MedScope: Medical Alert Systems

I was at church when I got the call that my mother had fallen and was taken to the hospital with a possible broken hip. I immediately knew that I had to be with her - to hold her hand and reassure her that everything was ok. My mother had suffered with dementia for over 10 years. Her memory was mostly of her parents and siblings but every now and again she’d surprise us with her moments of “clarity”.

“No need to ask those questions”, I pleaded with the nurse as she began her determined assessment of my mother. “Do you know what year it is?” the nurse asked. As I was intervening to help this young professional understand my mothers’ condition of dementia, it occurred to me that my mothers’ dignity was in question.

At this very moment I realized just how important the role of being a daughter was at this stage in my mothers’ last days. After years of caring for her 10 children it was our time to care for our mother as if she were our own child. Roles were now reversed and guaranteeing our mothers’ dignity became increasingly more important.

“I need to ask these questions – it’s my job”, insisted the nurse. As I persevered to discontinue those questions that were obviously upsetting my mother, she became irritated with both of us. How dare, I, a daughter of 42 years interfere with her expertise? The ‘experienced care-giver’ became insolent with me and asked me if I wanted a new nurse. “Absolutely”, I replied, explaining that the tone she was using with my mother was not acceptable. Within minutes we were greeted with the sweetest nurse who took my mother’s hand in hers, and gently kissed her cheek. Mum instantly warmed up to her – smiling, even through the adversity of all her pain.

When our parents age and become dependent upon us, for both physical and emotional survival, we become parents of our parents. Ensuring that their well-being is properly and lovingly cared for is a full-time job. And it is our job. While not all care giving staff are disrespectful, it only takes one to break their spirit and attack their dignity. This is an unnecessary invasion, preventable with an unconditional love and a gentle kindness.

It’s ok to question and be concerned about the care that your loved one is receiving. In fact, it’s essential. If you don’t, there’s a slim chance that others will assume that vital role. Stand up for what is right. If you have children, remember they learn what they live. Watching loved ones being cared for with a devotion of respect is a teaching experience that no school or university can match.

I am blessed to have such dedicated siblings who took turns sitting with mum for every minute of every day. We cared for mum with a tender and heartfelt love - not all that different from how you would love a newborn baby- caressing her cheek as she slept; combing her hair with our fingers as she looked lovingly into our eyes.

Not long after her stay in hospital, mum passed away – most peacefully, with children near her side. I know that in her heart she felt a proudness in knowing that her children were there to ensure her dignity was kept in tact – and yes – that someone cared.

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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.

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It is often heard, “what’s to become of me”, when it is too late. Why not find out what your options are now? Why not prepare yourself, mentally, at least for that which may be?

We know we or one of our loved ones will eventually get extremely sick and/or need some type of convalescing. So, let’s look into the world of convalescing.

We also know we will eventually enter an emergency room, whether for ourselves or for a loved one. So, let’s look into the world of the ER.

We also know that the majority of us will be moving into a different house as we age. So, let’s look into our options.

CONVALESCING

To think that we’ll eventually get sick is a thought no one should think. And to think that we’d need such nurturing that we’d have to go to a convalescing place is almost out of our reality. Well, it may be time to think these thoughts. There is of course, long-term care insurance, which is really something to very seriously check into and purchase some type, so that you don’t lose all of your savings.

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Before opening your home to any service provider, including in-home caregivers, you should take a few steps to make sure that you protect yourself and the caregiver. Taking these steps does not demonstrate a lack of trust in the provider, nor does it mean that they are not trustworthy. It is simply logical to make sure that you look after your assets. You should place any of the following items in a safety deposit box or other secure location:

• Small valuables

• Irreplaceable or sentimental items

• Small family heirlooms

Let family members know that you have removed these items from the house and that they are safe. By taking these simple steps, you can make sure that you, your family, and your caregiver do not have to face the problems that arise when precious items are misplaced.
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Pat 2 of 2: 

Paying for Medical Supplies and Equipment
Medicare helps pay the costs for durable medical equipment. According to Medicare, in order to be covered, “items must be reusable, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or hospital beds.” Durable medical equipment for home health services is paid for under both Medicare Part B and Part A. Medicare coverage varies, and some equipment must be rented, while other equipment must be purchased. Durable medical equipment regional carriers can provide more specific information on coverage by Medicare.

Coverage by private insurance for durable medical equipment will vary greatly depending on the company and the specific policy. Coverage for medical supplies by both Medicare and private insurance will depend on the products required, specific medical needs, and doctors’ recommendations.

Finding a Medical Supplies and Equipment Provider
Medical supplies and equipment providers can offer a single solution product or multiple products to meet a range of needs. Before purchasing from a medical supplies and equipment provider, individuals should be comfortable with the professionalism and reliability of the company. Request specific information about costs and product delivery time frames. Consumers should also be aware of any warranties that cover maintenance, repair, or replacement of durable goods.

Finding a reliable provider is an important decision. The products that these providers deliver can lead to important and positive changes in the lifestyles of individuals with increased health care needs, decreased mobility, or who simply want to maintain or increase their level of independence.
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Part 1 of 2: 

Whether you are a senior seeking products that will improve your mobility and your lifestyle or a family caregiver looking for better supplies to care for your loved one, there are a variety of medical supplies and equipment providers available to help. Impressive advancements in medical equipment technology have afforded more Americans the opportunity to remain independent in a healthy and safe environment.

Medical supplies and equipment fall into two major categories: medical supplies and durable medical equipment. Medical supplies generally refers to products that are used to make patients more comfortable and need to be replenished on a regular basis. Durable medical equipment includes items that are long-lasting and are generally one-time purchases. Medical supplies and durable medical equipment can be used together or separately to help elderly and disabled individuals maintain their independence and mobility.

Medical Supplies
Medical supply products help individuals cope with and manage the symptoms of illness or old age. Products include specially adapted socks and stockings, protective undergarments, skin care products, cushions and positioners, and many other helpful items. A wide variety of daily living aids are also available to help individuals who need assistance with bathing, dressing, or taking medication. Home health monitors let patients track everything from blood pressure to heart rate. Specialized in-home tests also allow patients to track their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment includes items that help elderly or disabled individuals maintain mobility and/or receive necessary care in the comfort of their homes. These products are designed to help those who need extra assistance performing the tasks of daily living. Durable medical equipment products can be broken into two major categories: mobility products and care assistance products.

Mobility products include a wide range of highly advanced equipment to help individuals get around. From Scooters to canes, products are available for every mobility need.

Scooters are available in a range of styles and feature various options to meet individualized needs. Many individuals find outdoor mobility challenging and are searching for a personal mobility vehicle that can help them continue to participate in activities they enjoy. Others need more comprehensive daily assistance. Today’s wide range of scooters are more maneuverable, lighter, and more durable than their older counterparts and can be customized to fit every lifestyle—from that of the active outdoorsman to the individual with decreased mobility who wants to remain independent.

Lift chairs are another popular mobility product. They look like standard recliners but provide assistance with moving from a sitting to a standing position. Most chairs provide settings that allow users to move comfortably and easily from lying, to sitting, to standing.

Stair lifts complete the motorized mobility offerings that are available to help today’s seniors. Stair lifts allow individuals to move from one level of their home to another with ease, eliminating the sometimes dangerous and difficult task of climbing and descending stairs. Stair lifts help seniors avoid becoming confined to a single level of their multi-story home. Advanced technology makes modern stair lifts smaller, quieter, and more attractive.

A wide array of wheelchairs, walkers, and canes are also available to help those with mobility assistance needs. Technology has dramatically increased the range of options available and the quality of mobility products, from the high-tech wheelchair to the low-tech but highly durable cane. As mobility technology has enhanced, seniors have found it increasingly easier to remain independent, even as their abilities change, and continue participating in the activities they enjoy.

Care assistance products include hospital-style beds, equipment to help with transferring, specially formulated mattresses that help reduce pressure, respiratory equipment, bathroom safety aids, and other equipment that promotes safety and wellness. All of these products are especially important for individuals who wish to remain in the home environment during an illness or convalescence. Durable medical equipment can also make the caregivers job easier by providing them with professional grade products to help meet their caregiving responsibilities.
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Boomers Helping Senior Parent
• Most (63%) say they are actively involved in providing some kind of help or assistance to a parent (over half say they also have children under age 25).
• Household maintenance (40%), transportation (34%), medical issues (33%), help with financial decisions (28%) and financial support (19%) were the most frequent types of support reported by Boomers.
• Baby Boomers with children are more likely than those without children to provide non-financial assistance to their parents, including help with household maintenance, medical issues and medication, and transportation.
• Baby Boomers without children are more likely than those with children to provide financial assistance to their parents, including making purchasing or financial decisions and providing financial support.
Boomers Have Not Turned to Technology to Help Parents
• Like seniors, Baby Boomers are open to new technologies that would help seniors age in place but very few are actively seeking these products.
• Half of Baby Boomers (49%) are interested in new technologies that would help them monitor their parents’ safety and wellbeing.
• 51% also think there are technology products available aimed at meeting the needs of seniors.
• 50% would be open to the use of ambient technology - specifically, sensors - to monitor the health and safety of their aging parents.
• However, just 14% of Baby Boomers have actually looked for any technology solutions that would help them ensure the health and safety of their parents.

Part 4 of 4
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