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.

Helping Senior Citizens Keep Their Driving Skills Sharp.

According to Census projections, as reported by The Shreveport Times, next year there will be 39 million elderly living Americans aged 65 years or older. And that number will jump to 69 million by 2030, which means more elderly drivers. By 2025, one-quarter of Americans will be considered elderly, said Peter Kissinger, president and chief executive of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a not-for-profit research and educational organization.

“We may be wiser drivers when we’re older,” said Bella Dinh-Zarr, the North American director of Make Roads Safe, a nonprofit organization in London, but declining abilities “can put us at risk.” Aging can slow physical and mental abilities that affect driving reaction time, night vision, peripheral vision, complex decision-making (like turning at intersections) and concentration.

A new computer program designed to help elderly people drive more safely was announced this week by the AAA Foundation. The software, DriveSharp, released in partnership with Posit Science, a provider of brain fitness programs, is intended to help Baby Boomers retrain their brains and delay the impact of aging.

“Most people buy into the ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ philosophy with respect to physical abilities,” said Mr. Kissinger. “But the bottom line is, it’s the same thing with the brain — the most important muscle in your body.”

DriveSharp consists of two interactive exercises designed to improve focus, reaction time and memory, and increase visual processing speed and the ability to track multiple objects, like cars at a busy intersection. But the gamelike software is serious science, the developers said: clinical studies have shown that when used properly, the program can help drivers see more, think faster and cut crash risk by up to 50 percent.

I tried the free online sample evaluation for “useful field of view,” one important measure of crash risk. (To try it yourself, go to “Measure Your Risk” at the DriveSharp Web site.) I had to remember which type of vehicle — a truck or a car — appeared on the screen then quickly disappeared. The next step required simultaneously keeping track of both types of vehicle and where a second vehicle was positioned in eight possible locations. It was fun, but tougher than I expected. I focused more when I realized how quickly the images came and went. By the end of the four- or five-minute exercises, my reaction time was faster and more accurate.

But do these kinds of programs actually work when you are behind the wheel? Dr. Dinh-Zarr of Make Roads Safe said that yes, research shows “there is training that can be done to improve one’s abilities related to driving.”

“We all think we are excellent drivers even when we aren’t,” she added. “Most people don’t think about the day when they can no longer drive safely, but it is definitely something we — individually and as a nation — need to prepare for now.”

Life Saving and Changing Medical Alert System.

Here is a great medical alert system by the name of Guardian Alert 911 that I just bought and installed for my elderly grandparents. It is just like the famous LifeAlert medical alert system. However, it has twice the coverage, its waterproof (great for showers and baths) and best of all, No Monitoring Fees, Service Charges or Contracts ever!!!!!!! LifeAlert charges around $39.99 a MONTH!!!! The system uses your existing phone line and installs in less than 15 minutes.

Talk Directly through your pendant to a 911 emergency operator at the push of a button.

 

Guardian Alert 911 Pendant $149.99 

 

Freedom Alert 911 Pendant and base Station $279.99 

 

These Medical Alert Pendant systems come in a set – a base station which plugs into the phone jack – and a medical alert pendant which is worn by the user.

The system can operate anywhere in and around the home – with the base station plugged into a phone jack in the central part of the home.

The Pendant runs up to a year on a AAA alkaline battery (included). The medical alert pendant is splash resistant so it can even be taken into the shower. The Test Button on the bottom of the unit gives an audible confirmation of battery condition. Hold the Test Button in an extra few seconds – and you can confirm

Facts About Elderly Living Emergencies And How A Medical Alert System Can Help.

Facts on Emergencies:

Research supports the common sense notion that getting prompt help makes surviving an emergency more likely. The ability to get help also boosts the odds that a senior will continue to live without an assisted living program. The longer a person spends helpless, the greater the likelihood he/she will be discharged into supportive care. For elderly living alone, becoming incapacitated and unable to get help is a common event, which usually marks the end to their ability to live without an assisted living program.

Facts on Elderly Living:

As the oldest baby boomers become elderly living citizens in 2011, the percentage of people 65 and older is projected to grow faster than any other age group. In fact, 26 states are projected to double their elderly living (65+ and-older) populations between 2000 and 2030.

Facts on 911 Calls:

Over 150 Million emergency calls are made each year in the US.

Facts on Causes of Death:

Nearly 75% of all deaths in the United States are deaths of elderly living people. For many decades, heart disease, cancer, and stroke have been the leading causes of death among the elderly living alone, accounting for 70% of all deaths in this age group.

Facts on Falling:

Of the 35 million Americans over 65, about 1 in 3 will fall in a given year. The elderly living are hospitalized for fall-related injuries 5 times more often than they are for injuries from all other causes. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death for the elderly living alone.

50% of people who fall require assistance from someone else to get up. After a fall or other emergency, 90% of people who get help within one hour will continue to live a life without an assisted living program, but after 12 hours without help only 10% of people will continue to live at home. Nearly one half of the elderly living community who incur a serious injury never fully recover and many lose their ability to function independently and without the aid of an assisted living program  or medical alert system for the rest of their lives. A good proportion end up in assisted living homes, making falls and the injuries that result, one of the most substantial health threats facing elderly living adults.

Facts on Heart Attacks:

1.5 million Heart attacks occur in the United States each year with 500,000 deaths. A heart attack occurs about every 20 seconds with a heart attack death about every minute. About 50% of deaths occur within one hour of the heart attack outside a hospital or assisted living home. There is a only a 6% to 9% early mortality rate from Heart attack for those who survive long enough to reach the hospital. Getting to the hospital quickly is a necessity. Deaths from cardiovascular diseases in women exceed the total number of deaths caused by the next 16 causes.

Costs related to heart attack exceed 60 billion dollars per year. Coronary Heart Disease is America’s No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability.

Many strokes are preventable and treatable with prompt medical attention obtainable through our medical alert system.

Facts on Fire – Who is Most at Risk:

Seniors age 70 and over have the greatest risk of fire death. The fire death risk among elderly living is more than double the average population.

The Fact is: 

It never hurts to have some one looking out for you at all times.  This is exactly what our medical alert system can do for you or your loved one.

How A Medical Alert System Can Save Your Life.

As shown by many studies into the additional support techniques needed for the elderly living who wish to be independent and continue living at home for a longer period of time, safety and security are ever more at the forefront of the elderly living and general public’s minds . Our medical alert system is not so much about protection against burglary, but rather protecting the person them self, reflecting the fact that, when the elderly live at home alone, a major concern is that they will not be able to contact anyone When they get ill, fall or for whatever emergency might suddenly pop up. Rapid and even automatically triggered communication with care providers, volunteers, family, and the like is essential. In this post we will look at what is currently available to set this up, always bearing in mind that the choice of a given solution should be tailored to suit the mental and physical condition, the needs and requirements of the individual in question.

The Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system is an inexpensive way to ensure your loved ones are protected 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Below is a picture/link of the Guardian Alert 911 system personal alert pendant with the base station. The system is very inexpensive and unlike Life Alert, there are no contracts or monthly fees to be paid.  Once you purchase the system you will never pay another fee, EVER.

Guardian Alert 911 Personal Alert SystemFredoom Alert Personal Alert Pendant

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Medical Alert System.

Why was Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system created?

It was created because of the great need of loved ones or a disabled person to be able to instantly contact a 911 operator in the event of an emergency. These individuals want to lead more independent and safer lives. Countless accidents and deaths occur every year that could have been prevented if a 911 operator was able to be reached quickly.

How does this medical alert system work?

It is very simple. You just push the blue button on the wearable medical alert system and you can speak directly to a 911 operator from anywhere in or around the home. You do not need to use your regular telephone.

Does does your medical alert system use Cellular Service?

No! The Guardian Alert 911 personal alert device uses your existing home phone line.

Do you have to be near a base station for 911 to hear you?

No! Because the Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system is the world’s smallest cordless speakerphone, you can speak directly to an operator instantly from anywhere in or around the home. This is the only product that allows you to speak from ANYWHERE in your home, not just within 50 feet of a speakerphone. The pendant range is up to 600 feet in a free-space environment! It will cover large homes and even a short distance outside your home.

Are there any monthly charges or contracts?

Absolutely Not! There are no monthly charges, no monitoring fees, no contracts, ever. You purchase the Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system and it is yours to keep and use forever.

What happens if I am unable to speak?

If you are unable to speak, the Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system can still give the 911 operator your location by utilizing the caller ID function. Because of this enhanced 911 system, you can feel even safer that your location is known even before you speak.

How do I install Guardian Alert 911?

Just plug it into your existing phone jack.  It installs just like a cordless house phone.  Installs in less than 15 minutes and no tools are required.

Is Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system legal to use?

Yes! The Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system is completely legal to use in all 50 states and Canada.

Does Guardian Alert 911 use a battery?

Yes, the Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system uses a AAA alkaline battery, which is included. The battery life is one-year and it can be tested at any time with the test button on the medical alert pendant.

How can I deal with power outages?

You can purchase our optional Battery Back-up unit (#30912) which will provide over 24 hours of back-up protection. It simply plugs between the wall and the personal alert system base unit.

Is Guardian Alert 911 water resistant?

Yes, the Guardian Alert 911 medical alert system can be used in the shower even though we dont recommend it as a normal practice.

What is the warranty on Guardian Alert 911?

One Year Limited Warranty

Emergency Operators Are Available As A Backup If Needed.

Our Freedom Alert medical alert system can also contact a free 911 emergency operator as a backup in case you cannot reach a family member or neighbor.  With this proprietary feature you are completely protected 24 hours a day 365 days a week.  With medical alert systems like Life Alert and Freedom Alert you are never alone.

With the famous Life Alert medical alert system you are connected to a central monitoring center.  At this point your call will be forwarded to the local emergency service.  This takes time.  It is one extra step in a process that allows very little time.  Since our personal alert system (Freedom Alert) is connected directly to your house phone line, you will be able to speak directly to the 911 emergency operator and explain your condition in detail. You might have a pet or gate combination that you need to inform the operator about.

Now, what if you become unconscious during your call?  Don’t worry!  The 911 emergency operator can trace your call through the caller id feature standard on all house phone lines.

This really is the best medical alert system on the market since you get double the coverage, a waterproof pendant and no monthly fees!!!