1, Do you alive alone?

                ____  Yes                      ____ No

2.  (If the answer to #1 is “no.”)  Are there periods of the day or week when your caregiver is away, and you are alone?

____  Yes                      ____ No

3.  Have you fallen inside or outside your residence at  least one time during the past 3 years?

____  Yes                      ____ No

4.  Are there times when you feel weak or dizzy?

____  Yes                      ____ No

5.  Are you worried that you may fall and not be able to call for help?

____  Yes                      ____ No

6.  Do you worry about taking a shower or bath alone?  (falling, getting ill, etc.)

____  Yes                      ____ No

7.  Do you have one or more of these ailments?

• Arthritis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Diabetes
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Low vision or visually impaired
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke

____  Yes                      ____ Yes, more than 1                      ____ No

8.  Are you concerned that you may have a reaction to medication and not be able to get help?

(example:  insulin)

____  Yes                      ____ No

9.  Were you hospitalized or taken to the emergency room during the past 2 years?

____  Yes                      ____ No

10.  Do you use a cane, walker, wheelchair, stair climber, or other device to help you balance or walk?

____  Yes                      ____ No

11.  Are you afraid that someone may hurt you physically or break into your home?

____  Yes                      ____ No

12.  Do you feel unsafe in your neighborhood?

____  Yes                      ____ No

Total:   ____ Yes                   ____ No

1 – 2 Yes answers: This score indicates a medical alert service could be an important step towards maintaining independent living. Ask yourself two important questions:

a. If you fell tonight, how would you get up?

b . If you can’t get up, how will you get help?

3 – 7 Yes answers: This score indicates there is a risk for a fall or other incident, suggesting that a medical alert service would be helpful and should be considered.

8 – 12 Yes answers: This high score indicates there is a serious risk for a fall or other medical incident, suggesting that a medical alert service may be strongly advised.

The process begins with a thorough assessment of the client’s current living situation and circumstances by the Geriatric Care Manager. The assessment is followed by a family consultation to review the findings, leading to the development of a care plan of supportive services customtailored to meet the client’s specific needs. Regular follow-up visits and monitoring help ensure the client’s safety and determine if changes to the care plan are necessary.

To find out more about our services visit us at sterlingcare.com

1. Put one foot on the bottom step of a stair or a foot stool and stand while maintaining balance.

2. To add a challenge in the above exercise raise arms overhead and back down 10 times while maintaining balance.

3. In the same postion as the first exercise alternate tapping foot on the step or foot stool between 10 to 20 times.

For all of the above exercises always make sure there is a chair behind you or a railing or counter to hold on to.

To find out more about our services visit us at sterlingcare.com