Aging may be inevitable, but moving to an assisted living community is anything but. It only takes a few modifications to your home to easily extend your ability to live independently and safely.

Aging in place is all about reducing the risk of falls and having safety procedures in place if any assistance is required. Falls are, after all, a central reason seniors lose their mobility, and by extension, their independence.

As we age, simple obstacles we never thought of can suddenly become a significant hazard. So, if you’re choosing to age in place and maintain a safe level of independent living, there’s no better time to start modifying the things around your house.

Start with Simple Modifications That You Can Do on Your Own

Many important home modifications are things you can do affordably on your own, or with the help from family, friends, or neighbors; and you can start these safety modifications right away.

Add more lights – There are many places in the home that could be deemed risky simply because there is low lighting – like the stairway. Make sure you have bright overhead lighting and even consider nightlights to keep those darker corners well lit.

Embrace an open design philosophy – The more space you give yourself, the safer you will be. If the only thing that sits on a piece of furniture in a room are some old books, it’s time for it to go. Open your rooms to give yourself more space to navigate.

Clear the paths – Clear the pathways between rooms to keep them clutter-free. Electrical cords are serious offenders!  Keep your electrical appliances as close to their outlets as possible to avoid tripping.

Organize the kitchen – Rearrange your kitchen to keep things of regular use within reach. Don’t store items that require a chair or stepladder.  Even consider removing things from their lowest drawers so you don’t have to strain to bend.

Clean the closet – Keep your closets clutter free. This is especially important for walk-in closets. Make sure there’s nothing on the floor between you and your clothes.

Remove rugs – Standard rugs and area rugs should go. They are too high a tripping hazard. But don’t shy away from using rubber anti-fatigue mats in the kitchen, since their weight help hold them in place. Non-slip bathmats for the restroom are also okay.

Modifications that Require Professionals

Some modifications, however, do require a professional. You may need to hire contractors or subscribe to third-party services to better support your independence. While this will take more effort and time to complete, it will be worth the investment in the end.

Get better lighting – Change out those small lights in the house – they’re usually the aesthetically pleasing ones but leave shadows in the corners, which also don’t extent into hallways very well. Have an electrician change fixtures that don’t provide enough light (especially over stairways) to make sure you see all potential tripping hazards.

Increase accessibility – Work with a contractor to widen doorways, add ramps, install grab bars, and lower countertops. There may come a time when you need to start using a wheelchair or other motorized devices to get around, and these modifications will make it possible to do so.

Update your floors – Change to flooring that provides better friction to avoid slips. Tile or waxed hardwood or other slick flooring can be a real threat. Replace this kind of flooring with something that offers more traction.

Change the bathroom features – Install a shower that has a small clearance for ease of entry with a non-slip shower mat. You don’t want to step up over the sides of a bathtub. 

Add smarter features – While you can install some simple “smart” features throughout your house, some of the more involved installations may require a Life Guardian trained technician. You can set your home to turn lights on and off remotely, adjust temperatures automatically, and see who is at the door with some simple voice commands or simply looking at your handheld tablet.

Keep everything on one floor – You need to minimize trips up and down the stairs. So, if possible, move to a first-floor bedroom, or convert another main-floor room to a sleeping area. The same goes for laundry—move your washer/drier to the main floor.

Stay connected – You never know when an accident may happen (even with all of these precautions and modifications). A medical alert pendant may be your lifeline to professional personnel who can help. Always keep your pendant with you so you can get help when you need it.

Aging in place is possible for many seniors, but to do it safely it is important to make these modifications throughout your house. Your medical alert pendant can help you if a fall should happen, but you can also take some precautions to avoid those falls in the first place.  Contact Life Guardian to learn more about your options.

This article explores accessible hobbies and activities for active seniors aged 65+ to promote mindfulness and mobility to prevent loneliness and depression during the cold season. The seasonal blues peak in the winter, even though we spend more time close to our family members in our homes.

The winter months are great to try new activities or hobbies, but it isn’t easy to find ones for seniors that are both interesting and safe. The goal is to not overwhelm them with a complicated activity, but rather help them feel safe, happy, and productive.

Indoor Winter Activities for Seniors That Keep You on Your Feet, Even If You Need a Fall Detection Device

We highlighted the following hobbies to accommodate older adults’ need for warmth, safety, and comfort. And while some of these activities may seem simple enough that anyone could do, we’ve made sure not to overlook any special requirements for seniors needing straightforward instructions or lacking easy access to equipment or spaces.

• Coloring Books/Crossword Puzzles for Seniors
• Board Games
• Audiobooks
• Indoor Gardening
• Chair Yoga Classes (Beginner)
• Seated Hula Hooping (Beginner)
• Cooking Classes
• Knitting
• Crocheting
• Learn a Musical Instrument – Ukelele, Keyboard, or Recorder

We’ve only explored 10 of our top picks for best winter activities that seniors can do indoors or outdoors, but many hobbies can be pursued by the elderly. Seniors have a wide range of activities to choose from in wintertime.

What’s the Best Fall Detection Device to Keep Active Seniors Safe This Winter?

Seniors shouldn’t feel discouraged from doing something just because they are getting older. Some seniors need and should leave their houses daily to engage in activities to quell their winter blues, including:

• spending time with friends, 
• volunteering, or 
• spending time in nature, etc.

The need for medical alert devices is on the rise. With more senior citizens getting introduced to the world of technology and smartphones, their dependence on family members has dramatically reduced. People are living longer and with better quality of life than ever before, but we still must be vigilant about their needs and take care of them as they age.

A medical alert device gives seniors a sense of security and peace of mind about living and venturing out alone. Medical alert devices can be in any form, including a discreetly worn necklace. When activated, the device will send an instant text message to their designated contacts while simultaneously allowing them to speak with someone live right over the pendant from our central monitoring facility.

A fall detection device is a wearable activity tracker for low mobility seniors. Our fall alert technology can measure sudden falls by detecting changes in body movements. It helps seniors stay independent and safe by providing instant alerts if they fall or have some medical emergency. To conclude, choosing the best winter hobbies and medical pendant is an important decision that requires care and consideration for your loved one’s safety. We have the latest medical alert systems and fall detection devices for you and your family right here at www.lifeguardianmobile.com.

A medical alert system is a literal lifeline. It connects you to staff and support personnel who are trained to react appropriately given a situation, to ensure the right people are notified in the event of emergency.

In other words, you don’t want to bet on a device that doesn’t have a reliable company behind it. So, before considering purchasing an emergency necklace, there are some important questions you need to ask.

After all, this is key to supporting your independence. It’s a critical decision that will provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones – but what’s most important is that you know you’re getting the best possible technology and support from a company that is trustworthy.

So, before you make that decision, make sure you get the answers to these three important questions:

1. Who Endorses the Medical Alert Pendant Company?

It’s a common practice to head out onto the internet and do a little research before making a final decision on your products or services. We all want to see what others have said about their experience with a service provider.

However, it’s important to remember that reviews can be faked, and that an “approval” isn’t the same as an endorsement.

For example, any company can claim that they’ve been “approved” by the Alzheimer’s Association. But all this means is that the Association didn’t find anything glaring about the company upon application after doing a quick Google search.  So, instead of rejecting them or investigating further, they instead allow them on their approved list of vendors.  This is, of course, a very low threshold to clear, and doesn’t say much about the credibility of the company you’re considering.

So, what should you look for instead?

An actual endorsement by an established company or healthcare provider.

Endorsements are not the same as approvals. Endorsements are generally exclusive, and they represent ongoing advocacy for the medical alert system company.

At Life Guardian, we have this kind of relationship with Bayshore Healthcare, an industry leader in senior home healthcare. Bayshore has been a recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award since 2006, it has more than 100 locations across the country, and provides care to more than 350,000 clients nation-wide.

We are Bayshore’s exclusive partner for home and mobile medical alert devices. This kind of industry confidence can tell you a lot more about a service provider than a simple online review or some low effort “approval.”

2. Do They Offer Reliable Support Around the Clock?

When we say, “reliable support,” we’re not simply talking about 24-hour monitoring. That’s a given.

We’re talking about your provider offering 24-hour technical support.

Suppose you’re having some problems with your medical alert pendant at 11:00 pm. Suppose it isn’t connecting to your hub properly, or you’re having issues with your medical alert button. Perhaps a family member caused some problems with the settings, which weren’t noticed until much later into the evening.

Are you able to contact technical support and get things optimal quickly?

Any technical issues could leave someone without the support they need for confident independent living. So, a critical part of your service needs to include round-the-clock technical support so you’re never out of touch for long.

3. Does the Medical Alert Pendant Have Two-Way Voice Direct to The Unit?

There’s no reason to have a two-way voice feature if the “base” of the device is in another room or on a different floor of the home. The pendant itself – the part of the system that’s on you always – should have the ability to communicate directly with personnel who can provide help and support if needed.

Two-way communication direct through the device is crucial.  The voice of a caring person coming through the pendant live after a fall or medical alert button push, can help reduce anxiety while providing assurance that help is on the way.  Just being able to simply ask question or express concerns, can go a long way to aid in an emergency, while help is on route.

Any Other Questions?

Of course, these questions are only the beginning. Everyone has their own individual needs and may have a variety of other questions.

We’re glad to answer yours.  You can get more details about our company or contact us to speak to someone directly.

Not every medical alert system is made the same. While they all feature a central communication system along with a pendant attached to a necklace or bracelet, there are certain features that you should always look for before you choose a device.

These devices are tools that support your independence so you can feel confident at home or on the go. But in order for that to really happen, you have to also feel confident with the tools at your disposal.

The right medical alert system should provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones, so be sure you see these three features before making your purchase.

1. The Device is Waterproof

This is the easy one, but it’s one of the most important.

Your device must be waterproof because water “resistant” is insufficient.

We’re talking about a system that is designed to support your independence, and that means that you must always know that the complete medical alert system is working properly, and that the second you press that button, you’ll get a response from well-trained support staff.

But what if some water managed to get into the circuitry? Can you be sure that it will still work as intended when you really need it to?

A waterproof device is, without a doubt, a critical feature for any medical alert device. You need to know that the pendant will work perfectly even after it goes through a shower, bath, or otherwise gets dunked in a lot of water.

2. The Pendant and Hub Meet Regulatory Specifications

There are several regulatory bodies that make sure electronic devices work properly and reliably. So, when you look at different medical devices, make sure they’re embossed with industry markers such as:

• FCC – This indicates that any electromagnetic radiation from the device is within the specified limits.
• 
  CE – This mark is necessary before the device can be sold in the EU. This shows that the device has been assessed by the manufacturer and meets the EU regulations for safety and health.
• 
  PTCRB – This certification indicates that any device that is operating on mobile networks is fully compliant with those network requirements.

3. The Provider’s Central Station is ULC-Compliant

It’s not just the device that has to meet certain standards. The manufacturing facilities and, in the case of medical alert systems, the provider’s central stations must also be certified by the Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (ULC).

ULC standards were developed to help ensure that products that have a bearing on life safety and security can deliver the services as effectively as possible.

The Life Guardian Medical Alert Pendant

You can feel confident with the Life Guardian medical alert system. Our pendant is wearable in the bath or shower, and it detects dangerous falls and automatically sends an alert. It has an SOS button for immediate 2-way communication, and GPS tracking for location notifications.

These pendants are easy to use, produce crystal-clear loud audio, and can use voice prompts to let you know when the battery is getting low or if a call is being made. We’ve designed them to be durable, lightweight, and extremely reliable. If you have any questions about our medical alert pendants, contact us today and talk to one of our specialists about your needs.

Life Guardian was recently featured on CHCH Morning Live. Life Guardian is the most effective Medical Alert company in North America. It’s not just our device but our outstanding 24 hour technical support team.

Discussing the Benefits of Life Guardian on CHCH Morning Live

Morning Live is a show that provides news, information, and entertainment on CHCH every weekday from 6 – 10 AM. People all over Ontario and beyond tune in each morning to view local news, sports, traffic, and more.

Recently, everyone tuning in got to see Life Guardian and our primary medical alert pendant spotlighted on the show.

Betta Ha from Life Guardian by GlobalTek appeared on the segment with Annette Hamm to discuss the benefits of our medical alert system to demonstrate some of its important features.

The first thing Annette explores was what differentiated this medical alert system from others on the market. What primarily sets us apart from our competitors, is our exclusive and unique partnership with Bayshore Healthcare.

Life Guardian’s medical alert pendant is the exclusive device that Bayshore offers to its 350,000 clients nation-wide. The trust they put in our medical pendant system is – as Betta points out – a significant differentiating factor.

The host asks about many other important device details as well, including if it requires good internet for it to function properly. The answer: No internet is required whatsoever. The system operates solely on cellular technology, and Betta even provides a live demonstration to show its crystal-clear two-way voice function via the cellular network.

They also talk about how the system keeps family and friends in the loop in the event of emergency. If there’s ever an alert, up to five people receive a text about the situation in real time. The system also has “geofencing” for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Annette Hamm asked how it worked, since those with such conditions tend to wander unknowingly without utilizing the medical alert system itself.

Betta then shows how family members receive instant notices when the device leaves a pre-defined area, while also receiving a link to a map showing the device’s location in real time—all via SMS text.

Finally, the two discuss the system’s price points, with Betta pointing out that there are multiple pricing plans – with or without contracts including price match guarantees – because everyone deserves this kind of support and peace of mind.

If you are a senior living alone, you are in good company. More and more Canadian seniors are making the choice to live at home. And while living alone certainly has its perks–like not having to consult anyone about what time to eat dinner or which shows to watch, it is not without risk. Falls, accidents, and power outages can be especially scary when you are living alone.

Stay safe with these simple tips to make your home the safe haven you want it to be.

Fall-Proof Your House

One of the scariest things about living alone, especially for seniors, is the potential to fall. The Institute on Aging estimates that one in four seniors falls every year. Scary stuff when you consider the National Council on Aging’s findings that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.

But falls are not inevitable. There are plenty of preventative measures you can take to protect yourself against them. First, move tripping hazards such as wires and cords out of your walking path and make sure your bathroom and other hard surfaces in your house are covered with large, slip-free mats or carpets. Consider investing in a few nightlights to keep around the house to light your path if you have to get up in the middle of the night. And try to engage in regular balance-building exercises, like yoga or swimming, which will better prepare you to catch yourself should you start falling.

Check out this article for more helpful tips on how to prevent falls.

Keep a Flashlight and Batteries on Every Floor

Be prepared for power outages by keeping flashlights and batteries or candles and a lighter or matches on each floor of your house. Put them in easily accessible locations, like in a kitchen drawer and in your bedside table. Be sure to test the flashlight before you actually need it.

Also, be sure you know how to reset your power box, so you’re ready if the need ever arises.

Have a Phone Charger in Several Rooms of Your House

Even if you have a landline, keeping a cell phone close by is always a good idea since it enables you to move about your home without feeling locked down. But since a dying cell phone is of no use to anyone, always make it easy to keep your cell fully charged by placing phone chargers throughout your home–and even in your car. Make a habit of plugging your phone in each time you enter a new room, and you’ll never have to worry about the battery dying when you need it most.

Make Sure Your Contact List is Updated

Speaking of phones, make sure you have the most up-to-date phone numbers for the local police and fire company, as well as your doctor and closest family members programmed into your phone or, if you only use a landline, in a legible list directly next to your landline. That way, if an emergency happens, you will not waste time searching for a contact’s number.

Make Sure Your Fire Alarm Works and Have it Monitored

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Make sure yours is professionally installed and test it once a month. You will also want to replace all smoke alarms at least every 10 years. Life Guardian powered by GlobalTek can install and monitor your life safety devices to insure your protected 24/7.

Set Up Regular Check-Ins with a Loved One

Stay connected by scheduling regular weekly phone call or video chat with family members, friends or setting up check-ins with a trusted neighbor.

Invest in a Medical Alert System

With a Life Guardian Medical Alert system, you and your family will get peace of mind while living alone. A simple push of a button will initiate instant contact with an emergency response operator, who will determine the help you need then send the appropriate response team.

Medical Alert offers a variety of these systems, including medical alert devices that can be used at home and ones that can be taken with you outside of your house. All are lightweight and waterproof, so you can always keep them on you–even in the shower.

With both Life Guardian Medical Alert at-home and mobile systems, you will get 24/7 monitoring from one of our 6 central stations, so help is always just a button push away, whether it’s 1 p.m. or 1 a.m. Life Guardian also offers Fall Detection technology for no additional fee unlike other companies, which means a highly trained emergency operator will be alerted when you fall–even if you can’t push your button and respond accordingly.

If you are looking for security and safety while living alone, investing in a Medical Alert system by Life Guardian is a must.

Interested in learning more about Life Guardian Medical Alert’s highly dependable emergency monitoring devices?