082. How technology (gadgets and tools) can keep seniors safe and independent longer

Remember the old Life Alert commercials - “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up”? The tool remains groundbreaking and provides peace of mind for many seniors and their loved ones - and now technology has advanced even further to help seniors remain safe and independent. Bonnie Resnick-Destruel is the owner and president of Family Care Services Inc. They provide GPS fall alert medical alarms and medical dispensers for private pay, Medicaid, STARPLUS and waiver programs. Together with Senior Living Expert Lori Williams, she discusses: - Devices that help seniors stay protected from falls and how they function - Medication dispensers - how they work and provide emergency response - What to look for when considering these tools And more. The rights tools can be a great investment to help you or your loved ones remain independent and even save money you’d otherwise spend on assisted living. Takeaways from this episode: - The biggest risk to seniors’ safety and independence after age 65 is falling. The longer you lay there without someone finding you, the worse it is. - Never sign a contract - in this industry it should be month to month. Ask what’s in the basic package and what add-ons come with the upgrade to get a better idea of what you need. - Medicine dispensers can call you or your emergency contact if you haven't taken your medicine. This helps check on your wellbeing in case something's happened, and that's why you haven't taken your medicine. - You could be covered for these medical devices under Medicaid and with certain health condition diagnoses. Resources mentioned in this podcast: To purchase the products mentioned and to find more resources: https://www.familycaresrv.com Caring Transitions - helping seniors downsize and move easily: https://www.caringtransitions.com To contact Bonnie, please email: [email protected] To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/ https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/ https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/ Topics discussed: - Senior safety - Medicine dispensers - Medic Alert - Emergency response systems - Fall safety - Medicaid - Silver Roofs Foundation