Tools

Senior Community Provides Life-Saving Technology for Residents

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Dec 11, 2012 at 7:47 AM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 11, 2012 at 7:47 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- A new tool recently installed in a Grand Junction retirement community could help save lives.

According to officials, one in every three seniors over the age of 65 fall annually, and over half of those are over the age of 80. However, the Atrium of Grand Valley just put in a new wireless emergency call system, which provides help 24/7.

"We have about 150 residents here," said Mark Robertson, co-manager of the Atrium of Grand Valley. “With our old system, most of our residents would have to be in their apartments if they had a fall, and they’d have to be in a reach of a pull cord.”

With their new system, each resident has a button hanging around them like a necklace. If they were to fall, all they have to do it push it and the management team could track down exactly where they are.

“It’s better because of the quicker response to an emergency,” said Robertson. “It will probably help to save lives if we can get to them a lot quicker.”

“Someone will help me get up or if I have broken something they can get medical care for me,” said Ken Hooker, resident at the Atrium of Grand Valley. ‘They can easily call 911 and have the ambulance come pick me up.”

Officials at the center say there has only been a couple of cases where the devices had to be used, but the residents say they're grateful for the new technology and feel safer than ever before.

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