| The cycle of life often dictates that one day we | | | | with the addition of a home security system that |
| may be caring for a senior loved one. Being a | | | | has fire and smoke monitoring. If a fire is |
| caregiver is a challenging job for anyone and can | | | | detected the security provider's monitoring center |
| lead to a great deal of stress and worry over | | | | is immediately contacted providing a quick means |
| your loved one. Two of the biggest concerns I | | | | of dispatching fire emergency response units. |
| often hear regarding the care of loved ones is the | | | | These security systems are more than just |
| ability to call for assistance and concern over fire | | | | intruder detection and can monitor for carbon |
| starting. | | | | monoxide leaks, flooding in the home, and freezing |
| Today's senior citizens grew up in an era where | | | | pipes. |
| smoking was accepted and many still smoke to | | | | To provide caregivers with the assurance that |
| this day. I hear tales of cigarette burns in sheets | | | | their loved one can call for help if needed it is |
| or bed linens that leave caregivers on edge. A | | | | important to look into medical monitoring devices. |
| simple purchase can prevent fires from an | | | | Some security companies provide consumers with |
| accidental drop of a cigarette but should not be | | | | medical alert, video surveillance, and other helpful |
| considered complete fire protection. Replacing | | | | systems. |
| your loved ones blanket with a fire blanket is | | | | A medical alert system is a great way to give |
| inexpensive and can provide you with the piece of | | | | our loved ones the independence they desire. A |
| mind that your loved one will have some additional | | | | button system is used to contact the customer |
| protection. | | | | monitoring center when help is needed. The |
| Fire blankets are made from wool and are | | | | personal help button can be a wristband button, a |
| machine washable. These fire retardant blankets | | | | pendant or a stationary button. These alert |
| typically are 62 inches by 80 inches long. Fire | | | | systems have two-way voice communication with |
| blankets once were available only in grey but now | | | | the intercom base unit. If your loved one falls a |
| come in a variety of colors including forest green, | | | | monitoring professional can speak directly with |
| khaki, maroon, and navy. The wool fabric is | | | | them in many cases. The pendant and wristband |
| treated with Dupont X-12. This fire retardant | | | | typically have a 300 foot range allowing your |
| treatment complies with the Federal Flammable | | | | loved one to go out to the mailbox or to the |
| Act, CS 191-53. | | | | garden with full protection. |
| Additional steps can be taken to protect your | | | | These simple modifications can give caregivers |
| loved one from fire related injuries. Caregivers of | | | | the peace of mind they need in order to focus on |
| seniors that maintain some independence can rest | | | | their immediate family while caring for a senior |
| assured that their loved one is safe and secure | | | | loved one. |