We can all remember the oh-so-famous line: “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” The phrase has become one of the most notorious of television commercial history. It has, in fact, become so widespread that it has effectively converted into a nationwide inside joke, an exclamation sure to draw laughs from residents of Michigan.
Though the means of the ad are laughable at best (horrible acting, poor production), the ends are quite serious. The “Baby Boom” generation of those born in a few short years following World War II is aging, as is the US population as a whole. This development requires us to take into consideration several issues, such as social security, retirement and health care. Another subject – that of home security for the elderly – is more important now than ever.
The safety at home of those over the age of 65 is a manifold issue. Not only are the old threatened by intruders trying to enter their homes from the outside, but they also face risks within their own walls.
Brittle bones, clogged arteries, stiff joints – these are just a few of the many realities we all face with age, when all of our less-than-healthy youthful choices and habits effectively come back around. This physically-manifested karma, the result of the illusion of invincibility and the urge to push ourselves to the limits as youth, requires a certain amount of extra care with age.
This is why it is vital that simple but effective home security systems and home alarms be installed in the places in which we live, especially in the case of the presence of the elderly. While guard dogs and lights are effective in keeping intruders out, they are not quite enough in the case of the aged population.
Home security for the old requires easily accessible indoor alarm systems in the case of emergencies like that represented in the LifeCall commercial. When the difference between well-being and illness, life and death, can depend upon something so simple as reaching some way to seek help, home security becomes increasingly serious.
This is why it is important for households with elderly inhabitants to add a personal emergency and medical alarm system to their home security systems. Bracelets, necklaces, beepers – the devices must be easy to use and practical. There are several options available in stores and online. Each household is different, and choices must be made as to fit individual needs. Simplicity and reliability, however, are key.
In addition, simple check-ins or drop-bys of family members or friends of the elderly are extremely beneficial, especially in the case of those living alone. A simple, easy and virtually cost-free way of assuring one’s well-being, it is also a good way to maintain relationships with older people who may often feel isolated and alone. Communication technology is more advanced today than ever and is something of which we must take advantage whenever possible.
As health care improves and Americans continue to live longer and longer, the question of security will not disappear. All elderly – whether living with family or alone – must take certain steps to assure their safety and security.
Older residents of the Midwest can benefit from
Michigan home alarm systems. In fact,
home security systems in Michigan save hundreds of lives a year.
