How can I afford a Care Advisor?

Anyone can afford an Assisted Living Locator Care Advisor. That’s because we are paid only when we help you make a decision about your senior’s living location and we are paid by the location you choose. And because we only receive payment when you’re paying the Care Community directly, we’ll also put you in touch with your state’s social service network to make sure that you receive the proper state support in the event that you are unable to pay for senior care and housing yourself.

What can a Care Advisor help me with?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor specializes in knowing your senior housing and in home care options, but via their referral network they can connect you with state resources in the event that you need to consider state resources to finance and secure senior housing, as well as a wide variety of specialists who focus on some aspect of the senior services industry- Eldercare Attorneys, Financial Specialists, Real Estate Agents, Downsizing Specialists, Home Health Experts, and just about any other senior service need you can think of.

Who is my Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Glad you asked. This site gives you a number of ways to find your local Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor. Pick one and we’ll either get them on the phone, or make sure that they contact you in a timely fashion. Click here to get to our Care Advisor page.

How are Care Advisors trained?

Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors are vetted for the right set of skills before they ever even buy a franchise. Once they do, we provide comprehensive initial training and a 13 week “in community” onboarding process. We ask all Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors to become Certified Senior Advisors, a nationwide accreditation program that provides additional industry specific knowledge. Care Advisors also participate in continuing education provided by us and provided by local senior oriented industry associations to ensure that they understand the latest tools, techniques and industry rules and regulations to help you navigate the senior experience.

What does a Care Advisor do?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor spends time at each of the communities and homes in your local area. They understand how well the community is performing against state standards and they understand what the community is good at- in short, they understand what isn’t in the community’s glossy brochure. An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor networks to ensure that they have a broad array of qualified resource team members that they can call on to help deal with challenges beyond senior housing and care, which is their own area of expertise. And Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors spend time with families and seniors. They can’t help if they don’t know and understand you and your family. Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors have a structured way to identify important needs that you and your senior have, which they then use to match you to the best community choices or the best members of their resource network that can meet your needs.

Who is Assisted Living Locators®?

A franchise business based in Arizona, with local owners and operators across the US. Our Care Advisors bring problem solving skills and compassion to your local senior community, and we supply the training, processes and industry knowledge they need to provide you with the help you want.

Where are your Care Advisors located?

Everywhere. If we don’t have a Care Advisor yet in your local area, we’ll find you an affiliate advisor who can help. But every month we train more Care Advisors to meet the growing needs of seniors in every community across the US. You can find your local Care Advisor by using the tools on this website. And because we are nationwide, we can help you in your town or in towns all across the US.

When should I contact an Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Since Care Advisors understand the entire range of living options available to seniors, any family with a senior over 55 can benefit from their expertise. Use us to understand your independent living options if your senior wants more time for leisure pursuits after 55. Use us especially when you are concerned about the safety or health of your senior loved one. And it’s critically important that you reach out to us if your senior is in the hospital or rehabilitation facility so that we help you navigate the immediate next health care and housing steps that must be taken, giving you a voice in how the health care and insurance systems in your state manage your senior’s needs.

Personal Safety Devices Every Senior Should Consider

By Bill Anderson

Published July 17, 2024

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Navigating the complexities of caring for elderly loved ones underscores the importance of personal safety devices tailored to seniors. These devices serve as indispensable tools, offering caregivers peace of mind and enabling them to safeguard their loved one’s well-being.

These technologies are not just aids but essential companions in the caregiving journey, ensuring seniors receive prompt assistance and maintain their safety and independence effectively.

The Role of Technology in Senior Safety

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the safety and independence of our senior loved ones, aligning with their strong preference to age in place. According to AARP, an overwhelming 90% of adults over 65 wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. This desire highlights the importance of technological innovations designed to support this lifestyle.

Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and security of elderly individuals who may live independently or require additional support. These devices are designed to provide immediate access to emergency assistance at the touch of a button, offering peace of mind to both seniors and their caregivers.

Senior Woman Pressing Medical Alert Button

Benefits of Medical Alert Systems

Emergency Response: Instant access to emergency services at the press of a button, crucial for rapid assistance during medical crises like heart attacks or falls.
Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance to caregivers and family members that help is readily available for their loved ones, enhancing overall safety.
Enhanced Independence: Enables seniors to maintain independence by allowing them to live alone confidently, knowing help can be summoned quickly.
Customizable Features: Options such as waterproof designs for use in all conditions, extended range coverage for larger homes or outdoor spaces, and reliable connectivity via cellular or landline networks.
Testimonials: Real-life stories, like Jane’s father who was saved during a heart attack, highlight the life-saving potential of these systems, reinforcing their value.

Product Recommendations

Highly recommended medical alert systems include Alert and SafeGuard. Alert stands out for its waterproof pendants and nationwide coverage, ensuring uninterrupted service even during travel. SafeGuard offers advanced fall detection technology, automatically alerting emergency services if a fall is detected and the user is unable to respond. These features make Alert and SafeGuard reliable choices for caregivers seeking comprehensive safety solutions for their elderly loved ones.

Medical Alert Systems are one such innovation, offering immediate access to emergency services, which can significantly improve outcomes during emergencies. The National Council on Aging reports that these systems can reduce hospital readmission rates by up to 30%.

GPS Trackers

GPS trackers have emerged as indispensable tools for ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors, particularly those living with conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia. These devices utilize advanced global positioning technology to provide real-time location tracking, offering caregivers invaluable peace of mind by allowing them to monitor their loved ones’ whereabouts remotely.

Real-Time Tracking: Provides instant location updates, allowing caregivers to monitor seniors’ movements accurately.
Geofencing: Sets virtual boundaries and sends alerts if seniors wander outside designated safe areas, ensuring proactive safety measures.
Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces and simple operation make it accessible for seniors to use independently.
Durability: Designed to withstand daily wear and varying environmental conditions, ensuring reliable performance over time.
Battery Life: Long-lasting battery ensures continuous operation without frequent recharging, offering peace of mind to caregivers.

Review of Popular Models

Popular GPS tracker models tailored for seniors include Tracker and Locator. Tracker stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust battery life, ensuring reliable performance. Locator offers comprehensive geofencing features and real-time tracking, making it ideal for caregivers seeking proactive monitoring solutions. These models exemplify the innovation and practicality necessary for safeguarding seniors effectively with GPS technology.

Fall Detectors

Fall detectors are essential devices designed to mitigate the risks of falls among our senior loved ones, which can lead to severe injuries and complications. These devices utilize advanced sensors to detect sudden movements or changes in orientation that may indicate a fall. By triggering alerts to caregivers or emergency services promptly, fall detectors play a crucial role in ensuring swift intervention, reducing the likelihood of prolonged immobility and enhancing overall safety for seniors.

Studies indicate that these technologies can lead to a 50% reduction in in-home fall injuries, making the home environment safer for seniors.

Leading Fall Detectors on the Market

Several leading fall detectors are highly recommended for their reliability and advanced features. FallGuard integrates seamlessly into daily life with its discreet design and reliable fall detection capabilities, ensuring prompt alerts to caregivers or emergency services. PendantPlus offers robust standalone fall detection with adjustable sensitivity settings and long-lasting battery life, making it a dependable choice for focused fall prevention. These detectors exemplify innovation and effectiveness in safeguarding seniors from fall-related injuries, providing caregivers with invaluable peace of mind.

Additional Safety Devices Worth Considering

In addition to essential safety tools like medical alert systems and GPS trackers, a range of complementary devices can further enhance the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones. These technologies work together to create a robust, multi-layered approach to senior care, offering peace of mind to both seniors and their family caregivers.

Smart Home Sensors are invaluable for monitoring daily activities. These devices, which include motion detectors and door/window sensors, can alert caregivers to unusual movements or potential emergencies. For example, if a door is left open late at night or there is a lack of movement for an extended period, the system can send an alert, prompting a quick check-in.

Emergency Response Apps are another critical tool, providing instant access to emergency services. These apps often include features that allow caregivers to manage medical information and contacts effectively, ensuring that all necessary data is readily available during an emergency.

Wearable Technology goes beyond traditional medical alert systems, incorporating health monitors and smartwatches that track vital signs and daily activities. These devices can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and even detect falls, enabling seniors to manage their health proactively and catch potential issues early.

How to Choose the Right Device for Your Loved One

Assess Their Individual Needs

When choosing safety devices for seniors, it’s crucial to assess their specific needs and challenges. Consider factors such as their medical conditions, mobility limitations, and any cognitive impairments. For example, seniors with Alzheimer’s may benefit from GPS trackers with geofencing capabilities, while those prone to falls might require medical alert systems with fall detection features.

Importance of Usability

The usability of safety devices is paramount for seniors’ independence and confidence in using them. Opt for devices with intuitive interfaces and straightforward operation. Ensure they are comfortable to wear or use daily, with features like lightweight designs and ergonomic controls. Testing the device with your loved one beforehand can provide insights into its usability and suitability for their routine.

Financial Considerations

Financial planning plays a significant role in device selection. Research insurance coverage options or medical subsidies that may help offset the costs of these devices. Some insurers or healthcare providers offer coverage for medical alert systems or other safety devices, easing financial burdens. Additionally, consider long-term costs such as maintenance fees or subscription plans associated with certain devices to make informed financial decisions.

Personal Safety Devices Every Senior Should Consider

The Role of Technology in Senior Safety