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AMA PERS devices can help prevent the pressures of social isolation
Let us show you how...
Health effects of social isolation and loneliness
Impactful social connections are essential to our clients mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. Social isolation and loneliness are important, still often overlooked, social determinants of the health of aging clients. In fact, there may be no greater impact on a client’s social determinants of health than social isolation and loneliness.
Social isolation and loneliness create high risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death. Social isolation significantly increases a clients risk of premature death from all causes. Loneliness rivals health risk factors as much as physical inactivity, smoking, and even obesity. Here is why:
Social isolation is associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia. See the following link…
Social isolation is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke
Social isolation is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. The highest rate of suicide in the nation is among individuals 65 years of age and older.
Social isolation of heart patients is associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
Immigrant Communities are at an even higher risk
The latest data suggests that immigrant populations experience loneliness more often than other groups. A fascinating look at Latino immigrants, for example, shows fewer social ties and lacking social integration when compared to American born Latinos. Immigrants also experience stressors that can increase their social isolation. Language barriers aside, let’s consider the differences in community and family dynamics coupled with new relationships that lack deepness or nostalgic connection. Keep in mind, our monitoring center provides services in over 100 different languages. This will become increasingly important in order to communicate.
Loneliness heightens during the holidays
Why seniors experience holiday loneliness:
As we continue to age, there are inevitable losses we all face. Loved ones and friends move on or pass away. Society changes and neighborhoods shift. This can cause seniors to feel sadden or depressed. Data shows it gets worse during the holidays particularly because these times remind them of the moments they spent with the individuals who have now moved on or passed away.
What can AMA do to help?
PERS devices are known as the “Help, I’ve fallen and Can’t get Up!” But did you know, PERS can be more than just an emergency fall button? That’s right, PERS can be used to address feelings of social isolation or loneliness. Our operators are 5 Diamond Certified and we are UL Listed, meaning they are trained and prepared for the highest levels of customer service. Whether your members are depressed, lonely or confused, their PERS device can act as a call line for help when dealing with negative thoughts. Our operators can then call family members or friends to check in with the user and help them through their mental state.
A big idea to take away from this is IF your member is at risk for social isolation, loneliness or depression, let us know! The more information we have, the more prepared our operators are to provide assistance for your member.
PERS is not just a fall button, but a Universal Call Line For Help. Whether a member needs to talk through a bad day or get connected to their FAVORITE GRANDCHILD, Alert Medical Alarms is here to provide just that.
