Holidays Provide Opportunity to Plan for Elder Care

HUNTSVILLE, NC, November 25, 2010 (Press-News.org) The holidays mean family time: to make new memories and share old stories, for distant family and friends to be together. But with parents aging and adult siblings often separated by long distances as well as juggling jobs and their own families, the holidays are also a perfect time to plan for the future. That's why Halo Monitoring, maker of myHalo, the most advanced medical alarm with automatic fall detection, is urging families to use the holidays as a time to talk about caring for aging parents.

"Over the holidays, when siblings are back together in their family home, they will often notice dramatic changes in their parent's health. It's good to use this time to discuss future plans regarding the health and safety of mom and dad." Says Chris Otto, CEO of Halo Monitoring. "While no one wants to think about themselves or family members needing care, planning ahead puts a family in better control of its future and the resources needed to provide for it."

In its book, "The Four Steps of Long Term Care Planning," the National Care Planning Council provides guidelines for family planning meetings. Here are a few key points:

1. If the meeting is for someone already receiving care or needing care soon, that person, a member of the family, or an advisor or friend could conduct the meeting.
2. Encourage discussion and try to get input from everyone.
3. After thoroughly discussing the issues and the solutions to the problems that could be faced, there should be a consensus of everyone to support the plan. Remember it is not always possible to please everyone so people must be willing to compromise.
4. At the end of the meeting, everyone present must commit to support the plan.
5. WRITE IT DOWN! Good intentions are often forgotten over time, so if there are commitments to prepare meals or run errands, write the commitments down.

"Very often the elderly parent or grandparent wants to remain at home where it's safe, comfortable and affordable, however someone with the ability to help needs to be close by just in case," adds Otto. "That's when families should consider a home monitoring system because it is critical that help arrive within the first hours of a fall. myHalo offers the most advanced fall detection available. When a fall does occur, help will be called automatically, without the need to press a button."

Through the use of a small comfortable, wireless device worn by a senior loved one, myHalo assures security for seniors and peace of mind for their caregivers. The advanced myHalo system is the first wearable medical alarm that sends an automatic alert- no need to push a button- in the event of a fall. In addition, while most medical alarms only react to an emergency, myHalo is the first system of its kind to monitor the user's health and physical activity 24/7. Through the use of a private, secure website, the system provides the ability for designated persons and family to "look-in" on an elderly loved one for peace of mind without invading their personal privacy.
Howard and Sue Long, who live in York, Pennsylvania, decided to get myHalo for Howard as a precaution. He's 84 and has undergone several hip replacements.
"I'm pretty active and didn't think I needed it but my wife and our children insisted," says Long. "A few months after the system was activated, I fell while moving a piece of furniture. The myHalo call center was on the phone in seconds making sure I was ok. That quick response convinced me myHalo was worth it. My whole family agrees."
"Every families needs are different and there are many tools and services available to help maintain independence. But myHalo has the most advanced fall detection and is a critical part of any complete care plan," adds Otto.

Media Contact
Frank Graff, 919.459.8168, fgraff@halomonitoring.com
Sue Yannello, 919.459.8162, syannello@halomonitoring.com

About Halo Monitoring:
Halo Monitoring's products assure security for seniors and peace of mind for their caregivers. The advanced myHalo system is the first medical alarm that sends an automatic alert- no need to push a button- in the event of a fall. While most medical alarms are only able to react to an emergency, myHalo is the first system of its kind to provide 24/7 activity and health monitoring. Seniors get proactive care when they need it, while remaining independent.
Website: http://www.halomonitoring.com