Does this mean that a CareLink system won’t work? Does it mean you should purchase more costly services to make up for a hearing loss? No it doesn’t. You just need to understand this:  The CareLink system is equipped with a very powerful microphone in order for the operators to hear sounds throughout the home. Also, the Call Center operators have very good hearing. When your loved one is living with a hearing loss, we note that important detail in order for it to not stop us from helping them whenever they need us.

If your loved one struggles to hear exactly what is being said when the CareLink system is active, they can be at ease. Once they hear the operators speaking to them, they can simply just tell them what they need. That’s all. Just say “Call my son or daughter” or “I need an ambulance” and the operators can do the rest. They know who to call. Just because your loved one may not hear the operator’s voice clearly does not mean that we don’t hear them. We do. And even if the caller’s voice is hard to hear or is drowned out by TV noise, we will still call for help unless we hear someone, clearly, say that no help is needed.

You should expect this and more from an experienced medical alarm company like SafeCall.

Who would benefit from respite care? Any family caregivers who need a safe and nurturing space for their care recipients for short-term periods. Vicki told me that she was very happy with the staff’s skill level. She is very enthusiastic about how Our Friend’s House will provide value to the area and serve her community’s elders and their caregivers.

In addition to operating Our Friend’s House, the OCCOA provides numerous other services to the county’s senior population. For more information, go to www.oceanacountycouncilonaging.com or call Vicki at 231-873-4461.

• Cell phone manufacturers are paying attention to the senior market after all. The Jitterbug and others continue to evolve in ways that make sense for the senior user; larger buttons and louder speakers. An earlier critique on this blog still points out very important cell phone shortfalls but they are improving. And a very welcome development for help button users; some new emergency buttons are capable of activating a senior’s cell phone in order to call for help. Keep watching the SafeCall site. We will soon be featuring one such system.
• GPS technology continues to find its way into more devices. The CareLink MobileHelp emergency medical alarm is an early implementer of GPS-tracking. We’ve been using our test model and its accuracy is incredible — within 30-40 feet as displayed on a Google Map. Very cool. This has very positive implications for active, mobile people who are concerned about their health. Reassurance now knows no limits.