Sunday, March 29, 2009

Technology Solutions Help Enhance Independence and Security For Seniors






New in-home technologies are helping a growing number of aging adults live independently longer. SafetyChoice™ by Comfort Keepers® is a line of in-home safety technology solutions that assists seniors in aging independently at home; whether used with or without in-home care provided by a caregiver. The initial release of products under the Safety Choice™ banner which includes personal emergency response systems (PERS) and other monitoring devices has been developed through a partnership between Guardian Medical Monitoring and CK Franchising, Inc., the franchisor for the Comfort Keepers franchise system.

Clark Bongaardt, owner of the Comfort Keepers franchise in Southeastern PA, said that technology is helping to complement and extend the personal, human touch provided to senior citizens by professional caregivers and family members. “With the senior population growing at a much faster pace than that of working-age Americans, it’s becoming more challenging to provide around-the-clock care for seniors at home,” Clark said.

Clark added that demographic studies show that the ratio of seniors to working-age Americans is expected to continue growing—30 percent from 2010 to 2020, and another 29 percent in the following decade.

In the meantime, seniors and their loved ones are discovering that technology solutions—such as those offered through SafetyChoice by Comfort Keepers —can effectively bridge the times when a caregiver can’t be present or when a senior may not yet need a caregiver in the home. Such technologies are monitored by professionals at central stations and provide phone notifications to first responders whether a professional caregiver, family member, neighbor or emergency personnel.

“These systems provide family members the peace of mind that their loved one can get help, even when a caregiver can’t be physically present with them,” Bongaardt said.

Responding to the increasing needs for care among seniors, Comfort Keepers recently introduced the new SafetyChoice™ line of technology products, which extends personal caregiving. These products include PERS Units as well as other monitoring devices that can detect certain activities by persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses, and a portable PERS device with GPS technology.

“Technologies like these, in combination with personal caregiving, lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life for seniors,” Bongaardt said. “These technologies make it possible for them to continue living at home—where they most want to be—safely, confidently, and independently.”

PERS units help seniors summon help quickly with the push of a button—reducing wait times for emergency assistance in the event of a fall, illness or other emergency at home. “By greatly decreasing the time for emergency help to arrive,” Bongaardt said, “emergency response systems help reduce the complications that can result from a fall or other emergency. The shortened wait time usually results in quicker and fuller recovery and an improved chance of returning to independent living.”

Bongaardt added, “Falls are one of the greatest concerns of the elderly.” The Centers for Disease Control has reported that more than a third of American adults 65 and older fall each year—and falls are the leading cause of death by injury for seniors.

Technology can be a good prescription for caregivers’ health, too, Bongaardt said. According to testimony delivered by the Alzheimer’s Association to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, one in eight caregivers providing care to those with Alzheimer’s becomes ill or injured as a result of caregiving. Technology can relieve some of the stress by giving family members the opportunity to take breaks from their caregiving responsibilities.

To learn more about the SafetyChoice™ by Comfort Keepers® in-home technology solutions in the Southeastern, PA area, call 610-543-6300


Comfort Keepers®
With over 550 independently owned and operated locations, Comfort Keepers is a leader in in-home senior care to promote independent living. Services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, incidental transportation, laundry, recreational activities, personal care and technology products. For more information visit http://www.comfortkeepers.com/.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Not-To-Be Forgotten Duck Marches in St. Patrick's day Parade


On Saturday, March 14, 2009, the Not-To-Be Forgotten Duck marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Springfield, PA. Accompanied by friends from Comfort Keepers, the duck strutted along the route giving out duck shaped lollipops to all the boys and girls along the route. The duck handed out invitations to the PA duck derby which will be held on May 16, 2009 in Essington, PA. The event is a Fundraiser for the Not-To-Be Forgotten Foundation (ntbf). ntbf is an organization in Delaware County, PA that assists senior citizens. Their last campaign included Keeping the Seniors Warm. A program whereby ntbf had a goal to give 100 seniors, 100 gallons of oil each. Along with assisting low income seniors ntbf also helps to grant wishes.


You can help a senior by adopting a duck for $5 to race in the PA duck derby on May 16th. All you have to do is go to the website http://www.ntbff.org/ and click on Adopt a duck for 5 bucks. Choose a team such as Melody and the quack pack or the Freckles. The winner of the race could receive one of the great prizes such as a week at the beach or flat screen tv. Don't wait, go to http://www.ntbff.org/ and adopt your duck for $5!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Testimonials from Past Clients - Comfort Keepers serving Mainline, Delaware, Center and South Philadelphia and parts of Chester County served:

A Few of Our Testimonials
I wish to commend the Comfort Keepers' care giver, Lisa. She is outstanding and has improved my mother's quality of life 100%. I have a tremendous comfort level knowing Lisa is with her. Lisa takes care of all her needs and they have a great relationship. In addition to taking care of her physical needs, Lisa takes her to the Senior Center where she gets interaction with all ages. I know this helps her psychological well being and she enjoys every minute. We truly appreciate all Lisa does for my mother and believe there could not have been a more perfect match. Thank you for caring. Wayne, PA

We are closing in on two years that Comfort Keepers has made it possible for my mom to stay in her home despite the continuing advance of her dementia. It is an understatement to say that we could not possibly have done it without you. For the last year or more, Glenn and Marie have been as dependable as clockwork and as caring as your brand name implies. When problems have arisen they have been responsive and concerned. And in the year before that, not once did the assigned personnel let me down. There were always there, 24/7 (and 365). Essentially, they have permitted me to sleep at night.
I also do not want to overlook Liz's contribution to all of this. When I have had a problem, she has been there to respond - day and night. I cannot imagine what she must go through to coordinate vacations, sick days, my mom's hospitalizations and the myriad of other issues Liz must confront. What I do know is that when I call, I get a smile on the other end of the line and a prompt and friendly solution to my problem. She is a valuable employee and one of whom you should be proud.
Those who know me know that I throw compliments around like manhole covers. I approached this whole thing two years ago full of trepidation. But it has been a pleasure working with all of you from the start .... Merion, PA

Myself and Family want to send you our appreciation for helping give Mom wonderful care and support. It's hard to find someone with compassion and dedication and the wisdom to pitch in and help ... I have to share with you what a difference [Kathy] has made in our home. Always giving 100% making sure Mom is clean and comfortable and safe. Mom depends on Kathy like she's a member of our family and she sure has fit in like one. You know how difficult older people are to make them feel wanted and useful. Kathy has done that every day. As you know, my dad has been difficult ... Kath makes Dad feel good knowing Mom is well cared for. If you remember, she even talked him into going to the hospital when the ambulance drivers couldn't. She got Dad to the car and the four of us drove him to Delaware County where they found he was dehydrated. That's why he fell. ... Thank you all. Clifton Heights, PA
Paul and I want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to you for introducing Lisa into our lives. She is truly a warm, compassionate and loving person and always maintains a high level of professionalism. We felt at ease when leaving Lisa in charge of Dad's needs in our absence. Lisa is a very special caregiver -- reliable, dependable and caring. Frank became comfortable with her and they had a great relationship. She was the answer to our prayers and she responded well above and beyond the call of duty. Her strength and encouragemenet got us through a very difficult time. We will miss her as we always looked forward to her coming to our home -- always prompt and courteous. Thank you Comfort Keepers for sending an angel into our lives. God Bless everyone at Comfort Keepers. Drexel Hill, PA