Social isolation is a key concern as loved ones age – and helping them stay engaged and active is key to their happiness and yours. Knowing where to start can be challenging, though. We’ve found that there are a few steps you can take to create a plan. 1. Find a volunteer opportunity. Organizations like the United Way and RSVP help match individuals with opportunities to volunteer in their community. These activities can drive purpose, connection, and passion – all while helping others! 2. Go virtual. Technology is helping make connections easier than ever. Using tools like the Amazon Echo Show or Zoom calls can connect seniors to loved ones with voice commands or easy interfaces. 3. Add resources in the home. Some home care organizations can provide services well beyond skilled care, including companion visits. Also, tools like personal emergency response systems are not just for emergencies – some organizations, like VRI, encourage members to press their buttons even when they just want someone to talk with. Download VRI’s quick tips guide here.

As loved ones age, caregivers are often challenged with considering how to help support their desire to stay in their homes safely. While there are many factors to consider, there are a few key actions that can be taken to help seniors stay in their home. 1. Create a safe environment Reducing risks for falls and installing support is an important step to adapting a home to support aging seniors. Consider removing fall hazards like rugs, improving lighting, and installing support rails in places like bathrooms. 2. Consider in-home support The day-to-day support doesn’t have to fall on one person. Consider expanding the support team for your loved one by coordinating weekly or daily support to ensure they are safe, taken care of, and fully supported. 3. Manage medications Proper medication adherence is essential to ensure a loved one’s health, but normal adherence is only around 50%. Help improve the efficacy of medications by managing use with tools like VRI’s medication management dispenser or our Companion Call support. 4. Leverage technology Many new technologies can make it easier to support your loved one from wherever you are located. Consider tools like video doorbells, video conference boxes, and emergency response buttons, like VRI’s in-home or mobile devices. Download a copy of our tips here.

Sticking to a medication regimen can be challenging. In fact, it is estimated that adherence to medications is only around 50%. However, adhering to prescriptions can reduce risk, help us stay healthier, and improve the efficacy or our medications. Check out these 6 tips for ways you can make sure you are taking your regular medications: 1. Combine it with a daily task Whether it is making your coffee or brushing your teeth, there are usually a few tasks that we each do around the same time each day. Add taking your medication in with the task to help stay on track. 2. Create a self-care ritual and connect it Whether it is reading the paper, talking a walk around the block, or enjoying a cup of hot tea, make time to do the things you enjoy each day. Then, combine your self-care ritual with taking your medication so that you connect the two acts together each day. 3. Set an alarm Need to take your medication at a regular time each day? Try a recurring alarm! The timed reminders will help prompt you to take your medication at the right time each day. 4. Keep it visible We are less likely to act on the things we don’t see. Keep your medications in a visible spot as a reminder to take them. 5. Use technology Technology, like VRI’s medication management solutions, can help you stay on track! With options to keep up with even the most complication medication plans, including dispensing medications up to 4X/day, these tools can be your pillbox and alarm reminder in one! Even better? These solutions can be combined with monitoring to add extra support and accountability. 6. Set up calls Whether it is a loved one or VRI’s Companion Call support, having someone check in to remind you to take your medications regularly will help keep things on track. Download a copy of our quick tips guide here.

With increased vulnerability, the aging population faces unique challenges for facing COVID-19. However, there are a few things that can be done to help navigate this time successfully. 1. Limit needs to leave the home Public places can be a place of risk as it presents exposure to others who may be asymptomatic carriers. By reducing the need to leave home, you can also reduce your risk. Try services like grocery delivery, mail order medications, and online banking to limit the need to leave the house. 2. Ensure best practices Whether in or out of the home, there are best practices that we can each follow to limit our risk. Make sure you are practicing proper handwashing techniques, disinfecting high touch surfaces regularly, avoiding touching your face, and wearing a face mask in public. 3. Monitor for symptoms Establishing a network to monitor your symptoms can help ensure you receive care as needed. Work with a loved one to check in on you daily or establish Companion Calls with VRI for regular check ins. 4. Set up tools to overcome social isolation While staying at home reduces your risk of exposure to COVID-19, it can also be isolating. Keep yourself connected by setting up regular calls with your loved ones and consider personal emergency responses systems to connect you to support 24/7. Download our quick guide here.

1 in 3 people over the age of 65 fall each year, but there are 7 simple steps that you can take to prevent falls in risk in your home. 1. Keep It Lit Ensure well traveled areas, like entry ways and hallways, are well-litPosition switches in accessible areasUse motion, clap, or timed lights for evening hours 2. Remove Hazards Secure loose rugs to the floor or remove themInstall ramps and grab bars where appropriateAdd non-skid strips Wear slip-resistant shoes, slippers, or grip-socksMinimize clutter 3. Renovate Restrooms Add grab bars near the toilet and in the showerUse non-slip mats and rugs in and outside of the tubInstall a zero-entry tubAdd a shower seatSwap for a tall toilet seat 4. Schedule Check-ins Add a regular time for a friend, family member, or caregiver to call, text, or visitKeep a schedule of visitors throughout the week 5. Wrangle Rover Keep pets in a designated areaAdd a bell to the collar of pets so you know when they are moving around 6. Add Accessibility Move items stored on high shelves to lower positionsArrange regularly used belongings in a central areaRearrange furniture to keep clear pathways 7. Add Technology Wear an emergency button to connect you to help when you need itInstall smart home assistantsUse fall-detection to alert someone if you are unable Click here to download a copy of our cheat sheet for yourself.

FRANKLIN, OH – VRI announced today that it has expanded its unique employee benefits package to include student loan repayment, a new program designed to help employees conquer their student debt faster. The company is partnering with Tuition.io, the leading platform for employee student loan contributions, to administer the program. The program is available starting today and is designed to help employees not only pay off their student debt, but also save for retirement at the same time. In order to be eligible for the student loan repayment benefit, employees must be participating in VRI’s 401(k) program, which the company matches up to 4 percent. Once an employee contributes to their 401(k), VRI will not only match the contribution but also pay $50 towards the employee’s student debt each month. This unique approach encourages employees to save for retirement and pay off one of their biggest financial burdens, providing much needed debt and stress relief . “VRI knows that taking care of our team members ensures that they can focus on the care of those we are entrusted to serve,” said Jason Anderson, CEO of VRI. “By tying our student loan repayment to participation in VRI’s 401(k) program, our team members are paying off their loans faster, preparing for retirement, and getting the additional benefit of VRI’s 401(k) match.” 73% of student loan borrowers report that they are putting off maximizing their retirement savings, saying they expect to begin or increase their contributions once their student loans are paid off. Among those who are not saving for retirement, 26% point to the need to pay off student loan debt as the reason. “The financial burden of student loans is a major reason fewer employees are taking advantage of 401(k) programs despite a majority of companies offering the benefit,” said Scott Thompson, CEO at Tuition.io. “With nearly 1 in 5 Americans carrying student debt, VRI understands today’s workers are no longer looking for simple retirement benefits because financial obligations such as student loan debt take immediate precedent. By working with us to implement a student loan repayment program targeting their workforce’s specific financial priorities, VRI has joined a growing number of companies dedicated to their employees overall financial wellbeing.” In addition to their new student loan repayment benefit and access to low premiums for medical, dental, vision, and life coverage, VRI has developed a unique benefits package for their team members. Benefits include Uber transportation support, gym access, and Amazon Prime memberships – one of the only companies in the nation to offer this as a benefit. “We believe that benefits should take care of the whole person,” stated Anderson. “By offering benefits that help our team members be successful – whether it is ensuring they have a ride to work with Uber or giving them time back in their day with Amazon Prime – we believe that we are cultivating a culture of care that both our team members and clients benefit from.” That belief has proven true over the past year for VRI. VRI’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) from clients is an astounding 86, and their employee turnover has gone down more than 10% in the past year. About VRI For over 30 years, VRI has provided remote patient monitoring to save lives and preserve independence for people in need and the caregivers who support them. VRI leverages in-home technologies, such as emergency response systems, vitals monitoring devices, and medication management units, to reduce risk, identify trends, and drive solutions for individuals, partner agencies, and health plans. About Tuition.io Tuition.io is the leading benefits platform tackling employee student loan debt. Through its suite of education assistance benefits including student loan repayment, tuition assistance and a bevy of financial wellness tools, Tuition.io provides an impactful and meaningful solution for employers and employees. Tuition.io works with innovative companies across all industries including Carhartt, City of Memphis, Estée Lauder Companies, Hulu, Live Nation, Staples, Trilogy Health Services and more. For more information, visit www.tuition.io or follow us at @Tuitionio.

FRANKLIN, OH – VRI, a leading provider of medical monitoring services and FreeUS, a leading developer and provider of mobile personal emergency response systems (mPERS), today announced that they have partnered to provide mPERS solutions to VRI customers and to develop new solutions for the healthcare market.  Using FreeUS innovative technology, and VRI’s industry leading monitoring services, they will provide high value remote monitoring solutions including emergency response, fall detection, and activity monitoring.  The solutions will be available to existing VRI customers immediately, and to new customers within 60 days. “We are excited to partner with FreeUS to bring their high quality mPERS solutions to our customers.  We believe it will allow us to serve more clients with a broad range of solutions that address specific needs in terms of pricing, coverage, and features.  The team at FreeUS is aligned with our vision to provide high quality, innovative solutions that keep people safe and independent in their homes.” said Chris Hendriksen, CEO of VRI.  VRI’s monitoring services will be available to all FreeUS customers.  In addition, the companies are working to develop future solutions that capitalize on their combined skills in device development, healthcare and clinical expertise, and customer focused workflow.  “We are proud to partner with VRI, and look forward to working with them on new solutions.  They are a leader in the healthcare monitoring segment, and we are excited to build on the success of the FreeUS platform to create new solutions that serve our clients and partners.” said Brock Winzeler, GM of FreeUS. About VRI For more than 25 years, VRI has been helping our clients live safer, more confident and more independent lives. The secret of our success? Our people. Every one of us is 100% committed to getting our clients what they need — we never stop acting as their advocate, partner and supporter. We provide emergency response, fall detection, activity monitoring, medication management, vitals monitoring and care traffic control for over 160,000 clients in all 50 states. A single call is all our clients need to connect with our people — people who are genuinely eager to help in any situation, from emergencies to the everyday. About FreeUS Freeus is a leading wholesale provider of mobile personal emergency response systems (mPERS). We develop two-way voice mPERS that work both inside the home and away from home, offering peace of mind to seniors and their caregivers.  Using patented technology, Freeus aims to create a simple yet sophisticated experience for both the end user and our partners.  As one of the fastest-growing mPERS businesses in the US and a leading mobile PERS manufacturer, we work diligently with our partners to build and maintain lasting relationships.

Franklin, OH – VRI, a leading provider of medical monitoring services and Numerex Corp (NASDAQ: NMRX) a leading provider of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, today announced that they have partnered to provide mobile emergency response systems to healthcare facilities and individuals.  Both VRI and Numerex will be offering Numerex’s mySHIELD mobile emergency response solution combined with the monitoring power of VRI’s 24×7 Care Center.  When mySHIELD users need help they simply press a button and a live care representative will speak with them via two-way voice communication.  The Care Center will triage the situation and help the client get the help they need.  If the client is connected with a healthcare facility, the Care Center can connect the client directly with the staff through their existing internal communication system.  If needed, the Care Center can use GPS tracking to locate the client and direct responders to the correct location. “We are excited to partner with Numerex to continue to help seniors and persons with disabilities feel safe and able to maintain their active lifestyle.  The ability to provide an innovative solution to healthcare facilities and to help keep people healthy, safe, and active is exciting” said Chris Hendriksen, CEO of VRI. The mySHIELD solution provides 24×7 protection and a broad coverage through the Verizon cellular network.  The device is wearable and easy to use.  Solutions are available individuals, independent care facilities and large systems of independent or skilled nursing facilities. “We are very pleased to have a win-win partnership with VRI”, added Kelly Gay, COO of Numerex.  “Our industry-leading solution combined with VRI’s first class service in the healthcare industry provides the best assurance that end users who need urgent help are being taken care of with the latest technology and infrastructure our industry has to offer.” ABOUT VRI For more than 25 years, VRI has been helping our clients live safer, more confident and more independent lives. The secret of our success? Our people. Every one of us is 100% committed to getting our clients what they need — we never stop acting as their advocate, partner and supporter. We provide emergency response, fall detection, activity monitoring, medication management, vitals monitoring and care traffic control for over 160,000 clients in all 50 states. A single call is all our clients need to connect with our people — people who are genuinely eager to help in any situation, from emergencies to the everyday. ABOUT NUMEREX Numerex Corp. (NASDAQ: NMRX) is a leading provider of enterprise solutions enabling the Internet of Things (IoT).  The Company’s solutions produce new revenue streams or create operating efficiencies for its customers.  Numerex provides its technology and services through its integrated platforms, which are generally sold on a subscription basis.  The Company offers a portfolio of managed end-to-end IoT solutions including smart devices, network connectivity and service applications capable of addressing the needs of a wide spectrum of vertical markets and industrial customers.  The Company’s mission is to empower enterprise operations with world-class, managed IoT solutions that are simple, innovative, scalable, and secure.  For additional information, please visit www.numerex.com/.

Vienna, VA, June 22, 2017—The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce that VRI-The Care Center – Franklin, OH has renewed the prestigious “TMA Five Diamond Monitoring Center” designation. This designation is granted annually to monitoring centers that satisfy all of the requirements of the “five points of excellence”: Commitment to ongoing job-related education and testing by having 100% of its monitoring center operators certified using the TMA online training series on industry best practices.Commitment to random inspections and quality criteria standards by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL and UL. Commitment to raising the industry standards through TMA membership and participation in its activities. Commitment to reducing false dispatches. Commitment to the highest levels of customer service. The TMA Five Diamond designation means, in particular, that a monitoring company has demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of responsibility to their local community and their customers through the investment of time, money and commitment to quality operator training. Operators serve as the life-saving link between residential or business properties and the police, fire and emergency services in local areas. The TMA Monitoring Center Operator course covers virtually all phases of monitoring center communications with customers, police, fire and emergency services communications centers. In order to achieve the Five Diamond designation, each and every operator must not only pass the course, but demonstrate: Proficiency in alarm confirmation process, which helps reduce false alarms.Proficiency in communications with Public Service Answering Points, such as the Emergency 911 centers.Knowledge of electronic communications equipment, including, cellular, radio and internet communication systems.An understanding of the codes and standards of such organizations as Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual, the National Fire Protection Association and others.Proficiency in the area of emergency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities. There are approximately 2,700 monitoring centers in the United States that communicate and interact with police, fire and emergency services agencies. Of this group, fewer than two hundred monitoring centers have achieved the Five Diamond designation, setting these companies apart. About The Monitoring Association The Monitoring Association (TMA), formerly the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, including those listed by a TMA-approved Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, such as FM Global, Intertek/ETL or UL. Incorporated in 1950, TMA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. TMA’s mission is to advance the professional monitoring industry through education, advocacy, and public safety relationships.

Franklin, OH, June 30, 2017 – VRI is pleased to announce a partnership with Healthcom. The companies will work together to provide remote patient monitoring solutions to health plans, healthcare providers, government agencies, care partners and individuals.  Chris Hendriksen, CEO of VRI, stated, “The two companies have similar beginnings and shared values so we are excited to partner with Healthcom and their leadership team. We have been impressed with Healthcom’s growth and reputation for high quality service and innovative solutions. We are confident that working together allows us to serve more clients, grow faster and ultimately save more lives.” In conjunction with the VRI partnership, Healthcom Founder and CEO Ralph Kirk is retiring after serving the personal emergency response industry for over 25 years. Ralph stated, “I am proud of what we have built at Healthcom and a partnership with VRI is the perfect next step in the company’s growth.”  Aaron Kirk remains President of Healthcom and will continue to lead the company from its headquarters in Sullivan, IL.  The partnership is a strong strategic fit, leveraging the two leading companies’ respective strengths across three main areas: First, the companies will coordinate monitoring capabilities from VRI’s CSAA 5 Diamond monitoring center in Franklin, OH. The integrated monitoring capabilities will allow both companies to realize synergies and better coordinate care for over 160,000 clients.  Second, VRI and Healthcom bring expertise in different market segments that will inform growth strategies and provide additional opportunities for collaboration. VRI brings expertise in serving health plans, government agencies and care partners, while Healthcom has expertise serving healthcare providers, government agencies and individual consumers.    Finally, VRI and Healthcom both have over 25 years of experience providing remote patient monitoring solutions to seniors and persons with disabilities. Their combined experience and longevity in a rapidly changing market will allow the companies to introduce new and innovative solutions more quickly. The companies will combine R&D efforts and plan to launch additional monitoring solutions together. Aaron Kirk, President of Healthcom, stated, “The partnership with VRI is an exciting step in the growth of Healthcom. It allows us to integrate with a world class monitoring center, expand our reach into new market segments and provide innovative solutions more quickly. We are proud to partner with VRI and their leadership to build the best remote patient monitoring solutions possible.” VRI’s investment in Healthcom was made in partnership with Pamlico Capital, a Charlotte, NC based private equity firm focused on middle-market growth equity and buyout investments. Watts Hamrick, Managing Partner for Pamlico commented, “We are delighted to support the strategic partnership between VRI and Healthcom and are committed to their combined strategic vision for building the leading provider of remote patient monitoring solutions to the healthcare segment.” VRI and Healthcom will maintain separate brands and will continue to serve their clients with exceptional services and industry leading solutions. ABOUT VRI For more than 25 years, VRI has been helping our clients live safer, more confident and more independent lives. The secret of our success? Our people. Every one of us is 100% committed to getting our clients what they need — we never stop acting as their advocate, partner and supporter. We provide emergency response, fall detection, activity monitoring, medication management, vitals monitoring and care traffic control for over 160,000 clients in all 50 states. A single call is all our clients need to connect with our people — people who are genuinely eager to help in any situation, from emergencies to the everyday. ABOUT HEALTHCOM Healthcom is a Midwest based healthcare technology company that partners with healthcare providers nationwide to integrate services and technologies that enhance the standard of care. From medical alert services and medication management, to telehealth and care transitions services, we offer an integrated service approach that reduces unnecessary readmissions, improves patient outcomes and improves patient satisfaction.