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.

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.

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.

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.