Seniors Turn to Technology for Independence

For many members of the senior population, with aging comes a struggle to retain independence. Some of those seniors are turning to technology for peace of mind.

In June, Cutten residents Bob and Edie Lewis joined the growing number of seniors who are using monitored medical alarms. The alarms, which generally hang from around the neck or are worn on the wrist, give the wearer access to an emergency monitoring center with the push of a button.

“They really provide a sense of security,” said Anna Mullins, medical social worker at Mad River Home Health Service.

Those using the alarms consider them to be an assurance they won’t find themselves in the situation where they have fallen and can’t get any assistance. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, that’s a viable concern.

The CDC Web site states that “among people 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.”

For the Lewises, who are both in their 80s, the decision to get personal medical alarms was an easy one.

“You don’t find a more cautious person than Bob,” Edie Lewis said during an interview at the couple’s home.

While they often don’t wear the alarms when they’re together, the couple feels the alarms provide a safeguard during the times they are apart.

Both Bob and Edie Lewis lead active lifestyles. Edie Lewis tries to golf twice a week and is often found gardening on the couple’s 2-acre property. Bob Lewis, who is admittedly at home more than his wife, will still get out of the house to socialize with friends or join them for lunch.

Bob and Edie Lewis believe they’ve done what they can to protect themselves. In addition to using personal medical alarms, they’ve placed white, reflective tape on the stairs and uneven surfaces in front and back of their house. Small handrails are on either side of the front door.

“We associate with old people,” Bob Lewis laughed.

The Lewises have taken a proactive approach in using both technology and assistive safety devices in their home. In the spirit of informing other seniors about their options in these areas, two local companies have joined forces to launch a fall-prevention campaign.

Kathy Major of Advanced Security Systems VigilONE and Elise Carroll of Broadway Medical Service & Supply are visiting Humboldt and Del Norte counties’ senior centers, assistance agencies, retirement communities and other organizations.

Major is addressing medical alarm systems, while Carroll presents information on other assistive devices such as canes and walkers.

Having made their first presentation at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, the pair plans to make at least one presentation each month. They will visit the Eureka Woman’s Club Oct. 17 and Timber Ridge in McKinleyville in November.

“We’re trying to reach people before they fall,” Major said. “One of my goals with this product line is to spend as much time on education as I can.”

Advanced Security Systems, the only area company to boast local monitoring of the systems, began marketing and installing systems in the spring.

“We see the need in the community,” said Chuck Petrusha, president of Advanced Security Systems. “With 70 million baby boomers starting to hit retirement age, we are forecasting even greater demand for this service in years to come.”

For more information on scheduling a fall-prevention presentation, phone 707-445-9911 or 707-442-3719