That Won't Happen To Me!

Article submitted by John O'Reilly with Centrol, Inc.
For more information, he can be reached at 800-435-7628.

This is a true story.

Marge (not her real name) was seventy two years of age and lived an active life. She was involved in her community, has numerous friends, traveled often and rode a bike among other activities. Marge lived alone at the Jersey shore. Her husband died several years ago. Her children and grandchildren lived in the Philadelphia area. Her children had, on occasion, suggested that she should get one of those medical alert buttons that you press in case you have an emergency. Jokingly, her niece said, "You can say HELP! I'VE FALLEN AND CAN'T GET UP!". Marge's response was always, "THAT WON'T HAPPEN TO ME! After all, I 'm healthy, and I'm careful." Most agreed with her so the subject was not pressed.

You can imagine the rest of the story. Last spring, Marge had a stroke and was on the floor for two days. Her family and friends called during that time but assumed that she was out somewhere. After all, she leads an active lifestyle. The newspaper outside and her car in the garage caused a neighbor to check on her.

Marge is now in a nursing home with no hope for recovery. Doctors agree, that, if she had gotten help within the first few hours, she would probably be back in her own home living her usual active life. What is so amazing, now, is that Marge's friends who also live alone and know her tragic story, say the same thing "THAT WON'T HAPPEN TO ME!"

Marge doesn't speak clearly but she did say that the things that made her stay on the floor worse was the sound of the ringing phone and thinking about the "button" she never got.

The "button" that is referred to is part of a medical alert system. Countless number of lives have been saved by these devices. It allows seniors who live alone to maintain their independence without fear. Peace of mind for seniors and their family doesn't come any cheaper than this (in some cases, as little as 75 cents a day). If you or someone you know live alone whether in their own home or in a retirement community look into acquiring a medical alert system. Don't wait. Sadly, as Marge found out too late, it can happen to you.

There was a show on television years ago with Groucho Marx. It was called "You Bet Your Life"...DON'T!