VRI is pleased to announce the addition of Kinsey Oganowski to our team as Director of Operations. Kinsey will be responsible for all aspects of our HSR, Technical Support, Shipping and Receiving teams. Kinsey will be working with her teams to continuously improve the quality and turnaround time of VRI’s services, while creating processes that will help VRI continue to grow. “We are excited to welcome Kinsey to the VRI team. She is a driven, results-oriented individual and we are happy that she has joined our team,” states Chris Hendriksen, CEO of VRI. “Kinsey’s experience creating and managing processes to increase customer satisfaction along with her positive and professional attitude makes her a great fit for our team.” Most recently, Kinsey served as Director of Shops for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams a Columbus-based ice cream company known for making ice cream with high-quality ingredients. Kinsey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Belmont University.

FRANKLIN, Ohio, NASVHILLE, Tenn. and TAMPA, Fla., – November, 2017 – By 2025, chronic diseases may affect an estimated 164 million Americans – nearly half of the current U.S. population. To address this looming crisis, VRI (Valued Relationships, Inc.) has been selected by WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) for an in-home telemonitoring program for its Medicare Advantage members with chronic conditions in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. The pilot will include up to 500 members diagnosed with congestive heart failure and diabetes. VRI’s telemonitoring solution enables live, real-time access to patient vital signs, allowing for immediate medical response to concerning changes. Clinicians triage the vital signs in real time and notify the member’s physician and care team of changes and exacerbations of the member’s condition, which drives adjustments to the member’s plan of care. Recent studies examined the impact of telemonitoring on the quality, access and cost of care for managing certain chronic diseases. The results were encouraging. The studies showed that the benefits of telemonitoring included reduced hospital admissions and readmissions, reduced length of hospital stays, fewer visits to the emergency department and reduced mortality rates. Through its interactivity, telemonitoring is aimed at increasing member compliance through education and progress reporting. Through a better understanding of their health condition, members are better equipped to react to symptoms more quickly and correctly, encouraging increased quality of life, comfort and independence. “Because chronic diseases can be disabling and may reduce a person’s quality of life, WellCare wants to offer convenient treatment options to help our members get the care they need.,” said Tim Mullen, WellCare’s chief operating office for Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. “We are partnering with VRI, a remote monitoring company, to provide our participating members with telemonitoring, which increases access to care by enabling our network or physicians to provide greater levels of care and service to these members.” The program will deploy VRI’s connected devices to monitor a member’s daily vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, weight and blood glucose levels and provide voice connectivity 24/7 to clinicians. “We are excited about the opportunity to help WellCare empower its members to take greater control of their health and improve their quality of life,” said VRI’s CEO Chris Hendriksen.

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.

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 – 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/.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Caregiving is a big job. As we age, building a support network does not have to mean leaning on one or two people. Instead, we can build out a network to help stay safe and preserve our independence. 1. Connect with neighbors. It takes a village, and your village is a great place to start. As you think of your support network, connect with neighbors on a regular basis who can help support you when you need it. 2. Engage in the community. Your community is a great place to give back, get involved, and build support. Whether it is volunteering at a hospital or local school, connecting with these organizations can also help you build a network of people who are as invested in you as you are in them. 3. Use technology You don’t always have to connect to your support network in person – you can build a network all over the work with technology! Whether it is a Zoom call, FaceTime chat, or using an emergency button like VRI’s Mobile and in-home solutions, support can be available anywhere. Download VRI’s quick tips here.

When your loved ones depend on you, it can be a lot of pressure. However, there are a few best practices to providing support that can help you to be a great resource. 1. Practice Patience Your loved one needs your caregiving because daily tasks have become more challenging. This is a difficult point in life, and their frustrations may show. Practice patience while they work to maintain their independence by taking a deep breath and counting to five slowly before responding when you become impatient. 2. Reliability Rocks For many people who are beginning to need extra support, the process can be stressful. Having reliable resources is important to relieving that stress. Make it easier for your loved ones by clearly communicating when you will be there next. Try posting a calendar in a visible spot with days that you will be visiting clearly marked. 3. Feel Flexible Caregiving is often evolving. What your loved one needs today may be different tomorrow, so it is important to be flexible. Try building out your own support network and asking for help when you need to adjust your plans to support your loved one. 4. Share Support You do not have to bear the burden of providing support by yourself! Whether it is leaning on other caregivers, establishing in-home support, or setting up a network with organizations like VRI to provide emergency response devices or Companion Calls, you do not have to tackle care all by yourself. Download our tips guide here.

There is a plethora of resources available to support seniors stay independent, but it can be difficult to know where to start for your own support or that of a loved one. If you are beginning to think through ways to stay safely independent, here are a few organizations to consider looking into: Area Agencies on Aging While all AAAs offer five core services under the Older Americans Act (nutrition, caregivers, health and wellness, elder rights and supportive services), the average AAA offers more than a dozen additional services, including insurance counseling, case management and Senior Medicare Patrol. Contact:n4a.org202.872.0888 Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Contact:mealsonwheelsameria.org/find-meals National Council on Aging Benefits NCOA is a respected national leader and trusted partner to help people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging. They partner with nonprofit organizations, government, and business to provide innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy. Contact:benefitscheckup.org PACE Association PACE was created as a way to provide you, your family, caregivers, and professional health care providers the flexibility to meet your health care needs and to help you continue living in the community. Care includes medical resources, personal care, rehabilitation, social interactions, medications, and transportation. Contact:pace4you.org1-800-MEDICARE VRI Emergency response devices can help provided an extra layer of support, reducing the need for moves to assisted living communities. Our services may be available through many of the above listed organizations. Additionally, those who do not qualify may coordinate support directly through VRI. Contact:vricares.com800.860.4230 Download our tips guide here.

You have enjoyed your home for years, and you want to stay in it. However, what you need from it changes. Some simple modifications can help make you house better supportive of your continued independence as you age: 1. Light it up. Great lighting can help prevent falls by helping you see where you are going. Look through your home and check to see if there are areas that could use better lighting. 2. Add support. Getting up from a seated position can be tough. Consider adding support bars in bathrooms, next to seats, and next to your bed to make it easier. 3. Remove hazards. Falls can be detrimental to your health and confidence in your home. Look for ways to prevent them by removing hazards like rugs, cords, and clutter. 4. Step less. Having at least one no-step entry into the home can reduce fall risk as you go in and out of the house. Small ramps can easily be added to remove steps into your home. 5. Consolidate rooms. Reduce the amount of times you need to go up and down stairs by consolidating your highest use areas onto the first floor of your home. 6. Add resources. From electric stair lifts to emergency buttons, like those provided by VRI, adding resources to your home can make moving around easier and connect you to help when you need it. Download VRI’s Tip Sheet here.

No one wants to relinquish their independence. As we age, the challenges to maintain it do as well. Luckily, there are a few things we can do to help preserve our independence: Staying fit.  Exercise can help improve balance, keep your bones strong, and prevent many health conditions that could compromise your independence. Ask your physician what activities might be right for you to stay fit and active. Staying balanced.  Falls can be detrimental to health and confidence when it comes to independence. Working on building your balance can help prevent falls form happening. Talk to a physical therapist about activities you can do to help build your balance. Removing hazards.  Many homes have several fall hazards that are easily removed. Consider evaluating your space and removing items like throw rugs, loose carpets, clutter, and cords to prevent falls. Staying engaged.  Independence is more enjoyable when you engage with people you care about. This can not only keep you sharp as a tack, but it can enhance your happiness. Whether it is a regular volunteer opportunity or visits with friends and family, keep up the conversations. Asking for help. Independence can change over time, and that’s ok! Sometimes, preserving independence means asking for help. Build out your support network with friends, family, and even organizations like VRI who provide emergency support and reminder calls to help keep you independent. Download VRI’s Tip Sheet here.

As we welcome the warmer weather of summer, it is important to make sure you are taking extra precautions to avoid the downsides of increased temperatures. Establish good air. Whether you enjoy some air-conditioning, use your ceiling fans, or open windows to allow for air circulation, make sure your home has good air flow to keep you cool. Minimize the sun. Heat from the sun can increase quickly. Use your shades to block light into your home during the day, and minimize the amount of time you need to be outside when the sun is out. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is always important, and it is an essential component to staying cool. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Stay active safely. Continuing to stay active is important – but do it in a safe way! Take part in indoor, air-conditioned activities, keep activities to the coolest parts of the day, or try our local pools to stay fit and cool. Watch for warning signs. Heat exhaustion signs include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If you begin to see these signs, get help! Contact a friend, neighbor, or press your personal emergency response button to connect to VRI so that you can get help. Download VRI’s tip guide here.

Did you know that nearly 37 million Americans live with a chronic lung disease like asthma and COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis? That is why it is so important to stay active, breath deep, toss those cigarettes and remember to laugh! We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine and in lung health, it’s true! Laughter helps to get rid of stale air so that more oxygen can enter. Not only that, but, it release peptides that lower stress and help with pain management. At VRI, we’re here to help, even if that help is to tell you a funny joke. Toss the cigarettes: Over time cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue and may trigger changes that grow into cancer. If you smoke, it’s never too late to benefit from quitting. Minimize exposure to pollution: Secondhand smoke, chemicals in the home and workplace, and radon all can cause or worsen lung disease. Make your home and car smoke free. Test your home for radon. Avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days. Stay Active: Aerobic exercise provides the best workout for your lungs. The more you exercise, the more efficient your lungs become. Creating strong, healthy lungs through exercise helps you to better resist aging and disease. Even if you do develop lung disease down the road, exercise helps to slow the progression and keeps you active longer.Breathe deep into your diaphragm: Deep breathing helps clear the lungs and creates a full oxygen exchange. Breathing exercises can make your lungs more efficient. As you inhale count 1-2-3-4. Then as you exhale, count 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. Shallow breaths come from the chest, and deeper breaths come from the belly, where your diaphragm sits. Be aware of your belly rising and falling as you practice. When you do these exercises, you may also find you feel less stressed and more relaxed.Prevent infections: A cold or other respiratory infection can sometimes become very serious. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoids crowds during the cold and flu season and remember to get your flu vaccine every year!Sit up tall: Since the lungs are soft structures, they only take up the room that you make for them. Lean back slightly in a stable chair, lift your chest and open the front of your body as you breathe deeply.Stay hydrated: Getting enough water is as important for the lungs as it is for the rest of the body. Staying well hydrated helps keep the mucosal linings in the lungs thin. This thinner lining helps the lungs function better.Laugh!: Laughter helps to get rid of stale air so that more oxygen can enter. Not only that, but, it release peptides that lower stress and help with pain management. Download VRI’s Repiratory Care Tips Here

If you haven’t heard by now, social isolation is taking it’s toll on not only the elderly, but people of all ages. There is a higher rate of anxiety and depression now more than ever. We have complied a list of fun things we can all do to stay connected and wanted to share some ideas with you. DRIVE-IN MOVIES You may have seen these starting to pop up again during COVID so do a quick google search to see if there is one close to you! We’ve also been seeing people projecting movies onto a building wall and gathering at a safe distance. Don’t forget the candy! DIGITAL DINNER Agree on a set dinner time and invite your friends or family to eat with you. This can be a great time to catch up especially with those who live alone. WEEKLY GAME NIGHT Everyone agree on a game and go around playing via Zoom! BOOK CLUB Keep your mind sharp! Meet every week online to discuss a book of choice. WINE TASTING Everyone orders the same bottles of wine and have one person lead the tasting. Don’t drink? Try different brands of Root Beer! STAY FIT Connect your fitness tracker of choice and challenge some friends to a step or fitness competition TRIVIA NIGHT One person leads the questions and everyone writes down their answers. Need a cash prize? Say hello to our friend, Venmo! Download

Download our Infographic Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of life-risks and outcomes are social determinants of health (SDoH). Understanding the likelihood of negative SDoH factors may impact the approach to which individuals, providers, and health plans approach care, which is why VRI has invested in a deeper understanding of these factors with our members and partners. With a mission to provide remote patient monitoring to save lives and preserve independence for people in need and the caregivers who support them, VRI is leveraging our SDoH data analysis to drive further towards our goal.In our ongoing studies across several months and thousands of members, VRI examined the prevalence of unmet social needs within a representative Medicare PERS population. In speaking with nearly 3,500 unique individuals, we found that 21% had an unmet social need, but determining the likelihood of an existing need or the type of need was correlated to several factors.Chronic ConditionsAs decades of research have found, there is a significant correlation between SDoH factors and chronic conditions. In our own study, VRI found that that clients who have greater than 1 chronic disease are 30% more likely to also have an unmet SDOH need. Clients with greater than 2 chronic diseases are 33% more likely to have an unmet SDOH need.AgeIn our study, age was correlated to several SDoH needs, but it was often the younger group who needed resources. Clients with unmet food needs were, on average, 6 years younger than clients who were secure in their access to food. Clients who lack transportation were, on average, 2 years younger than those who have consistent access to transportation. Conversely, clients who have trouble accessing medical care were, on average, 3 years older than clients who are secure in their access to medical care.Risk ScoreFinally, VRI used our study to examine and refine our propriety risk score. This scoring system is based on our experience with engagement over time, and it is used as a concise indicator of potential need for health plans and case management team partners. In our research, VRI found that the VRI risk score correlates not only with the number of unmet social needs a client identifies but that a higher risk score correlates with an increase likelihood of unmet needs. A client with a VRI Risk Score greater than 1 is 36% more likely to have an unmet SDoH need than clients with the minimum risk score. Clients with a VRI Risk Score greater than 2 are 215% more likely to identify as having an unmet SDOH need.

Nearly 200,000 people are injured in their bathrooms annually, and one of activities most likely to cause injury is getting in and out of the bathtub. Seniors are often at the highest risk for bathroom injuries, but these tips can help reduce risks. Prevent falls with these 4 tips:1. Place no-slip strips or mats in the bottom of your shower.2. Install safety handles in the tub or shower and by the toilet to make getting up and down easier.3. Keep a no-slip rug or bathmat beside the bathtub or shower to avoid falls.4. Vision issues increase your fall risk, so make sure you have bright lighting that’s easy to reach. In addition to preventing falls, it is important to have support quickly when you need it. Consider resources, like VRI’s water resistant emergency response pendants, to connect you to assistance at the press of a button. 4 Tips for Bath Safety PDFDownload

In over 2 million annual interactions, VRI has learned that there is more to the story than what claims data can tell you about a member. What happens in between incidents matters, and that is why VRI developed E3: Engage, Educate, and Empower, our solution to solve healthcare’s biggest challenges. What We Know Our team provides meaningful technology to members, world-class service to create trust, and delivers dynamic messaging to drive positive outcomes. Through this approach, VRI delivers start to finish service programs that help health plans meet and exceed key goals. Download Our Whitepaper The Results In a program designed to impact gap closure, quality scores, and member satisfaction, VRI was able to deliver: Education Engagement 82% of all members received at least one education message Dynamic Messages 60% of all member specific gap messages were delivered to participates Super Users 34% of all members engaged in every month of the program Increased Satisfaction 40+ NPS increase over the health plan baseline Download Our Whitepaper