Medical Alert Systems Allow
Independence and Peace of Mind

By Josh Creed

Sometimes just being in our own home is all we need to
feel safe and comfortable. However the National Safety
Council reports that the home can be a very dangerous place.
Falls in the home account for 16,600 deaths per year
and cause about 7.2 million visits to the emergency
room. Home injuries and deaths are a concern for people 65 years
old and older. Falls are the leading cause of death in the home,
taking the lives of 10,700 people in 1998, up from 9,200 in 1996 -
- a 9 percent increase. More than 86 percent of these people are 65
years old or older. Medical Alert Systems can
be the answer to this great dilemma facing many families
and individuals: Independence vs. alternate care. Many seniors
want to stay in their homes as long as possible and maintain their
independence, while their families feel more comfortable knowing
that they are being looked after by themselves or others.
Mississippi is fortunate to have several companies in the area
offering this type of service. One of these companies is Acadian
On Call. “It is very gratifying to help someone maintain their
lifestyle,” says Blane Comeaux, Acadian On Call Vice President
of Monitoring Services. “Ninety percent of the systems we install
have been a compromise between families. It is a very emotional
situation for people who want to stay in their home and take care
of themselves, and at the same time their family wants assurance
of their safety. Our system offers a healthy compromise.
It’s a win win situation for all involved.” Nothing more than an
electrical outlet and a phone jack is required for the medical
alert system’s installation. A representative will personally
install the system in a central Medical Alert Systems
Allow location in the home or a system can be mailed
to your residence with easy do-it-yourself installation instructions.
The cost of this service is often an economical alternative to
assisted living or nursing home care. The system works similar
to an answering machine. An autodialer connects the subscriber
 directly to the dispatch center when a button on the waterproof
pendant is pressed. Computerized records are called up automatically,
providing address, medical history, and any instructions for dealing with
specific medical conditions. Help is on the way instantly when
necessary.Medical alert systems can be a viable option for seniors,
helping them to maintain their independence while giving peace
of mind to their families. Some churches are even using
PERS as an outreach ministry for their elderly.
If interested in this service, please call Acadian On
Call for more information at 1-800-259-1234.