reducing clutter and obstacles.
RE: Life Alert  Lifeline Life Line

Share This

Part 2 of 2:

Costs of Home Care
Medicare-certified Agencies are reimbursed for their services by the federal Medicare or state Medicaid programs. Private Duty Agencies are generally compensated for their services through private payments. Long-term care insurance may cover some of the costs for Private Duty services; individuals can also use other financing options such as reverse mortgages to pay for care. Services by Registries are also covered by private payments, long-term care insurance, or other financing options.

Home Support Care can be provided by any of the agencies listed above, but must be paid for with private funds unless it is prescribed by a physician and provided by a Medicare-certified Agency. Prices for home support care range from $10-$20 per hour. Most long-term care insurance policies will cover home support care. If you qualify for Medicaid, a government program for low-income individuals, it may pay for some of your home support care needs. Since laws vary from state to state, you will need to contact your local Area Agency on Aging for more information concerning government benefits.

Skilled Nursing Care will be paid for by Medicare as long as it is determined to be “intermittent skilled care,” which includes occupational, respiratory, speech, and physical therapy, and is ordered by a doctor. Individuals who meet income requirements may be eligible to receive skilled nursing services covered by Medicaid. Major medical health insurance will also cover a limited number of skilled home visits. The number of visits covered will depend on your medical diagnosis and your health insurance plan. Costs for these services vary greatly depending upon coverage by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance and the degree of services required.

Coverage by other financing options will vary widely, but the follow services, programs, or purchases are options that should be considered. Assistance provided through the Older Americans Act and delivered by local Area Agencies on Aging includes the cost of some home care services. Individuals are generally asked to contribute to the costs in proportion to their income. Veterans who are at least 50% disabled due to a service-related condition are eligible for home health care provided by the Veterans Administration (VA). Services must be authorized by a physician and provided by one of the VA hospital home care units.

Contact you local Office on Aging or State Department of Health to find out if there are funds from social services block grants available to cover home care costs. Outside community organizations may also cover some or all of the costs of home care. Check with your hospital discharge planner, a social worker, the Area Agency on Aging, or the United Way for more information about resources in your community.

Sources for private payments other than major medical health insurance or long-term care insurance include Medigap insurance, managed care organizations, and CHAMPUS. Medigap is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. It will generally cover home support care to supplement the skilled nursing services already prescribed by a physician and provided by a Medicare-certified agency. Managed care organizations are group health plans that may cover some home care services; services must always be pre-approved. On a cost-shared basis, CHAMPUS provides skilled nursing services for military retirees, their dependents and survivors, and the dependents of active military personnel.

Finding a Home Care Provider
After determining the type and amount of services needed and the payment options that are available, consumers should begin interviewing potential providers. Choosing a Home Care provider is a highly important and personal decision. Finding a provider that is qualified, reliable, and compassionate is essential to the health and happiness of patients and their families.

While completing this search, keep in mind that home care workers frequently become very close to their patients. The bonds that patients and providers form are natural and beneficial to both parties; however, before allowing a provider to come into their homes, customers should complete thorough research to avoid the negative consequences of unscrupulous providers. Prior to obtaining services from any provider, find out more about how they run their company, their employee policies, and investigate their quality rankings published by the federal government (www.medicare.gov). The questions below are intended to help consumers investigate and interview potential providers.

Questions for Potential Providers:
Ø Is the provider Medicare/Medicaid certified?
Ø If yes, do they also operate a private pay division? (This allows patients that receive skilled care for a limited number of days to continue receiving private pay services from the same provider).
Ø How many years has the provider been in business?
Ø Is the provider associated with a larger health care group or hospital?
Ø Is the provider accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHOP) or by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP)?
Ø Will the agency help you find the best homecare options for you?
Ø Does the provider have a written policy describing the patient’s rights?
Ø Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs? If so, what does this entail? Do they consult the patient’s physicians and family members?
Ø Will the provider give you written information describing how they commence and discontinue services to patients?
Ø What backup does the patient have if their caregiver cannot show up at the scheduled time?
Ø What are the internal complaint procedures?
Ø Will the provider give a list of citations they have received from state surveyors over the past year?
Ø Does the provider have a nursing supervisor on call and available 24 hours per day?
Ø How does this provider select and train its employees? Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies, benefits packages, and malpractice insurance?
Ø What types of reimbursements will the agency accept?
Ø Will the provider give a list of references?

RE: Life Alert  Lifeline Life Line

Share This

Part 1 of 2:

Are you or a loved one struggling with health issues that are making it harder to remain at home? Are you looking for care to help you recover from surgery or an injury? Do you need help with household chores or activities of daily living? Is managing a long-term illness becoming more difficult? Home Health Care is a rapidly growing field in the senior care industry that may help families negotiate these challenges and remain in their own home.

When a person prefers to stay at home but needs ongoing care that cannot effectively be provided by family and friends, home care may be the best option. As the Home Health Care industry grows and advances, more seniors are able to age in place—receiving the care they need in the comfort of their homes. Regardless of age or health conditions, all seniors should consider home care as an option when making retirement living decisions.

In addition to care provided in an individual’s home, home care services are also available to supplement the care received in a hospital or facility; 25% of the care we classify as home care is actually performed in hospitals or facilities.

Home Care Options
An incredibly diverse field, home care can serve a variety of senior need levels. Home Care can include home support care, skilled nursing care, or hospice care. For information about hospice care, please see our hospice section on pg. 89.

Home Support Care is for seniors who are no longer able to perform all of the functions of daily living by themselves but who do not require skilled medical services. A home health aide can help with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include bathing, dressing, transferring, eating, and hygiene. Additional services generally include meal preparation, mobility exercises, light housekeeping, laundry services, medication reminders, and accompaniment to appointments.

Skilled Nursing Care is prescribed by a physician and is administered by a registered nurse. The services provided by skilled nurses include: administering injections, administering medications, wound care, IV monitoring, blood tests, catheter care, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, feeding tube administration, and more.

Home Care Providers
Home Care providers can be classified into three major categories: Medicare-certified Agencies, Private Duty Agencies, and Registries. All of these agencies deliver care to patients either in their homes or in a hospital, assisted living community, or nursing facility. Companies or hospitals may have both a Medicare-certified component as well as a private duty or registry component.

Medicare-certified Agencies deliver “brief and intermittent care” for a maximum of 60 days. Care must be ordered by a doctor. Physicians can renew orders for care whenever they deem it necessary. These agencies are qualified to deliver either skilled nursing care or home support care, which is completed by home health aides. Patients generally receive 1-3 hours of care per day several days a week. The amount and type of care provided will vary depending on the doctor’s specific orders. All Medicare-certified agencies are licensed by their home state and surveyed on a regular basis to ensure that federal quality and safety standards are followed.

When care has not been ordered by a physician, it can be obtained thorough Private Duty Agencies. The amount of care provided can range from round-the-clock or live-in care to companionship services, depending upon the needs and desires of the customer. Private Duty Agencies employ a variety of caregivers and can provide a wide array of services. Caregivers range from nurses to companion care workers, all employees of the agency. Agencies are regulated by their state governments, which enforce strict health and safety requirements.

Home Health Care Registries are much like Private Duty Agencies, except Registries do not employ the workers that are sent to customers’ homes. When you request Home Care Services through a Registry, they will refer an independent contractor to work in your home. As with Private Duty Agencies, the amount and type of care received is entirely up to the customer. Registries can provide services ranging from skilled nursing care to home support care and/or companion style services. Registries are monitored by their state governments to guarantee that they meet stringent health and safety requirements.
RE: Life Alert  Lifeline Life Line

Share This

Today in the New York Times, a story featured the plight of one New York elder couple insisting on staying at home.  It is proof that American seniors, despite concerns with general and mental health, want to be where they are most comfortable: in their homes. 

A portion of the article reads as follows:
“Mr. Allen has been hobbled since he fractured his spine in a fall down the stairs, and expects to lose his driver’s license when it comes up for renewal when he turns 85. Mrs. Allen recently broke four ribs getting out of bed. Neither can climb a ladder to change a light bulb, or crouch under the kitchen sink to fix a leak. Stores and public transportation are an uncomfortable hike.
So the Allens have banded together with their neighbors, who are equally determined to avoid being forced from their homes by dependence. Along with more than 100 communities nationwide — a dozen of them here in Washington and its suburbs — they are part of a movement to make neighborhoods comfortable places to grow old, both for elderly men and women in need of help but not ready for assisted living, and for baby boomers anticipating the future.
‘We are totally dependent on ourselves,’ Mr. Allen said. ‘But I want to live in a mixed community, not just with the elderly. And as long as we can do it here, that’s what we want.’
The Allens’ wish to live out their lives in familiar surroundings, shared by almost nine in 10 Americans over age 60, according to numerous polls, may soon become a reality. Their group has registered as a nonprofit association, developed a business plan based on membership dues and begun lining up providers of transportation, home repair, companionship, daily security check-ins and other services to meet their needs at home for as long as possible.
Urban planners and senior housing experts say that this movement, organized by residents rather than government agencies or social services providers, could make ‘aging in place’ safe and affordable for the majority of elderly people. Many of these communities are calling themselves ‘villages,’ playing on the notion that it takes a village to raise a child and also support the aged in their decline. They are expected to open this fall on Capitol Hill, in Cambridge, Mass., New Canaan, Conn., Palo Alto, Calif., and Bronxville, N.Y .
‘Providers don’t always need to do things for the elderly,” said Philip McCallion, director of the Center for Excellence in Aging Services at the State University of New York at Albany. “There are plenty of ideas how to do this within the aging community.’”
Did you see those numbers?  A full 90% of seniors over the age of 60 want to stay at home.

Re: Life Alert  Lifeline Life Line

Share This

A Medical Alarm System consists of an Emergency Communicator, which is the size of an answering machine and connects the same way in about 5 minutes.  It is powered by electricity, but will fully function for 16 to 24 hours on a battery back-up system should the customer experience a power outage. The battery in the pendant (transmitter) will last for a full 10 years, or 50,000 pushes.  The transmitters, available in either necklace or wristband style, are completely waterproof and will function up to 800 feet from the home. 

Should an emergency arise, the customer may simply press the button on the lightweight, waterproof pendant.  A response operator will immediately establish two-way voice communication.  Upon telling the operator the nature of the situation, he or she will dispatch the appropriate responder (ambulance, police or fire department), or, if requested, simply notify a nearby neighbor or family member. The response operators are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

If the Response operator can’t hear you, or you are unable to speak:
The operator will dispatch your local emergency personnel immediately.
The operator will continue to talk to you until help actually walks through your front door.
Next, the operator will call your list of responders. These are people, friends or family, who preferably live within five minutes of your home. The operator will call them so that they can meet the emergency personnel at your door.  This way, they don’t have to break in to gain access. If responders are not a solution for you, a good alternative or addition, is to use a Lock Box that has your house key locked in it. This box can hang on your door knob or be attached to the door frame.  When the emergency personnel is called, they are given the combination to the lock box.  They can then use the combination to retrieve your key from inside the box.

Once help is on the way, another operator will start calling a list of your family members or friends that you have previously chosen to be notified.  The operator will calmly explain the situation to them.  These systems are also referred to as Life Alert systems.

RE:   Lifeline Life Line

Share This