Local Elderly Home Safety Expert Shares New Fall Alert Device

Advances in technology and smart devices have significantly improved personal safety for senior citizens while increasing independence. For nearly a decade, Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. (ALT) in Meriden has been the leading provider of the most innovative electronic solutions. Now the respected care company is offering the next generation of fall detection technology just in time for Home Safety Month in June.

“Walabot HOME is the first and only automated fall alert system developed specifically for the bathroom, where 80% of falls take place,” says Mario D’Aquila, MBA, Vice President of ALT. “It is also the only fall detection device that does not require any wearable necklace or bracelet. It is automatically activated without pushing a button.”

D’Aquila explains Walabot HOME starts by learning a home’s particular bathroom, then continuously monitors for situations that indicate a fall using the world’s most advanced radio frequency sensors. It delivers four times more accuracy than other automatic fall alert systems while ensuring privacy. If a person falls, the designated emergency contact is notified through a two-way voice call and a text message. The alarm can be disabled at any time simply by standing up.

“The home tech industry has exploded in recent years and it is nearly impossible for the average family to determine which devices will be the best fit their loved one’s needs,” says D’Aquila “We offer a free home safety assessment in order to create an individualized care plan that typically combines technology with personal care.”

D’Aquila notes ALT follows a Quality Assurance Visit Checklist to ensure all areas of the home, especially the bathroom and kitchen, are free of hazards. The checklist evaluates the environment and identifies areas of weakness, then makes recommendations such as reducing clutter, which effectively lowers the risk of falls.

D’Aquila shares the top safety concerns for seniors and how to address them:
· Getting in and out of the bathtub or shower - A shower chair, hand rails and a handheld shower head can help with this function.
· Using the toilet - If a person is unable to go from sitting to standing without an issue, install a higher seat and a hand rail.
· Managing medications - Electronic medication boxes open automatically for clients to be sure they are getting the correct medication at the correct time.
· Getting out of a chair - A lift chair that is powered to help with bringing clients to a standing position slowly helps prevent falls.
· Cooking fire emergencies – Stovetop sensors automatically turn off the stove if a pot is left unattended.
Additionally, D’Aquila recommends a driving assessment to see whether the client has any conditions that may compromise his or her driving ability and may suggest that a driving exam be performed.

“Along with homemaker duties, a personal caregiver from our companion company Assisted Living Services, Inc. can also provide transportation to appointments and shopping,” says D’Aquila.

For families that prefer to personally care for an elderly family member, the CT Adult Family Living / Foster Caregiver (AFL) program may be an option. The program is part of the Department of Social Services’ Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) and allows a caregiver to receive a tax-free stipend of over $500 per week, depending on the complexity of care. AFL is defined as personal care and support services that are provided to participants who reside in a private home by a principle caregiver who also lives in the home. The provider may be a relative of the participant as long as he or she is not a legally liable relative (such as a spouse).

As a credentialed provider of the AFL program, Assisted Living Services provides the “tools” needed to be comfortable and successful at caregiving.

“We give caregivers the necessary support services to be successful and allow the elderly person to remain at home,” said D’Aquila. “Our goal is to help each family determine the best care plan for their situation, then use a variety of personal care services and cutting-edge technological devices to put it into action.”

Assisted Living Services, Inc. and Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. are based in Meriden, Connecticut with offices in Fairfield and Clinton. The award-winning home care company has over 400 employees serving clients across the state. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203-634-8668.