Benefits of a Medical Alert System for Seniors

Most doctors encourage senior patients to wear portable monitors to check on their blood pressure, heart rate or other medical conditions. These devices can come in smartwatches, blood pressure cuffs and glucose monitors. However, these systems don’t account for seniors in slip and fall situations. Roughly 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year; 20% of these falls cause broken bones, head injuries or other trauma.

Using personal medical alert systems, seniors can quickly contact authorities when accidents or injuries, including falls, occur. In 2022, over 3 million people already own wearable medical-alert devices. MedGuard Alert provides multiple solutions with features that fit every need, and pricepoints that fit every budget. Find out more about senior medical alert systems, what is the best medical alert for seniors, and how you might be able to get one for free.

Why Seniors Should Consider Medical Alert Systems

If you are a senior that lives alone, having a fall or medical emergency can quickly turn tragic if you can’t reach the phone or find help quickly. Alert systems can provide security, safety, comfort and peace of mind.

Ease of Use

Medical alert systems are usually easy to wear; pendants or bracelets, or in the style of a smartwatch. They’re less bulky or obvious, and the discreet designs are intended to make them more convenient and less embarrassing. They provide a quick alternative to reaching a phone, remembering phone numbers or to pressing more than one button.

Feature and Budget Options

Though once bulky and obvious, monitoring systems are available now in many configurations. Current models can look like fitness or activity monitors, making them less obvious. They can also have GPS, which will help family and other loved ones track seniors prone to wander.

Peace of Mind

Knowing their loved ones are being monitored constantly can help ease family members’ minds. Some systems can also text or email family members when, for example, the front door opens, or other events take place.

Independence

Since seniors can trigger the alarms when they need to, they’re in charge. Feel free to shower, sleep, or work in the yard knowing help is a quick button press away. Seniors can continue to live in their own homes knowing they are being overseen safely.

Help at the Push of a Button

Medical alert systems are monitored 24/7 and can dispatch family or first responders as needed. You can get the assistance you want and need, even if it won’t require medical treatment.

What Should You Look for in a Senior Monitoring System?

There are some features you should make sure are available in your monitoring system.

Here are some of the key features that should be included:

  • Can it pair with a home security system? Check with your home security provider, and ask if there is an additional fee.
  • Can others connect via the device? Some devices allow families to access the system, through a monitoring app on a smartphone or computer.
  • Does it include a lockbox? Some companies offer a lockbox for emergency medical personnel to be able to access the home if seniors are incapacitated.
  • How’s the battery life? Be clear on how to charge the device and how you will know whether the battery is low.
  • How do you set it up? If there’s a base unit or console, will you need more than one to cover the entire home and yard? Explore whether landlines are required or whether it can use cellular data.
  • Is it fully waterproof? Falls happen in the shower and bath, so this feature is vital.
  • Is it wearable? You’ll want a device you find comfortable and unobtrusive enough to encourage its use.
  • Is the speaker loud enough? Hearing loss can be a barrier, so make sure anyone trying to contact you from the response center can be heard.
  • Is the system movable? Not all medical-alert providers offer nationwide service. Check to see if the system can move with you.
  • What’s the range? With an in-home system, find out how far the wearable help button can be from the base unit and still operate. You’ll want one that can reach across their entire living space, and the nearby outdoors, too.

MedGuard Alert provides different options that suit every need, and every budget. We are also a Medicaid approved provider in many states, nationwide. If you would like to learn more about emergency medical alert services through MedGuard Alert, call today: 1-800-716-1433

Senior Preparation for Cold Winter Temperatures

Winter officially begins on December 21, 2021. While we have had a pretty mild Fall, it may be easy to forget winter is on the way. If you are the caregiver for an aging loved one who lives alone, it’s important to help them prepare their house for the snowy season ahead. Preparation is key, and getting things addressed now will help keep your home warm before the January and February frigid temperatures hit. From furnace inspection to a smoke alarm test, we created this winter safety checklist to help you get started.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are literal life-savers. For seniors with mobility challenges, being alerted to problems early gives them more time to safely escape. If you aren’t sure how to install or inspect smoke alarms, read this smoke detector safety checklist from the National Fire Protection Association.

Furnace Inspection

Heating systems can range in function; gas, oil, forced hot air and base-board heading. Having the professionals do a quick system check could prevent potential dangers and assure your system will stay running all winter long. You can typically ask for a system check when you are getting your oil or gas delivered, and save some costs on sending someone out. Be sure to ask if they offer a free diagnostic or discount when checking on your system, to make sure you can keep purchasing fuel from them!

Clean Your Gutters

Leaves and other debris can build up in the gutters throughout the year. When it freezes, it can cause ice jams and cause your gutters to not function properly. When water can’t drain out through the gutters, it might end up leaking into the home or basement. That can lead to a big, expensive mess. If you aren’t able to inspect and clean the gutters, ask a neighbor to help or hire someone who can.

Checking Your Pipes, Inside and Out

These days, plumbers can be hard to come by, but this is critical when it comes to freezing climates. Burst pipes can destroy homes, and be a cause for concern in frigid temperatures. It’s the last thing you need on a cold winter’s day. Protect the home’s exterior faucets by disconnecting the hoses and draining the faucets. Make sure to turn off the line before the first freeze.

Plan For Snow Removal

Falls remain the leading cause of fatal injuries among seniors. Winter can be especially hazardous. Before the first snowfall, create a plan for having the driveway, sidewalks, and entryways cleared and salted.

Local agencies on aging and senior centers maintain a list of reliable snow removal services who work with older adults. Some even offer a senior discount. Call those closest to your family member if you need a referral.

Stock Up of Canned and Non-Perishable Food

Now is the time to stock up on non-perishable food items, staples, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications. Bottled water, peanut butter, crackers, canned fruits and meats, flashlight batteries, toilet paper, and paper towels are just a few. If the senior has a pet, buy extra supplies for them, too.

While insurance companies may limit medication refills, do the best you can to get ahead. They should have enough medicine on hand for a few days in case a power outage or snowstorm keeps them housebound.

Stay Protected

You can stay safe all the time when you get a medical alert system with MedGuard Alert. We provide emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid.

Call today. 1-800-716-1433

Spending Time with Family This Holiday Season

The Holiday Season is a time that families come together, celebrate and spend time with each other – That classic image of Christmas day with the whole family around the tree, enjoying each other’s company.

Sadly, seniors may be spending the holidays on their own due to physical reasons or because they have a small family that lives far away. It is important to make sure that your elderly loved one is included in the holiday festivities because it minimizes loneliness and reduces stress, promoting better physical and mental health. To help include your elderly loved one in the festivities, here are some activities you could do with them to help them out in the days leading up to Christmas.

Christmas Light Displays

If you are not handy, or are one of those ‘Clark Griswold’ types that hang lights and decor each year, not to worry. There are plenty of them out there, so simple Google search will find some charity-driven displays that are free to view. Some neighborhoods go all out with their decorations and be sure to check your local town square, which often have a large tree that is not quite Rockefeller Center, but the traffic should be much lighter!

Whether it is a large Christmas light display or a small neighborhood, take your relative out in the car and have a look. If you are planning on walking around to see the lights, make sure that they are wrapped up warm and you are close to them, the last thing you want them to do is to slip, so make sure they have good footing.

Wrapping Gifts

We recently posted about seniors shopping for gifts, and this is a simple follow up to that post. Now that the gifts are delivered, they may have some that require wrapping. Seniors may struggle to do on their own is wrapping gifts – hands can become stiff and painful, especially when intricately folding lots of presents. Offer to sit down and help them out, giving your assistance where needed.

It is important to still give them some independence and not completely take over the task. Wrapping up gifts is a great way for you and your loved one to talk about the gifts, who they are for and what they are about, giving them an opportunity to talk and communicate with you.

Movie Marathon

Watching films is a great way to lower stress levels among seniors because they can focus on spending time with you and the film. Although watching films as a family is a simple activity, it is very effective and is a form of socializing, even if you are not speaking.

It also opens up questions about the plot and the characters when the film is finished, helping to encourage good conversation.

Cookie Bakes & Cookie Swaps

Seniors typically love cooking, but it can be quite difficult if they are feeling weak or if their hands just aren’t able to move like they did when they were younger. Bring everyone into the kitchen for some cookie and gingerbread baking and decorating in the days leading up to Christmas. This helps bring people in the family together whilst making some quick, easy and delicious food.

If your family and friends are up to it, the best way to get the most variety in your cookie jars is to have a Cookie Bake. Everyone makes a predetermined amount of a specific cookie (enough to give 4-6 cookies per person, for everyone coming). Everyone meets up, swaps cookies, and goes home with a mountain of homemade goodness.

A Night Out

Cooking a Christmas dinner can often be overwhelming for anyone, but it can be extra stressful for those who are elderly with decreased mobility. Christmas is meant to be enjoyable, not exhausting, so it might be a good idea to eat at a restaurant for Christmas dinner.

There are many restaurants both lavish and budget-friendly that offer set Christmas menus around and on Christmas day for families to enjoy. Allow your loved one to pick out their favorite menu, book for a certain day and then just turn up to eat! This allows them to delve into some enjoyable food, spend time socializing with family and friends whilst not worrying about meal preparation. Food brings everyone together.

Stay Protected

You can stay safe all the time when you get a medical alert system with MedGuard Alert. We provide emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid.

Call today. 1-800-716-1433

Safe Holiday Shopping Tips for Seniors

Turkey Day is done, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Shopping this year may be a different experience with many seniors starting to shop from home and using marketplaces like Amazon to buy and ship gifts for friends and family. Holiday shopping is becoming a very real concern for many senior individuals that are less mobile than they used to be. Seniors can be slower than many of the people crowding the stores this holiday season.

Shop All Year

Preparation for the holiday season is always recommended. Getting a jump on Christmas shopping starts in January, yes, January. If you have the space to keep gifts in your home, shop small, and throughout the year to make sure you are ready to roll when the busy shopping season starts. When it comes down to crunch time and no one has any good gift ideas, it’s best to start early and get the right gift for everyone on the list.

Pace Yourself

Seniors are often responsible for getting gifts for a wide variety of people. Families have grown to include more than just their children: grandchildren, sons- and daughters-in-law, and other relatives have joined the festivities. A one-stop shopping trip will wear out your loved on and leave them exhausted. If you have your list of people to buy for, be sure to keep your shopping goals to an attainable number.

Bring A Friend

Walking through the mall can be daunting., and shopping alone is never any fun. Instead, encourage your senior loved one to shop with a friend or family member or offer to escort them while they do their shopping. Having a family member on hand will provide them with someone else to carry the bags, a great companion for conversation and fun, and an extra supporting hand if they start to get wobbly on their feet.

Start Early

Seniors typically wake up early, so best to take advantage of the slowest time in the day for many retailers. After work, many stores become overcrowded, especially during the busy holiday season. Instead of being just one more face in the rushed, bustling crowd, encourage your elderly loved one to shop earlier in the day when the stores will be more peaceful.

Shop Online

Online shopping is clearly the best way to get your shopping done without any compromise, but some seniors have no clue where to start. Seniors may need help, so if your parent or grandparent is looking for help making online purchases, offer your assistance. We think nothing of asking Alexa to buy us a 24 pack of Gatorade, and it’s at the front door the next day. This is strait out of the “Twilight Zone” for many seniors, so some hand holding may be required.

Take MedGuard Alert With You!

If you plan on making these trips on your own, bring us with you! You can stay safe all the time when you get a medical alert system with MedGuard Alert. We provide emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid.

Call today. 1-800-716-1433

Laundry Room Safety Tips for Seniors

As the holiday season quickly approaches, the last thing on your mind is your laundry room. There are a handful of hidden dangers that should be addressed before the kiddos come over for presents, “roast beast” and eggnog.

Hosting friends and family during the holidays usually means kids will be in attendance. If you have a separate laundry room, a quick safety check can often be overlooked and accidents can happen quickly. It’s best to prepare before your guests arrive with a quick walk through of the following recommendations to keep your guests and their kids safe.

Here are some quick and easy tips to keep your laundry room safe this holiday season.

Store all liquid laundry packets in a locked cabinet.

The bright colors of laundry packets make them look like some sort of candy to an untrained eye, so it’s best to keep these out of sight. If you don’t have a cabinet available, place liquid laundry packets into a larger bin with other laundry and household products and put it up high where those at risk won’t be able to see it.

Keep liquid laundry packets tightly secured in their original packaging, stored up and out of reach.

While clear or glass jars can be a creative way to display household items, storing liquid laundry packets visibly in these jars could be confusing for adults with memory impairments.

When purchasing laundry packets and other household cleaners from the store, have them bagged separately.

A separate bag makes it easy to put them away in their designated safe storage spot – out of sight and out of reach – as soon as you get home and unpack your groceries.

Keep Visual Safety Reminders in the Laundry Room 

FIRE PREVENTION: Your dryer can be a risk, with the possibility of overheating and potential to start a fire. This can be the case for both electric or gas dryers, so be sure to keep that lint trap clear of any build up and keep your vent clear. Follow the vent hose to the exterior wall, make sure there are no bents or folds in the pipe. You also want to make sure the vent on the exterior of your home is clear from any vegetation, piles of leaves or snow.

INGESTION: If you have grandkids that may access your laundry, ingestion of some of your cleaning chemicals can be deadly. Even if all precautions are taken, accidents can happen. It can be helpful to keep this number readily available or posted in your laundry:

Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222)

Following these easy tips ensures that your laundry room is a safe space for loved ones in your care with cognitive decline or for the children of your friends and family who visit during the holidays.

Now that your laundry room is safe, you can stay safe all the time when you get a medical alert system with MedGuard Alert. We provide emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid.

Call today. 1-800-716-1433

Companionship & The Best Pets for Seniors

We love pets, and in the US more than 70% of households own a pet. In fact, over 55% of adults older than 50 and have pets. Owning a pet can help battle senior mobility limitations, health issues and low energy that can keep them isolated. Seniors that live alone can succor to social isolation which can lead to loneliness, depression and poor physical health. Companion pets for lonely seniors can literally be life saver for these folks.

Seniors and Pets

Pets can contribute to the well-being of seniors. Having a pet can helped seniors enjoy life, feel loved, reduce stress, and feel more inclined to be more physically active (walking a dog, or playing with a cat). Pets can also help with safety, protection and creating and maintaining routine.

Other Considerations

Pets are great, but seniors should consider whether a pet fits their lifestyle, their home and capabilities. Seniors who use wheelchairs or are confined to bed might have difficulty with any pet that requires a lot of maintenance.

Things to consider:

  • How long will you have this pet?
  • Are you capable of handling this pet for the long term?
  • Is the cost of a pet manageable (food, medical care, training)?
  • Can your home accommodate a larger pet?
  • Before heading to a pet store, keep in mind the many pets in shelters. 6.3 million pets are placed into shelters every year, and 4.1 million are adopted.

Common Pets

Dog

70% of pet owners are dog owners. We all love dogs, but they need a lot of care and exercise. Some dogs are also more likely to trigger allergies.

Some of the best breeds for seniors include:

  • Pug – These small dogs are affectionate and playful, requiring less exercise, but they can be stubborn.
  • Cavalier King Charles spaniel – These small dogs are affectionate, easily trained and love being with their owners.
  • English Bulldog – These dogs are low-activity pets, and are shy and quiet, but need regular grooming.
  • French Bulldog – Like their English cousins, they’re quiet and don’t need a lot of exercise, but need grooming.
  • Bichon Frise – These small dogs have more grooming needs but don’t shed too much and have moderate energy.
  • Boston Terrier – These dogs are friendly, well-mannered, affectionate, have a lot of energy and are easy to groom.
  • Miniature Schnauzer – These dogs are energetic and playful, obedient and eager to please, but can be vocal.
  • Pomeranian – These perky little dogs are energetic, love attention and need regular grooming, but don’t need too much exercise.
  • Poodle – These intelligent dogs adapt well to different environments and don’t shed much but need a good amount of exercise and grooming.
  • Yorkshire Terrier – These tiny dogs don’t shed, don’t need too much exercise and don’t need too much grooming.

Cat

Cats come in second with pet owners, according to the APPA survey, at 43%. Cats are more independent and need a little less looking after, but they have their demands, too. Cats need space and a warm lap to occupy.

Some of the best cat breeds for seniors include:

  • Chartreux – They are calm and playful, making them a good match for seniors.
  • Himalayan – These cats are gentle and calm, preferring to live in a calm environment, which makes them a good match for older pet owners.
  • Persian – These are calm, easygoing cats that love a quiet atmosphere that a one-person home can give them.
  • American Shorthair – These cats are people-oriented and love to cuddle, which makes them a good companion for seniors.
  • Birman – This is an affectionate, gentle and intelligent cat that loves companionship, has a playful side and is low-maintenance.
  • British Shorthair – These fuzzy cats are good-natured and playful as kittens but mellow as they age.
  • Ragdoll – This cat is very laid back, loving and calm, with a tendency to follow you around.
  • Russian Blue – These cats are friendly, affectionate and loyal to their pet family.
  • American Bobtail – These cats are affectionate and don’t like to be left alone, bonding with their humans.

Fish

They may be easier to care for, but setting up an aquarium may take some time and effort. 14.7% saying they have either a freshwater or saltwater fish. They need only food and a good tank cleaning now and then. The top expense will be the equipment for its living space.

Here are a few of the best low-maintenance fish:

  • Goldfish – This is the most common pet fish, with the fancy-tailed varieties considered the most attractive. They can be a little more messy so might need more water maintenance.
  • Guppy – These fish love company, so have an environment large enough for a few. They come in a variety of colors.
  • Molly – This hardy and easy-to-keep fish is a live bearer, so there is a chance that any molly you adopt will be female and pregnant. You might have several fish before you know it.
  • Betta – These fish, also called Japanese or Siamese fighting fish, are lovely and small with flowing tails. They are a clean fish so require a change of water less often.
  • Dwarf Puffer Fish – These tiny freshwater fish are relatively inexpensive. They keep an eye on their owners, like bettas.
  • Tetra – These consist of many subspecies of colorful fish. Tetras should be kept in groups, about five or six per species.

Bird

Compared to dogs and cats, birds can be relatively low maintenance. Many never leave the cage, which makes them a good option for seniors with mobility issues. The singing, twittering and talking of birds can be a therapeutic comfort to seniors who are otherwise alone.

  • Lovebird – These pets chatter quietly, so they make a good choice if you have apartment neighbors. They can be intelligent and personable, but nippy and opinionated.
  • Canary – These birds are considered calming, with softer songs and less vocalization from the females compared with the males. They are active, friendly and social and can be kept in their cages permanently.
  • Cockatiel – These whistling, singing birds are medium sized. They can also learn to mimic sounds around the house, so don’t be surprised if the “telephone” starts ringing.
  • Parakeet – These birds have tiny voices and can be taught words and basic tricks. They’re active, intelligent and social. They are affectionate to humans and require more out-of-cage attention.
  • Zebra Finch – These quiet birds are sociable and active, but should not be allowed out of their cages. They prefer to be kept in flocks of two to four.
  • Additional Companion Options

Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice and ferrets can have short lifespans or can live as long as dogs and cats. They all require routine care, food, company and protection. Some of these animals may be nocturnal so won’t make as good a companion during the day.

Consider whether there are other pets in your household that can be a threat to these small animals.

No matter what pet you choose for your companion, getting a medical alert system with MedGuard Alert is sure to keep you safe. We provide emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid.

Call today. 1-800-716-1433

Hearing Loss And Ways to Protect Yourself

Your eardrums take a beating. Every day, you are listening to loud cars and trucks, television and radio, phone calls and even the occasional barking dog. Have you ever thought how loud everyday household items can be? What about environmental situations like living near an airport, or regularly traveled trucking route.

Sound is typically measured by dB or “decibel” or a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.

But how many decibels does it take before I start to do damage to my ears? Experts say around 80 dB can be harmful, but a lower decibel sound over an extended period of time can also cause damage.  Your kitchen blender can run in excess of 80-90 dB, while a typical face to face conversation will run between 50-60 dB. When a loud motorcycle roars by that can be anywhere form 90-100 dB and a plane passing over head can also exceed 100 dB.

Loud noise is more than just a threat to your hearing and your quality of life.

New research suggests it can seriously damage your health.

Noise Pollution & Your Health

Regular exposure can increase your risk of severe stroke, according to a recent study. Researchers found that living in a city or next to a highway may increase your risk of severe stroke by 30%. Living in a quiet, more green-space area with less roads, and calmer environmental noises can reduce this risk by up to 25%.

A loud environment stimulates a part of the brain known as the amygdala, which regulates stress response. The brain reacts by increasing blood pressure and levels of a particular stress-related hormone called cortisol. When agitated, these can actually cause a host of cardiovascular issues including strokes.

Seeking Quiet

As a return to normal life brings with it a return to normal noise exposure, the question is, how loud is too loud? The line where ear damage begins is traditionally believed to be between 85 and 90 dB. That’s about as loud as a gas lawn mower, blender or a blow-dryer. If you’re going to be exposed to this level of noise for extended periods, or anything louder for even a short time, you should wear some sort of ear protection. Earplugs can be found at CVS or Walgreens for just a few dollars. While they won’t provide optimum protection, some protection is better than none.

Mitigate Everyday Sounds

  • Driving with the windows open may expose you to harmful levels of environmental noise
  • Close your windows at home when your landscaper is cutting the grass (or edging with a weed-whacker)
  • Keep your TV and radio on a lower volume, or use captions to read along with your favorite shows

No matter how you protect your hearing, protect yourself with MedGuard Alert. We provide emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid.

Call today. 800-716-1433

Staying In Touch With Seniors From A Distance

After almost 2 years of pandemic lockdowns, and restrictions on travel, it has been a challenging 19 months on seniors. Thankfully, technology has given us new and safe ways to stay in touch not matter how far apart we may be. Communication is vital for seniors, and technology can help provide peace of mind when you can’t travel, or need to retain a safe distance until your loved ones (or yourself) await a vaccination.

Get The Right Technology

This could be adding a new smartphone with video chat capability to your wireless plan, or providing your loved one with a new laptop or tablet that has video chat capabilities. Thanks to “Moore’s Law” remaining true, you can get a tablet for around $50 and a refurbed laptop for around $99.

Get Them Connected

If you have a tech-savvy parent or grandparent, you are in luck. There is a large segment of the senior population regularly using Facebook, and getting their news from the internet. If your loved ones are not able to set up one of these devices, there are companies that can provide over-the-phone assistance to get them online. Candoo (www.candootech.com) and Papa Pals (www.joinpapa.com) are two companies that charge nominal fees to help get them connected, and are worth getting a quote from, especially if the user is technically-challenged. These companies can even provide the added benefit of training when it comes to eCommerce, grocery shopping, setting up a Netflix account and more.

Resistance Is Possible… And That’s OK

If you have a tech-resistant family member, it could be an uphill battle. Seniors that are reluctant to change should be heard; they have freedom to choose to adopt anything you may offer them. Not everyone wants to be online, or video chat, so if they are content with phone calls to stay in touch, respect their wishes.

Bring It On!

However, if they become a quick adapter, it may be beneficial to look into more robust training. The company Senior Planet (www.seniorplanet.org) helps seniors from start to finish with any tech needs they may have, including new computer setup, creating an email account, and even social media profiles.

Seniors may find the introduction of tech to be overwhelming, so shorter sessions with any of these assistance companies would be recommended. No one wants to sit through a 2 hour conference call, getting everything done, so be sure to keep sessions short and to the point. For example, first get your computer out of the box, learn how to power it on, connect to the internet and end the session. Tomorrow, learn how to get online, introduce Google Chrome or Safari, and do some quick web searches. Too much data in one session will more than likely NOT be retained.

Getting Around Using Technology

Uber and Lyft have both added an additional line for seniors that may need a little help getting in to the vehicle. This means if your loved one has a walker or a wheelchair, the drive will help them get in to the car safely, and pack the wheelchair or walker up and be on their way. If you are a Lyft or Uber user, you can send them a car any time they need a ride, keeping the process easy – no training or anything needed, just a phone call to confirm the car, and driver’s name as well as arrival time.

Emergency Alert Systems

MedGuard Alert provides the most technologically advanced emergency medical response system on the market, called the Care Watch. MedGuard Alert provides emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid. Don’t wait, call today. 800-716-1433

The Many Models of “Home Care”

Home Care is a blanket term that covers a lot of options that provide different levels of care. This includes Privately Hired Caregivers, a Home Care Agency, Private Duty Home Care Agency and Home Care Registry.

Private Hired Caregivers

This refers to an independent contractor with a home care registry may be highly compassionate, lower in cost, and an overall good fit with the patient. You will be liable for the payroll taxes and possible work related injuries of the caregiver.

The Home Care Agency

Home care services are best when provided through an agency that employs, trains, bonds and insures, and background checks its caregivers.

Private Duty Agency

These agencies provide home care aides, companion care, homemaker services and may provide nursing services in the client’s home. “Private duty” can also translate to “private pay”.  No government subsidies are used for the cost of care. The most common methods for covering the cost of private duty home care is through long term care insurance benefits, out of pocket, or other types of savings arrangement.

The Home Care Registry
This is an organization that helps you locate a caregiver and places one in your home on an independent contractor basis.  Caregivers are not employed by the registry, and they are not responsibile for their training and supervision.

If your family cannot assume the full range of responsibilities, you would be better off working through an agency.  If the family chooses to hire privately, you need to consult a lawyer and an accountant to assure that they make proper arrangements for all of their obligations.

Community Living vs. Staying At Home

The costs associated with a retirement community can cost between $40K-$70K per year.  Sometimes, this is the best option but private duty home care (and staying at home) is typically a cost effective option.

Staying at home is often a preferred option. Comfort of staying in a familiar environment and avoiding the ‘change’ of relocating can be much easier for stress levels of seniors that may not need daily care.

The National Private Duty Association (NPDA) is the nation’s leading association for providers of private duty home care. They have a searchable database to provide consumers with a comprehensive list of NPDA members nationwide. (https://www.nahc.org/)

If you do choose to stay home, MedGuard Alert provides emergency medical alert systems that allow you to connect with medical professionals from anywhere. Call today to learn more about our systems that start at just $1 a day. You may qualify for additional discounts through Medicaid. Don’t wait, call today. 800-716-1433

The Top Senior-Viewed Websites

Believe it or not, seniors are online! We have compiled a handful of the top websites, searched by seniors according to Google. It’s more than just AARP and Medicaid, the are on Facebook, looking for advice on health, money, technology, or even aging.


Some of these websites for senior citizens are packed with quality information. They have the wonderful tips, news, and content that is easy to read and even videos for easy viewing. This list highlights some of the most useful senior citizen sites and forums.

Travel Websites for Elderly

What is better to do than traveling? Especially when you no longer have to worry about day-to-day responsibilities and duties. The following sites provide information on the best locations and senior discounts.

Frommers (https://www.frommers.com/)

Frommers.com is a website filled with the best holiday locations for senior citizens. Whether you’re looking for trip ideas, deals & bookings, tips or news, this is the place to be.

Eldertreks (https://www.eldertreks.com/)

This is one of the first travel blogs for elderly individuals. It holds more than 15 years of experience within the travel industry.

Evergreen Club (https://www.evergreenclub.com/)

The evergreen website aims at individuals older than 50 years of age. It offers low-priced B&B’s, peaceful accommodation, and the best guest rooms around.


Suddenly Senior Travel (https://www.suddenlysenior.com/senior-travel/)

Looking for some great senior articles on travel? How about insider tips on senior travel discounts?

Aging Websites for Elderly

When you’re worried about what’s going on in the world, aging with ease isn’t always a straightforward task. These websites for seniors contain the most helpful information for aging individuals. Here you’ll find activities to try at home, retirement, and investment advice. You must use the correct information about essential decisions and lessons like these. Here are our favorite senior citizen’s websites for aging.

AARP (https://www.aarp.org/)

Do you need the latest updates on vaccines? How about the latest treatments for Alzheimer’s? Do you know the best essentials to keep in your medicine cabinet?
AARP has it all. On their website for the elderly, you can easily navigate and find what you need when you need it.

Assisted Living Directory (https://www.assisted-living-directory.com/)

This excellent site contains information on assisted living facilities across the country. It also offers content and advice for those starting up an assisted living home for the elderly.


National Institute on Aging (https://www.nia.nih.gov/)

When it comes to health concerns associated with aging, this website will be of enormous help. It offers news, events, research, funding, and health information.
 
It can be a massive help to the elderly in times of uncertainty and need. You’ll be able to locate the information you need when you need it.

Health Websites for Elderly

As a senior citizen, you will start requiring specific health needs. At the same time, there are various resources you can use to find the information relevant to you. However, the amount of contradicting information online will be overwhelming. The following senior websites offer valuable and accurate information about specific medical conditions.

Web MD (http://webmd.com/)

Web MD is a website that focuses on medical conditions that affect the elderly. Doctors write most their articles, so the site has authority.
 They offer accurate medical advice and information on their easy-to-navigate website. As a result, these articles rank high on relevant searches.

Suddenly Senior Health & Medical (https://www.suddenlysenior.com/category/health-medical/)

Are you looking for health and medical articles for seniors? Check out our collection of reviews and guides.

Medicare (http://medicare.gov/)

This government site has information about your health, drugs, and medical aid advice. You’ll be able to find doctors and medical facilities with a click of a button.


 

Humor Websites for Elderly

Laughing, believe it or not, is healthy. Happiness, joy and getting a good laugh every now and then is actually good for mental health and circulation.  We are including some of the best websites with humor for the elderly, but they may make younger people laugh too.

RD Jokes (http://rd.com/jokes/old-age/)

Looking for the best videos, funniest pictures, and hilarious old jokes? Well look no further, this website offers you all the amazing pleasures in one place.
No longer do you need to search the web for hours to find suitable content, it’s all put together right here in one place.

Suddenly Senior Jokes (https://www.suddenlysenior.com/tag/jokes/)

Are you looking for the largest collection of senior jokes? We’re 2nd to none. Check out our long list of senior joke books.

Swap Meet Dave (http://swapmeetdave.com/)

This website has the newest jokes and videos to get the laugh going. Dave features some incredible collectibles he hawked over a significant number of years.

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