Category: Medical Alert

As your loved ones age, it’s important to make sure they’re staying safe in their own home.

This includes making changes to the home that will help with mobility issues and preventing accidents from happening.

Here are some tips to keep your elderly loved ones safe in the home:

1. Make sure they’re aware of common home hazards. This includes keeping an eye out for tripping hazards like loose rugs and cords, as well as anything that might cause them to slip or fall, such as wet floors or spills on the floor.

2. Ensure they know how to use any medical alert devices they have. If your loved one has a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, make sure they know how to use it in case of emergency–and what steps should be taken if there is ever a problem with the device itself (such as when it needs maintenance). Also ensure that whoever handles their care knows about these devices so that help can be called immediately if necessary.

3. Inspect the home’s electrical system and make sure all cords are safely stored. Check for exposed wires, loose connections or damaged outlets. Make sure cords are not damaged and are kept out of the way so that you don’t trip over them while walking around your parent’s home.

4. Remove anything that could fall on them, including furniture, heavy pictures and appliances. If you have a large television or appliance that is too heavy to lift, it’s best to get help from someone else in the family or hire a professional to move it for you. Make sure any furniture is sturdy enough to support your loved one’s weight and won’t tip over if they lean against them.

5. Install grab bars in their bathroom. One of the most important things you can do is install grab bars in the shower, tub, toilet and sink. Grab bars help them get in and out of these places safely as well as preventing falls when they’re getting ready for bed or getting up in the middle of the night. Grab bars are also useful for helping your loved one stand up from a chair or couch without having to put pressure on their knees or legs (which could cause further injury).

6. Make sure there’s plenty of lighting around so that no matter how dark it gets outside during winter months your loved ones can still see what needs done inside without having any accidents happen because someone wasn’t paying attention while trying not only walk but also maneuvering around furniture pieces located throughout each room within your home.

7. Evaluate fire safety in their home. The home may be equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, but it’s worth checking that these items are still functional. It is a good idea to set up professionally monitored smoke detectors through EMC Security.

8. Install a home security system with a panic button. If your loved-one is being harmed, they can push the button to notify authorities that help is needed. Unfortunately, elderly are often targeted and it’s important to give them some protection.

While this is just a starter to keep your loved one safe as long as possible, it’s not enough. You also need to be aware of what is going on in their lives, what is going on in their home and what is going on in their environment. That way, if there’s something dangerous or out of the ordinary, you’ll know about it before it gets out of hand–and maybe even prevent it altogether.

What makes Belle different from other mobile personal emergency response systems?

Belle users can do what they love, with the confidence of knowing they can press one button to get help at home and away, anywhere in the US where there is AT&T 3G coverage. Belle connects users with call center specialists, who can send emergency personnel or loved ones to the user, depending on what is needed. If users need to be located in an emergency, specialists can connect their Belle device to 911 to utilize U-TDOA location technology. Order Belle Now!

How does Belle work?

When you press and hold the call button, you are connected with a trained call center specialist. You can speak with and listen to the specialist through the powerful built-in microphone and speaker. The specialist will assess the situation and will send EMS, loved ones or neighbors to help you, depending on what is needed.

What accessories come with Belle?

Belle purchases include a charging cradle and lanyard.

Does Belle work in the shower?

Yes, Belle can be used in the shower. However, it is not designed to be submerged in water.

Who can I contact with the Belle?

When you press the call button, you will be connected with a call center specialist. The specilist can send EMS, relatives or friends to you, depending on what is needed..

How long does the Belle battery last?

The rechargeable Belle battery lasts up to 30 days between charging. You and your loved ones can receive text message and email alerts when Belle needs to be charged and powers off. You may also receive a phone call from a specialist when the Belle battery is low. Belle should be charged for 3 hours every 30 days.

How do I charge Belle?

To charge Belle, rest it on the included charging cradle with Belle’s lanyard at the top of the cradle near the charging cord and Belle’s status lights down near the light on the bottom of the cradle. The red battery light will flash every 2 seconds while Belle is charging. When Belle is fully charged, the battery light will be solid red.

How do I know Belle is working?

When Belle is on and working normally, the blue call light will flash every 5 seconds after a call (until the device goes into standby mode) or if charging, and the battery light will not be on.

Can caregivers call Belle?

Caregivers cannot call Belle devices because Belle devices are off until the call button is pressed, to conserve battery. Belle users can press the button and ask the call center specialist to call a caregiver, neighbor or relative in a non-emergency situation.

Will Belle interfere with my medical equipment?

Belle is essentially a cell phone. If you have a pacemaker, review your pacemaker materials regarding interaction with cell phones, and take the same precautions the materials recommend with this device.

How much does the Belle unit weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs 2 oz. and measures 2.7” x 1.7” x 0.7”.

How often should I test Belle?

It is recommended that you test Belle once a month.

To test, press the call button until call light turns blue.

After a short delay, you will hear tones or ringing.

Specialist answers your call.

Tell specialist you are testing.

If the device dials 911, tell the operator you are testing and that the operator can disconnect the call.

How do I purchase the Belle?

Belle is only $129.00 and $21.95 per month. Contact EMC Security at 770-963-0305 to order today. Order online here.

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Everyone knows someone that could benefit from a medical alert pendant.

Here’s why:

1. A fall in the shower—We recently received a personal emergency two-way pendant alarm from a customer. She had fallen in the shower and although she was not injured, she couldn’t get to her feet. With the shower noise, family in the house could not hear her cries for help. She pushed her pendant and the operator called the daughter in the house, who was there in moments to help.

2. A gardening accident—Shears can cause serious injury if they slip in the gardener’s hands. And if he or she is standing on a ladder to trim trees or shrubbery, they are at risk from a fall. However, if the gardener is wearing a medical alert pendant, help is only a touch away. The operator can stayonlinewith the injured person until assistance arrives.

3. Walking to the mailbox—Even a simple trip to check the mail can trip up someone with mobility issues. If the driveway is long, steep, or graded on an uneven surface (such as a dirt drive, common in outlying Atlanta counties) it can become a dangerous walk if someone takes a tumble.

4. Kitchen and Laundry room fires—Our latest blog on laundry room fireshighlightsthe dangers that can exist without proper maintenance of the washer and dryer—something that might be difficult for someone with limited mobility. In the kitchen, gas and electric fires may ignite if appliances are left unattended. A two-way medical pendant gives the resident immediate access to an operator who can get help quickly.

5. If someone cannot speak—A medical emergency that renders the victim unable to speak is frightening. A stroke, fainting spell or even choking may mean that there is no opportunity to call for help. However, with a medical alert pendant, the victim can press the call button, and even if they cannot tell the operator what is happening, the operator will still dispatch help and remain on the line until he or she has confirmed that emergency personnelhavearrived and the victim is being assisted.

If you’ve imagined one of these scenarios in your head for a loved one that lives apart from you, it might be time to talk about an extra level of care and security. Amedical alert systemwill allow them to thrive in their own home, and it can give you peace of mind.

The EMC Security monitoring center received a medical alert alarm from the pendant worn by a customer here in Georgia.

The customer is a 90-year old woman who lives alone.

After falling and lying on her kitchen floor, she needed help. She immediately pressed the button on her Medical Alert pendant. Speaking directly into the pendant, she was able to tell the medical monitoring center operator what happened. While on the line with one monitoring center operator, another operator was able to send emergency medical response teams to the customer’s home and contact her family members. Fortunately, the customer was fine. She has the EMC Security Medical Alert System that saved her from what could have been a terrible fate.

As our population ages, the prevalence of falls among older adults is increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four older adults report a fall each year. In 2017, 31,190 older adults aged 65 and older died from preventable falls, and more than 3 million were treated in emergency departments.

Over the past 10 years, the number of older adult fall deaths has increased 58%, while emergency department visits have increased 40%. At the same time, the number of fall deaths among individuals younger than 65 increased 20% but the emergency department visits have decreased 13%.

The EMC Security Medical Alert System gives elderly loved ones the help they need when they need it, as well as giving the family members the peace of mind they deserve. Order on our website today!

According to research, 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 report that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age — a practice commonly referred to as “aging in place.” In fact, one-third of American households are occupied by one or more residents 60 years of age or older.The Center for Disease Control defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level”. With so many seniors remaining in their homes rather than opting to live in a nursing home. We thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of gadgets that can help aging Americans remain in their homes while continuing to enjoy the advances in technology.

The Best Technology Products for Seniors

Here are our three favorite gadgets that can contribute to a safer home environment for your friends or family members:

1. House Cleaning Robots

The iRobot Roomba is a very cool and helpful device, and we like them a lot. But let’s face it, vacuum cleaners aren’t all that complex, or difficult to operate. The key to keeping a clean home, free of dust and/or dander is regular cleaning. So, having an easy-to-use vacuum, capable of maintaining the floors is useful. It should be light and located in an accessible location.

2. Automatic Pill Reminders

Automatic medication management systems are a great idea. As people age, they typically end up on a variety of medications like cholesterol-lowering agents, high blood pressure meds, and more! The fact that these medications must be managed for many aging adults accounts for a huge percent of nursing home admissions. Medication management systems range from simple plastic pillboxes all the way up to smart (electronic) medication management systems that remind users when to take their meds.

3. Medical Alert Systems

Medical Alert Systems are devices we know a huge deal about. These useful devices come in all shapes and sizes, but perhaps the most common is a pendant-style alert system. These have a single push button that allows its users to alert a call center if they have a medical emergency (or any emergency for that matter).Many of these devices come equipped with automatic fall detection which senses when a person has fallen down. If they’re unresponsive the medical alert system will notify the call center automatically. If you need help picking out the right medical alert system, contact EMC Security for help deciding which device might be right for you.

A medical alert device is like a dependable friend or family member you can rely on for help when you’re in an emergency situation.

Below are a few atypical ways a medical alert device could help you or a loved one.

Living Alone

According to a report issued by the Wall Street Journal, 35.7 million Americans live alone. Living alone can be a wonderful experience, however, becoming injured or experiencing some sort of emergency is a risk.

Medical alert devices give you the peace of mind that you will get immediate help with just a press of a button.

Walking in the Evening

Ask any adult and they’ll probably admit to being afraid of the dark at some point during their childhood and that a nightlight makes the presence of darkness less scary.

Similarly, a mobile medical alert pendant can provide similar relief whenever they decide to take an evening stroll. You’ll have quick access to help, in the event that a threat arises, by wearing the pendant around your neck or clipping it to your belt or bag,

Visually Impaired

Living with a visual impairment presents moment-to-moment, daily challenges – moving around with others both in and outdoors makes it easy to experience an accident. A medical alert device will provide a constant level of protection if an emergency situation were to occur.

The medical alert device was designed to be worn close to the body, so it’s easy to locate and doesn’t require digging through a bag to find. This is a huge benefit for someone who is visually impaired.

Mother-to-Be

It’s very common for pregnant women to have their doctor’s phone number close-at-hand throughout their pregnancy. This is important for many reasons but especially if there’s a health problem or the mom suddenly goes into labor. This is when having a medical alert device within arm’s reach proves important. You will receive aid as soon as you signal for help with a medical alert.

Around the Clock Protection

Keep yourself or your loved ones connected to reliable protection wherever you may be. EMC Security’s medical alert devices are portable and non-obtrusive with a sizable button that’s easy to access.

Chat with one of our security experts today to discuss how you can stay fully protected with a medical alert device.

When is the right time to get mom and dad started with an emergency alert system?

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell because there are no clearly defined rules for this sort of question. It depends on the circumstances and the people involved. Nevertheless, one thing that’s certain is it’s never too early to get started with this type of protection, and the best way is to have a heartfelt talk with mom and dad.

For some families, this can be a tough conversation or at the very least, one that you’d rather to put off until next time you see your parents. However, if you are expecting some resistance, it’s best to start talking about it sooner as opposed to later. This way gives them time to consider and adjust to the idea — or perhaps, even to make that decision for themselves. It may take a few months for it to sink in, but if you approach this conversation thoughtfully, they are likely to understand how an emergency system would be a positive addition to their lives.

For most seniors, it’s expected that a time will come, during which they will need extra help. That help could come in the form of a medical alert system. Using a medical alert system is all about keeping seniors healthy and independent. If an emergency strikes, they’ll be able to get help faster which should lead to a speedy recovery as well.As it turns out, your parent’s independence is interconnected with their health and happiness, so a little extra protection is a very good thing.

When approaching this conversation, express your concern about their situation in a loving way.The fact that you think about the safety of your parents is a clear sign that you care deeply for them and want them to live well into their age in the home that they love. A medical alert system is a wonderful way to help them continue to live a happy and healthy life.

Shop for a medical alert system on our website at emcmedicalalert.com.

It’s not uncommon for senior citizens and people with disabilities to feel vulnerable at times, especially if they live alone.

In addition to door locks and window locks, there are several safety devices that can be easily added to their homes to help make them feel a bit more secure.

Home Alarm Systems

Assuming the door and window security is up to par, installing a home alarm system is a great way to provide a general sense of safety. The EMC DIY Home Security System is a stand-alone home alarm system that is the perfect solution for smaller properties, like small houses, townhouses, or apartments. A home alarm system can be an early warning sign when things go wrong, or simply provide peace of mind to elderly or vulnerable people living by themselves.

Video Doorbells

For people with potential mobility issues a video doorbell is a great extra smart security device for the home. The EMC video doorbell allows homeowners to monitor and communicate with visitors without having to actually walk to the door. This means you can have a conversation with someone at the door from the comfort of your armchair, then decide to let them in once you are confident it’s safe. Our video doorbells allow clear two-way communication between the homeowner and visitor, while simultaneously providing crystal clear high-definition footage of the person outside your door.

Sometimes, vulnerable people can feel that they are the target of crimes, but with EMC Security video doorbells and security systems in place, those with limited mobility can feel safe and secure in their own homes.