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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – The graying of America hits a new level this month, as the first of the nation’s 77 million baby boomers turns 65 years old. However surveys show boomers are hitting retirement age under great stress because they are struggling to balance the demands of a full time job and raising a family while also caring for a family member. Searching for a way to respect an elderly parent or grandparents wishes to remain in their home, but still have help close by just in case, boomers are turning to home monitoring systems as a way to provide peace of mind to both seniors and family members.
“Baby boomers are responsible for the care of their aging parents in addition to their own children. It’s an overwhelming task most of us aren’t prepared for,” says Chris Otto, CEO of Halo Monitoring. “Families want to respect an elderly loved ones wishes to live at home where it’s familiar and comfortable, but someone needs to be available if there is an emergency. Monitoring systems provide additional security to everyone involved.”
A new study from Humana shows how so-called “sandwich boomers” –those caring for their own children and their parents- are feeling the pressure.
* 80% of boomers feel moderate to high levels of stress related to the care or support they are giving to children, spouses and/or parents.
* 68% of boomers have missed work or left early due to caregiving duties.
* 46% of boomers worry about caregiving affecting their job.
* 46% of boomers have given up social activities.
* 43% of boomers have skipped a vacation.
Halo Monitoring’s myHalo medical alarm eases that stress by providing a small comfortable, wireless device worn by a senior loved one. The advanced myHalo system is the first of a new generation of Personal Emergency Response Systems that detect a fall and automatically call for help. There is no need for the senior to push a button. Lifeline, produced by Philips, and Wellcore are also entering the automatic fall detection market. Monitoring companies are moving towards the new technology because studies are showing seniors often forget to push the panic button if they fall.
Howard and Sue Long, who live in York, Pennsylvania, talked with each other and their children before deciding 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. For more information about automatic fall detection, visit www.halomonitoring.com.
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