MedFirst Alert News

Recently, Newsday had an article about MedFirst Alert and our Senior Life Saver Project. The article was featured on Saturday,  September 4th. The Senior Life saver kit is a medical information kit for seniors to keep in their home in the event of an emergency.  Typically the kit is mounted to the refrigerator and a decal is placed on the front door or window giving instructions as to the location of the medical information for paramedics to see.  The kit was designed with seniors in mind and is an invaluable safety tool to keep in the home.

Paramedics, EMS, and First Responders should keep a supply of the medical information kits on hand to give out during their community outreach programs. Quantities can be ordered in bulk and discounts available to medical personnel and in home care providers.

MedFirst Alert is pleased to announce our new affiliation with the Upstate Senior Network of Spartanburg, SC.

The Upstate Senior Network is a coalition of senior service industry professionals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of seniors and MedFirst Alert is proud to be an affiliate member.

The common theme MedFirst Alert shares with the Upstate Senior Network is our dedication to the seniors we serve.  We don’t just provide medical alert systems. We provide seniors with the means to remain independent in the safety of their own home.  We frequently make house calls for the installation of our medical alert systems if a senior feels they are unable to plug the system or adequately test the system.

Well, in some states the answer is yes and in other states the answer is no.  You need to check with your local states Medicaid policy.

Just recently a Florida Court Ruled in favor of  Medical Alerts being Covered by  the Medicaid Waiver Program -January 28, 2010

An appellate court in Florida has reaffirmed that a medical alert system must be paid for by the state Agency for Persons with Disabilities in a case of a forty-two year-old woman with spastic cerebral palsy and associated quadriplegia.

Florida Medicaid guidelines:
A personal emergency response system is limited to those recipient’s [sic] who live alone, or who are alone for significant parts of the day, and have no regular caregiver for extended periods of time, and otherwise require extensive routine supervision.

The woman who brought the case had been denied reimbursement, on the basis that she had several caretakers who could be with her approximately 18 hours per day.

I believe that in the near future more state medicaid programs will be supportive of medical alert devices because of the minimal costs as compared to having full round the clock care.  Medical alert systems can be a huge help in alleviating some of the eldercare expenses and also relieve the financial burden of paying for 24/7 care.  While a medical alert system alone may not be appropriate in every situation, it does work extremely well in the right situation.

With the rapidly rising costs in assisted living facilities and eldercare providers, seniors need to take a serious look at having a medical alert system installed in their home.  They provide independence and peace of mind for seniors or persons with disabilities.  Caregivers also find medical alert systems very useful because they are able to feel a sense of relief knowing that their parent or loved one will be safe and secure by having a trusted medical alert provider like MedFirst Alert.

Many states are facing massive budget cuts due to the length and duration of the current economic recession. Unfortunately, these states and city governments, such as Portland, Oregon may have to cut back their 911 services. This will lead to an increase in private medical alert systems being installed in more homes.

Randy Leonard, City Commissioner said

It will impact public safety.

I mean, 911 operators are funded by the general fund. If you don’t have enough 911 operators, when you call 911 chances are you could be on hold longer than what you otherwise would be.

Since medical alert systems are run and funded through private businesses, they are not affected by municipality budget cuts. The MedFirst Alert medical alert system operates using two primary components, a small wireless, waterproof pendant and a base console connected to the users phone line.

In the event of an emergency, (an intruder, a medical condition, a fall) the user simply presses the activation button on the console or the wireless pendant. This activates the console to immediately phone the Emergency Response Center.

Within seconds, a two-way, hands free conversation is established between the user and the emergency operator via the highly sensitive two-way speakerphone. The emergency operator has the users pre-programmed information, including medical history, prescribed medications, user location, preferred hospital and information on who else should be contacted (family, neighbors, doctors). If the operator is unable to make voice contact, the operator will contact emergency personnel.

The medical alert system is simple to install. Plug it into the wall and then plug the phone telephone line into a phone jack. Press the wireless button to test the medical alert system, our live care specialist will respond to you via two way voice communication to confirm your system is working properly. The installation takes less than 5 minutes.

Providing safety and independence for senior citizens and those with disabilities is what we do best at MedFirst Alert. Our medical alert systems are state of the equipment designed to protect the individuals who use them.

If you have a parent or loved one who may have to rely on a quick emergency response time, it may be wise to have a medical alert system rather than depending on the traditional 911 services who are undergoing budget cuts across the country.

With MedFirst Alert, our home installation and activation is always free and there’s no annual contract. Call us today at 1-800-595-0718.

Reducing the Risks

Don’t wait for your aging parent to have a major medical emergency in their home due to a lack of awareness. The EPA website (www.epa.gov) has tons of useful information on possible hazards in a home, and you should at least check the following conditions as part of your routine home inspection.

Radon Gas – To find a radon service professional, visit www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html.

Asbestos – Asbestos may not be easily identified, so consult with a professional if you are unsure about a material in a home. The Environmental Protection Agency says that, “Usually the best thing is to LEAVE asbestos material that is in good condition ALONE.” If buyers have concerns, refer them to www.epa.gov/asbestos for current information on asbestos risks.

Lead-Based Paint – If a home was built before 1978, there’s a chance that lead-based paint was used. If the paint is peeling, that is not the only danger to be concerned about. Lead-contaminated dust and soil can also pose serious health risks to children and pregnant women if inhaled or ingested. Make certain the buyer knows if there is lead-based paint in the home, and remind them that removal of lead-based paint, if done incorrectly, can result in lead-contaminated dust being released into the air. Visit www.epa.gov/lead for more information.

Smoke Alarms – Know your state’s smoke alarm laws by heart! Some states require one smoke alarm in each bedroom, plus a detector on each floor. Make sure you change the batteries out at least yearly and check the operating condition of each alarm.

Medical Alert System – As always, it’s a good idea to have a good quality medical alert system from a reputable dealer like MedFirst Alert. Not every senior needs one but if you have any doubts that your aging mother or father might not be able to contact emergency services in case of a fall or accident, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Be sure to do your homework as there may be risks specific to the region where you live, such as California’s earthquakes or Florida’s hurricanes, that mean regional laws and safety precautions to follow.

1. Look in refrigerator, freezer and drawers.  Has food spoiled because mom can’t get to the grocery store?  Does she have difficulty cleaning tight, cluttered places?
2. Look over the grocery list.  Has your loved one’s declining health prompted her to purchase more convenience and junk foods, and neglect proper nutrition?  Is she losing weight?
3. Look on top of furniture and countertops.  Are dust and dirt signs that household tasks are becoming more difficult for your parents?
4. Look up at fans and ceilings.  Has the inability to lift her arms and climb stepstools prevented your loved one from cleaning soot and grime from high places?  Caution your senior not to climb.
5. Look down at floors and stairways.  Have shaky hands spilled drinks and food, soiling vinyl, wood, carpets and walkways?  Are frayed carpets, throw rugs, objects and furniture creating tripping hazards?  Does dad’s bad knee put him at greater risk on cracked sidewalks and with broken stair rails?
6. Look under beds and sofas.  Is your senior having difficulty organizing old newspapers, books and magazines, which are creating a fire hazard?
7. Look through the mail.  Is mom’s dementia causing her to forget to pay bills and answer correspondence?
8. Look below bathroom and kitchen sinks.  Is poor eyesight making it difficult for your elderly relative to read medication labels and to properly store cleaning materials?  Is he forgetting to refill medications and to take them on schedule?  Check the refill date against the number of pills in the bottle to help determine if your loved one is taking medication regularly.  Or call the pharmacy.
9. Look at your senior’s appearance.  Is clothing dirty and unkempt, and is your loved one neglecting personal hygiene?
10. Look to your parents’ neighbors and other close friends to find out about their daily routine.  Are your seniors at home more, watching television and avoiding stimulating conversation and companionship?

MedFirst Alert is now on Twitter! Come follow us and get our most recent tweets. For those of you that don’t know what Twitter is it’s a great way to keep up with the people and businesses that are important in your life. Come Tweet with us now.