Being Prepared For Emergencies

Maybe it’s the middle of the night, and you suddenly find yourself alone, disoriented, and needing immediate help. Or perhaps you are rushing out the door, lose your footing, and experience a rough fall. A potentially life-changing event can happen at any time. As we age, these experiences might also become more and more common. In these critical moments, every second counts, and having a well-prepared personal emergency plan can mean the difference between a swift resolution and a potentially devastating outcome.

How can older adults take proactive measures to prepare for emergencies or accidents?

Medical Alert Devices

When emergencies strike, time is of the essence, and accessing help quickly is everything. This is where personal emergency response devices act as a lifeline for older adults. When sudden scary or stressful events occur, we sometimes can’t think in the manner that we would like. We are not as present or sharp as we would like to be. When this happens, accidents and errors in judgment can happen. Sometimes we can freeze up, delaying the time it takes to receive proper help. Imagine wearing a pendant or wristband that holds the power to summon assistance with just a single press of a button. By having a personal emergency response device on your person, you can reclaim a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that help is just moments away.

These devices connect you directly to emergency monitoring centers, staffed with trained professionals ready to respond to your call 24/7. Whether you've experienced a fall, require medical attention, or find yourself in any other emergency situation, pressing that button ensures that help will be dispatched swiftly, saving precious minutes that could make all the difference in your outcome. 

Erik Kits: Your Comprehensive Emergency Resource

Now that you have a personal emergency response product on hand, you are all set to react to almost any accident or emergency that might come your way in a quick and effective manner. But, there is one more thing you should consider adding to your emergency response arsenal. In addition to personal emergency response devices, older adults might want to look into something called ERIK Kits, specifically designed to empower older adults in their emergency preparedness efforts. ERIK Kits stand for Emergency Response Information Kits, offering a comprehensive compilation of vital information that emergency responders require to provide appropriate care. These kits include essential personal details such as your medical history, medication lists, allergies, emergency contacts, and other pertinent information. You can now have all of your critical medical information in one convenient location, easily accessible to paramedics or healthcare professionals during an emergency. Contact your the local senior resource coordinator in your area for more information on ERIK kits. 

Victoria Lifeline: Here to Educate and Provide Resources

To further support the community, Victoria Lifeline's team of educators provide free resources at every in-home consultation. These personalized consultations (either virtual or in-person) not only equip you with information about our buttons but also provide you with many different tools and resources to ensure you are better prepared for an emergency. By taking advantage of this invaluable resource, you are one step closer to achieving peace of mind and preparedness in the face of unexpected emergencies.

Preparing for emergencies and accidents is not a matter of paranoia; it is a demonstration of empowerment and foresight, especially for older adults. By embracing personal emergency response devices and the information provided in ERIK Kits, you equip yourself with the tools necessary to navigate through critical situations confidently. In an emergency, every second counts, and your ability to access help quickly can be life-saving.


This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional. 
Blog by: Maor Tsitrin, Marketing & Communications Assistant