Medical Alert Systems Make Great Gift Ideas For Loved Ones.

Buying gifts for other people can always be a challenge, much more so if you are buying gifts for grandparents. It is a common sight to see grandparents receiving gifts that they really do not need. You wouldn’t want to end up being that kind of gift giver, would you? Do not ever make your mom or dad think that you don’t know them that well.

Grandparents nowadays are not like those kinds that society is used to. They are people who are more youthful, and they have more money from working so hard before retirement. They can easily spend their pension on buying anything they want. They can even buy special packages for the favorite grandchild.

Grandparents nowadays make up a new group of consumers. For this reason, businessmen have realized the need to tap their market. Recent market research has grouped these senior citizens into four groups: the traditionalists, the makers, the achievers, and the thinkers. You should be able to identify the group your grandparents belong to so you can buy them the perfect gift.

 “Traditionalist” grandparents are the type that are home-oriented, and they prefer tried and tested activities. A traditional grandmother would likely be happy with a shawl or a pearl necklace. Better yet, you can give a traditional grandmother some new silverware for her dining collection. On the other hand, a new fishing rod or a bestselling book is a good gift to give to the traditional grandfather.

The second group is the “makers” and they are more active than the “traditionalists”. They are independent and free spirited. If your grandparents are likely to be part of this group, you can choose to give them a travel voucher to Bali or to an island getaway. You can also give them clothes in the style of the season.

Grandparents who are “achievers” are the type who value relationships and social status. Their buying behavior is often influenced by their peers. For grandparents who are “achievers”, you will need to get a gift that is the in-thing and kind of bordering on the expensive side. Take note of the classy and elegant brands, and you’re good to go.

The last group of grandparents is the “thinkers”. They are intellectually active and globally oriented. They are so in touch with doing civic work for mankind that you can just donate to an environmental group in their name and they will highly appreciate it. If you want to give them something material, try to give a gift that will rouse their highly intellectual minds.

With the holidays fast approaching this knowledge can prove to be useful.  Another great gift idea for all of your elderly loved ones is a personal medical alert system.  We have a system that can save a great deal of money (no monthly fees or contracts).  Our medical alert pendant systems have twice the area coverage of the famous Life Alert and cost half as much.  Our systems are also waterproof so they may be used in the bath and shower, where most slips and fall occur.

Grandparents dote on their grandchildren so much that they should be given the best gifts, too. Remember, too, that your presence is the most important thing for them, more than the gifts that you give them, so it is best if you will give them the gifts personally. Savor the occasions that let you show them how much you love them by the gifts that you give.

Balance Your Life And Elderly Care Giving With A Medical Alert System.

An elderly parent at home, like a baby, may need care and cannot be ignored. It is equally difficult to ignore a career, which is lucrative and full of potential possibilities. The number of employed who take care of their elders is high and on the increase in America. It is mostly women rather than men who are key caregivers for their older relatives. For some it may be necessary to work while taking care of their elders, while for some giving up on their career may be an acceptable option. However, it is possible to ensure good care for your elders without giving up on your career with some help, adjustments and better planning.

Here are some ways you can support anybody who is balancing being a caregiver and a career person.

Short Term Care

The Family and Medical Leave Act will allow three months of leave with pay for caring for an elder and/or ailing relative.

Medium to Long Term Care

Care for the Elder.  Check with another sibling if you can share caring for the elder, either for part of the day or otherwise.  Engage adult day-care services so that while you are at work, the elder is looked after.  Employ a caregiver who will step in to help when you are at work or managing other responsibilities at home.

The 40-70 campaign revolves around reconstructing conversations between seniors and children. They include a guide of conversation starters regarding vulnerable areas.

There are online resources, which provide information on eldercare, eldercare services and products like http://www.agenet.com

Community resources in the locality where you live will also be helpful.

Manage the Job

Discuss with your employer so that even the employer empathizes, and you can work out some mutually suitable arrangement. Communicate that you are committed to the job.

Request flex-time so that your job responsibility can be managed as and when you are free from giving care.

Check if you can telecommute and work from home.

Get to know about the care-giving policy of the organization.

Where specific benefits can ease your stress tremendously without affecting productivity, you could also speak to the HR department and request for the same.

Family and Yourself

Discuss and involve your family in sharing responsibility around the house, and bring up all physical, emotional or social issues and resolve them so that family peace is not disrupted.

Plan on new needs and different ways to meet them. Keep activities for the day stuck in a visible place so that whoever is free can always lend a hand in closure.

Where there are children at home who require personal care, look for alternative support – babysitters, daycare or more support from spouse or elder siblings

Ensure that you still keep time aside for spouse and children.

Take time out for yourself – relaxation and enjoyment. You should not feel burnt out or harbor negative feelings that you’re being used.

The crucial point to remember is that while balancing your work and care giving at home, you must retain your own time and ensure that you manage to keep your head above your worries – it will help you manage all your responsibilities better.

Our medical alert system can provide a great deal of comfort while you are away from your elder in need of care.

Medical Alert Systems Are Better Than Cell Phones.

If you’re shopping for an medical alert system or comparing different systems, you’ve probably wondered why a Guardian Alert medical alert pendant system would be better than just carrying a cell phone.

Don’t feel bad, it’s a natural question. After all, cell phones are great for calling for help in all sorts of situations, whether we need a neighbor to lend us a hand, our children to come visit, or the police to come in an emergency.

Here is the problem with cell phones. First of all, nobody carries their cell phone on them around the house. The first thing we do when we walk in the door is plug our cell phone into its charger.  Second, the batteries can and will run out.

Let’s break these down into steps.

1. You don’t always carry your cell phone around the house.

It’s true that your cell phone is a wonderful emergency device, if you have it with you. But do you have it with you all the time? If you’re like most people, you charge your cell phone when you get home. Now we all know that medical emergencies can and will happen anywhere at any time! If your cell phone is not on your body, IT WON’T DO YOU ANY GOOD. You mind as well depend on your regular home phone for help.  And we all know this doesn’t work. Works great if you fall right next to it and can reach it without moving, but if you break your hip on the stair landing and can’t get to the phone, it’s useless.

2. Cell phone batteries can and will run low.

Unlike a medical alert pendant, cell phone batteries are subject to constant use and often run low. When you’re recharging the batteries on your cell phone it is physically impossible to carry with you. Medical alert pendants are designed with batteries that last for months and months (it helps that they hardly ever have to send a signal…). That way they’re always there when you need them.

So for safety around the house, particularly if you’re an independent senior or if you’re trying to keep a parent or elderly friend safe, there’s nothing quite as effective as a medical alert pendant from Guardian Alert.  Unlike LifeAlert, our medical alert pendant systems are water resistant, and do not have any monthly bills or contracts.

Oh, here’s another reason. If you get hurt, will you be able to think clearly and remember the phone numbers you want to dial? It is a known fact that people cannot remember the number 911 in an emergency.  When stress and shock kick in the body can do some strange things.  Are your fingers going to work the way you want them to? Wouldn’t it be much easier simply to press a button and know that help will be on the way?

But the cell phone is great for situations when you’re away from your home. Medical alert pendants only work in and around your home.

A Video On Our Medical Alert System.

This is a great video that will show you how a Guadian Alert 911 medical alert system can save your life. The Guardian Alert is so effective since it gives you the ability to speak directly to the 911 operator through the medical alert pendant. This will alllow you to explain your condition before the emergency response teams reach your home. This is a great product that can save your life as well as money since there are NO MONTHLEY FEES!

Do You Have A Senior Citizen Living With You?

Are you constantly on edge in case they start wandering out into the neighborhood unnoticed ? This is a common problem for people caring for elderly parents in their own home. As age advances then so does forgetfulness, dementia and Alzheimer’s. No longer can they be trusted to walk unaided in the street alone. You fear every open door means that they have slipped out unsupervised and are loose on the street in all kinds of danger.It used to be that they could walk the streets and come to no harm but now having an elderly parent living with you can become a drain on you and put you under constant stress. You have probably been with them when they have suddenly turned to cross a busy road without looking and if you had not been there to grab their arm and pull them back you are only too aware what the consequences would have been.  Do you live near a pond, lake or river?  These are also dangers for an elderly parent living with you. They no longer seem to be aware of what poses a danger and could easily find themselves too close to a source of water and be in danger of falling in.There is a solution available that can bring you peace of mind. Modern technology provides us with the ability to easily monitor peoples movements and to give warnings and alerts when they move in to a danger area. Primarily designed for parents watching young children this device known a s a ‘child locator’ can work just as well for an elderly parent living with you. A small monitoring device can be hung around their neck on an unobtrusive lanyard to provide a tracking transmitter. You have a receiver that is programmed to the device and you can set the receiver to alert you once the elderly parent moves outside the perimeter of the house. So if you set the distance from the center of your house to the end of your drive or path then as soon as they stray too far you are alerted with an audible alarm. Allowing you to quickly remedy the situation.The device also has a panic button so if, for instance, the elderly parent living with you had a fall in their bedroom, they can press the panic button to alert you and you will be able to render immediate assistance. This device is invaluable and can be a lifesaver in any dangerous situation.As we said this device is primarily produced as a Child Locator but it can just as easily be used to monitor the movements of elderly people. In fact sometimes there is no difference as both age groups can be in need of constant supervision.We therefore prefer to call it a People Monitor as it easily carries out many functions. Very reasonably priced, it needs no outside monitoring service, so there is no monthly cost other than a new set of batteries. We also recommend getting an medical alert system for your elderly loved one.  This will insure that they have a guardian angle watching over them at all times.  What are you waiting for it is the solution to your headache.

Complaints AboutThe Famous Life Alert Medical Alert System.

Life Alert is one of the many companies selling in-home medical alert systems that are supposed to help the elderly and disabled summon help in an emergency. Some of these systems work better than others; all of them are expensive and, in many cases, the contract terms are objectionable. For example, LifeAlert customers claim that the company holds them to the three-year contract even if the elderly individual passes away before the term is up.

I wanted to post this article to show that people are not happy with Life Alert.  I have been researching medical alert systems for a while now and found the Guardian Alert 911 system.  With this system you will pay a one time low purchase price and never pay another dollar for the system ever.  NO CONTRACTS OR MONTHLY FEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A few recent complaints … Please note that all of the following complaints and comments were found on Google and are not associated at all with the publisher of this post or blog.

Luel of Durant, OK March 24, 2009

My 93 year old mother fell in her kitchen and when she activated the pendant button, nothing happened. She dragged herself to the living room, pulled down the phone and called me. I in turn called 911 and emergency personnel from the ambulance service and fire department were dispatched to her home. She had sustained two broken bones in her forearm at the wrist. Later when I contacted Life Alert that their product did not work, they offered to reduce the monthly amount, but did not seem to understand that it wasn’t the money I was upset about, it was the fact that the device did not work as advertised. When I read the number off the back of the pendant to the person who answered the phone, his words were, That’s a really old number, you’ve had that one for a while. You’d think their own records would indicate older pendants when they had gone to a new model. I’m disgusted with the whole bunch. I had the service installed in Aug. of 2005, and she needed help in Feb. 2009. They never sent a new pendant in all that time, even though they said the base unit would pick up the signal if it was weak and automatically send a new one to replace it. That never happened. I have written them for a refund of at least part of the rent. We’ll see what happens. Thanks for letting me vent!

Rob of Marion, TX March 15, 2009

My mother just had an angina attack and drove herself to the hospital, 2 stents later she is back on her feet. I was thinking about getting life alert The web site makes you call!! big negative and then I came across the complaints web site about life alert. They need to realize these are real people (mothers,fathers,brothers,sisters)from what i read it is like buy items at walmart and trying to return defect item it doesn’t seem like a company really interested in helping. I think I do not want to get involved with a company that cant even have a web site with all of there details (prices ,contracts,rules and policies) Something stinks here!!

Mark of Gladstone, NJ March 2, 2009

life alert contacted me saying they had an emergency installation by e-mail for e. neibling at 12pm est. they said they were not going to pay me because i didn’t wait for them to call me back. i had a customer later that day so i did th installion. the son in law rigged it all wrong so i fixed it properiy. they owe me 50.00 dollar plus mileage 60 miles round trip. mrs neibling was very happy i came out and explained how the unit worked because nobody every explained it to her. I NEED TO GET PAYED I WENT OUT OF MY WAY. PLUS E. NEIBLING WAS BLIND AND THE COMPANY (LIFE ALERT) DID NOT KNOW. THE SYSTEM WAS UNDER THE END TABLE. I PUT IT ON THE TABLE AND SHOW HER PHYSICIAL WHERE THE HELP BUTTON WAS AND TOLD HER TO WEAR THE NECKLACE ALL THE TIME IN CASE SHE FELL. NOT ONLY DID I FIX THE UNIT AND EXPLAIN EVERYTHING TO MRS NEIBLING I SAVED THEM FROM A POSSIBLE LAWSUIT

Mary of Sarasota, FL February 28, 2009

My 89 year old mother has this product and it has not worked for two months. During that time we have tried unsuccessfully to have it repaired. They have sent two filters’ which they said should clear up the problem, but it has gotten worse. Today I tried testing it and after the machine said that it was making an emergency call for several minutes, with no one coming on the line, I hung up. I called and was repeatedly put on hold and twice disconnected. After calling another number and being passed from one person to another and then put on hold again, I hung up. This company is extremely incompetent, as well as over priced for their service. Mom lives alone, and this product offers her no security at all (and none to me either). When we were waiting for more than a week for the first filter to arrive, I asked if they couldn’t overnight it to us and the customer service rep said they don’t have overnight mail! They also told me that the reason she is having a problem is because her phone service is Embarq, and they often have trouble with it…which to me is reason enough to cancel the contract.Fortunately, she has not fallen and needed the service, but if she does you can bet there will be a lawsuit. AT this point, I just want her out of the contract and I will return the machine with pleasure.

Leif of Fort Pierce, FL February 23, 2009

My 90 year old father was also sold the service for a leased 500 box and 49.95 per month bracelet. He now wants to cancel Life Alert and got the same response as many of your complaint letters attest to. He signed a 36 month contract which cannot be broken or cancelled I was told via telephone. The box however can be sent back at our expense via UPS which I believe my father has done but they are still billing him. I am trying to protect my father as his power of attorney advocate but I get the same nasty or completely clueless and unhelpful telemarketing people who suggest other extensions to call at different hours and the same prompts go round & round. This company should be put out of business by a class action suit. I also pleaded that we cannot afford this. I have never heard of a contract that cannot be broken. I was not present when the Life Alert rep came to my 90 year olds father house and signed him up. I also have not seen said contract, only the month past due bills that are adding up.My relationship with my father is heartbreaking he wants to assume his independence by making his own decisions and thinks I am accusing him of incompetency. I spend my time putting out all the fires from several fraudulent entanglements that he has been prey to. Where are the laws and protections for seniors and caregivers?

Richard of Austin, TX February 5, 2009

My mother purchased Life Alert to have the secutory of 24/7 monitoring in her home. Her system is not working and no one is available after 6PM to discuss this with. We pushed the button on her unit several times to try to send an alert and after several minutes with no response cancelled the alert call. I am concerned for her safety. She could have fallen and no one would respond to the alert. When we purchased the system we were told that the monitoring center would receive an alert and speak with her over the phone if there was a fire or if her monitoring button was pushed on the desk unit or her necklace. We were also told that the monitoring center would receive an alert if her system was disconected. Evidently this was not a true statement since there is no response to sending an alert on her system since it is not functioning and must be disconnected from their system. She has been paying for this service several years and has not had any real protecton. I am contacting her credit card to stop payment until this is resolved or the service is cancelled.

P. Blazer of Spring Mills, PA January 28, 2009

I tried to find information about their product, but only rceived the same answer from their sales rep.-We’ll send you a brochure. He refused to answer any questions! That raises a red flag to me if someone isn’t willing to give information out over the phone!

Wanda of Charleston, WV January 4, 2009

i signed, without really understanding a three year contract for life aleert just last month at fifty dollars per month. right afterwards, my oldest son moved in with me so i cant afford this. i am 80 yrs old and only thought i was signing for receipt of equipment. i called to cancel aand the man was real rude and told me i signed for it i pay for it. i am sick over this. i am on so much medication that my mind is not clear all the time and i didnt know what to do. my daughter is typing this for me.l i cant hardly talk on the phone. my daughter is very mad about all of this and is going to contact the attorneys office on monday. she paper work to file a complaint with senator darrell mcgraw on monday of next if we cant resolve this. i am a christian and i am sincere that i cannot afford the extrA EXPENSES plus my son is taking care ofr me now.

Rhonda Mae Anderson of Henderson, NV October 3, 2008

I have read many of the stories you have on your website. After having Life Alert for over 6 years, I must say it is the best investment I have ever made. Life Alert has saved my life on 3 separate occasions. Yes that is right! I would not be alive if not for the wonderful people at Life Alert. They have always been nothing but nice and courteous to me. Im sorry if someone else had a different experience, but I must say I think Life Alert is the best and I know my daughter feels much better because i have it also.

Susanne of Timonium, MD September 23, 2008

After reading all the negative things about Life Alert, I tried to call them to get more information. My call was transfered 3 times, then I was told someone would call me back. This is not the kind of service I’d want for my parents. Can you imagine – one of them falls down and is put on hold forever? I will not use Life Alert.

Recognizing the Signs of Approaching Death with the Elderly Living.

If your loved one is getting older, you may be worried about him passing away. You may be able to ease your mind, one way or the other, by educating yourself about death. Here are some tips on how to recognize the signs of approaching death.

Step 1:
Recognize that dying starts much before a person actually dies. The dying process, for the old-aged, is a long process that happens over time. It doesn’t just happen all at once. It’s an entire journey that ultimately ends with the physical departure of one’s soul or life from one’s body. Here are a few of the milestones that happen during the journey that should inform you of approaching death.

Step 2:
Your family member realizes that death is imminent. A few months before death actually occurs, your family member will begin to accept that he will soon die. He has to accept that he is a mortal being that lives and eventually dies. This can be a very hard understanding for him to come to. But when he does, you may begin to notice him withdrawing somewhat from his surroundings. He may not be as talkative or interested in visitors or family photos or daily events. He will seem more reserved and distant as he begins to understand that he will soon separate from the only life and world he has ever known. In addition to not wanting any emotional stimulation, your dying family member may also begin to eat less. He won’t be as interested in his favorite dinner as he once was, and Aunt Betty’s cookies just won’t have the same appeal to him as they used to. Because he understands that his death is approaching, he may begin to feel he doesn’t need to eat anymore. (And this is partially true – his body won’t need as much nourishment when he is dying as it once did). But don’t worry. Even though you may recognize this sign of approaching death, your loved one is not starving. The body has amazing powers to alter its chemistry to provide for itself. So your loved one definitely isn’t suffering by eating less. It’s just part of the journey of dying.

Step 3:
You’ll notice mental changes closer to his death. One to two weeks before your loved one passes on, you will probably start to notice some mental changes in him. Most noticeably, he will start to sleep a lot more. It is just his body’s natural way of preparing for death. Your family member may also experience mild or extreme cases of disorientation and euphoria as death approaches. Hallucinations are common as well.

Step 4:
His body will start to change. Several days before death occurs, you’ll notice physical changes in your loved one. His overall body temperature will drop, as will his blood pressure. His pulse may become irregular and he may even start to sweat more. In addition, he may start to turn pale and his lips and nails may turn light shades of blue. And don’t be concerned if you notice changes in his breathing patterns either. These are all physical signs of approaching death.

Step 5:
His life may end with a burst of energy. In the final days and hours before the death of your loved one, you may notice that his energy levels have risen again. He may be sprightlier, wanting to see friends and family. And he may even take an interest in Aunt Betty’s cookies again. Usually, this energy burst lasts only a short time.

Eventually, death will come. Your loved one’s hands and feet will look mottled (blotchy). He’ll be unresponsive, and his breathing will be sporadic, at best. In his last dying minutes, although he’ll seem at rest, he will still be able to hear you. When you see these signs, say your goodbyes as death approaches and occurs.