Road safety is important not only for you, but for those you share the road with. You can do a self-assessment or get a professional evaluation done. The safer you feel, the safer you’ll be on the road. Here are some quick tips to consider before jumping in your car: Seatbelt:Buckle up for safety! If your seatbelt is uncomfortable try adding a shoulder pad or adjusting the shoulder mount. Health Check:Have you gotten your eyes checked this year? Has your hearing or reaction time changed? Are you taking a new medicine? These are all things you should take into account as potential mind or body changes and driving safely. Stay healthy and stay independent! Driver Refresh:AAA offers a Roadwise Driver course that you can take online or in person to refresh your road knowledge. Perks include learning about the newest technology in cars as well as a possible discount on your insurance premium! Mobility and Independence:Keeping your mind sharp is so important, especially while driving. Say a dog runs into the street…you have a matter of seconds to decide what to do. You’ll also need your physical fitness and coordination to make those quick movements. Keeping your mind and body sharp to stay independent and safe on the road. Put Cell Phones Down:If you’re using GPS, put the destination in before you get on the road to eliminate the distraction. Visibility:When possible, try to drive during daylight hours and avoid driving through bad weather. Driver-SafetyDownload

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. Out of those, approximately 95% are suffering from type 2 diabetes. 1 in 7 health care dollars in the US is spent treating diabetes and its complications, which comes out to $327 billion per year! However, a lot of this spending is related to managing the condition instead of treating it. Missed appointments, delays in management, and medication non-adherence can increase emergency department visits and hospitalizations. VRI’s programs can help individuals and health plans bridge those gaps to support better health and outcomes. With engagement, education, and empowerment, we help members to not only save money, but more importantly, save lives. TYPE 1 Insulin Dependent – The body doesn’t make enoughSymptoms – Increased thirst and urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, slow healing sores or infectionsPrevention – No way to prevent TYPE 2 Insulin Resilient – The body can’t use insulin properlySymptoms – Increased thirst and urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, slow healing sores or infectionsPrevention – Manage your weight, exercise, eat healthy + balanced diet, limit alcohol, control blood pressure DIABETESDownload

Aphasia is defined as the loss of ability to understand or express speech, often caused by a stroke or some sort of brain damage. Here are some tips to support communication with a loved one working through the impact of Aphasia: Simplify questionsWhen possible, use Yes or No questions. Be patientUnderstand they are probably more frustrated than you are. Draw or write!It could be easier for your loved one to understand a drawing or picture OR it could be easier for them to draw or write the word. Communicate respectfullySpeak with them like they are an adult and refrain from using a raised voice. Use gesturesSometimes physical queues are easier to interpret. Don’t question intelligenceThey may know the answer, just not how to say it. Eliminate distractionsFocusing on communication can make it easier for processing. Leverage technologyConsider using Apps that may help. Aphasia DownloadDownload Coping with an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Coping with an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis How to Care for Someone with Alzheimer’s Caregivers of Alzheimer’s

Studies have shown that within minutes of getting outside and active and being around nature you will see a significant reduction in cortisol (stress), blood pressure, and muscle tension. Those who struggle with mental illness saw a huge improvement in their self esteem and a reduction in the depression symptoms. With all of these great benefits, here are a few options to get outside, do a low impact activity, get your stress down, and your wellness up: GardeningGets you your vitamin D, combats dementia and is mood-boosting! Aqua aerobicsGreater range of motion in the water, puts less stress on your joints helps build strength WalkingA 20-30 minute walk can help your cardiovascular health, improve your sleep, and help you stay strong Strolling with FidoHave a neighbor with a dog who works during the day? Offer to walk their furry friend while they are busy working. It’ll boost your mood and your furry friend’s! Tips-to-Stay-Active-OutdoorsDownload To see more around healthy aging visit: https://vricares.com/6-things-you-can-start-doing-today-for-healthy-aging/

As vision changes occur throughout our lives it becomes increasingly important to keep remove hazards that could lead to falls, injuries, or trips to the emergency room. Check out our tips to help make your home safer for you and your guests: Keep all cords out of walkways and as close to baseboards as possible. Add light! Overhead or centralized lighting can help you see a writing, a small step or exit.Make sure bathmats have non-slip backing.Use high contrast towels and rugs, especially in bathrooms.Keep clutter to a minimum and especially out of walkways.Clean up spills immediately.Eliminate unnecessary small throws that could be tripping hazards.Label things in a large font, especially if it’s toxic.Use color contrasting color strips for stairs.Make sure you know where your pet is so you don’t trip on them. Adding a bell to their collar is great option! Low Vision Tip SheetDownload

If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it can be scary and stressful. The fear of the unknown can be intimidating, but now could also be the best time to make the most of this time together! Consider these next steps to provide support: Start the conversation: Allow them time to process and feelRemind them the importance of their role ie Grandmother/father, parent, etc.Validate any emotions that ariseEncourage them to speak with someone they trust and can confide in Create a safe environment: Assess the level of supervision neededWatch for sundowning and wanderingConsider adult daycare resourcesAdd photos of people they will see often with their names in their homeEvaluate options for supportive technology, including door alarms, medication reminders, etc. Leverage memory loss techniques: Use repetition when necessaryTell them who you are if they don’t seem to knowReduce extra noiseGive very clear directions: the red door on your left instead of, that doorUse specific names instead of “he” or “she Caring-For-AlzheimersDownload Coping with an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease can be scary and unpredictable. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed, it is important to prioritize how you use this time. Here are some suggestions: Have important discussions with your doctor: How your diagnoses was determinedHow the disease will progress and expectationsAvailable treatmentsInteractions with other medications Any side effects that you should be looking forCare planning in the futureAre they familiar with this disease? If not, is there anexpert you can be referred to? Build your support team: Talk to a trusted friend or counselor to talk through any emotions or fears you may be havingConsider building out health directivesTalk to legal advisors about important decisions you should make nowJoin a support group for people who know what you’re going through Get involved in meaningful activities: Continue to do activities you love and bring you joyKeep your mind active whether it puzzles or learning a new languageTravel to a place you’ve always wanted to visitFind a purpose (seeing friends/family more, participating in activities, travel)Try writing down memories you and your family can look back on Coping With AlzheimersDownload How to Care for Someone with Alzheimer’s

Lifestyle and overall health are big drivers in aging well, and you can always make changes to improve your experience! Check out these six things you can start doing today for healthy aging: Healthy Eating + Hydration Eating a fresh, healthy diet while limiting processed food and staying hydrated are essential for your health and disease prevention. Healthy foods and hydration not only improve your health, but can also improve your mood and energy levels. Sleep People who are 65+ you need between 7-8 hours of sleep. If you’re not getting quality sleep this could affect your mood, memory, weight, immunity heart disease or even shorten your life expectancy. If you nap, do so before pm, exercise early and start a bedtime routine to wind down and limit screen time 30 minutes before bed. Exercise Regular exercise and stretching can improve your balance and keep your body strong and limber which can help prevent falls by 21%. You don’t have to run a marathon to see the benefits. A couple days of exercise per week can also benefit people with heart disease, help brain health, boost your mood, arthritis, diabetes and chronic conditions. Preventative Care There are many preventative screenings that can help you live longer so that you can focus on enjoying life. The good news is, Medicare covers preventive screenings in full! We broke down a few key screenings here:https://vricares.com/preventative-screenings-by-age-gender/ Social Relationships Loneliness can have a devastating effect on your mental health as well as your physical health. Keep connected with neighbors, engage in the community with volunteer work or community centers, use technology to keep in contact or play games. Support System Your support system should include loved ones and tools to make it easier to maintain your health, like emergency response systems. Learn more about VRI’s connected solutions here: https://vricares.com/how-it-works-signal/ 6Tips_AgingDownload

Strokes are the No. 2 cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of disability. Getting someone to the hospital within three hours of symptoms gives them the best chance for treatment and recovery, so it is important to know the warning signs. Just remember to FAST: Face Dropping When you smile, does one side of your face drop? Arm Weakness Try lifting both arms, does one drift downward? Slurred Speech Recite a simple phrase, does the speech sound different that itnormally does? Time to Call 9-1-1 If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 Strokes-TipSheetDownload

If you are a caregiver, you know providing support can be both rewarding and exhausting. Caring for people can cause compassion fatigue by creating stress and trauma. It is important to know the signs of building compassion fatigue and steps you can take to combat it. Signs of Compassion Fatigue: Loss of empathy Feelings of burnout and numbnessHeadaches, nausea or dizziness Difficulty concentrating or making decisionsFeeling detached or self-isolation Self-blame or dwelling on thoughtsIncrease, anger, irritability, sadness or anxiety Tips to Combat Compassion Fatigue: Try to get some exercise or walk each day Schedule out breaksStay connected with friends or loved ones Talk to a therapist or join a support groupMake sleep a priority Continue doing activities you enjoy Learn More: Here are 2 great resources you can visit for more resources if you’re feeling compassion fatigue and need some guidance:http://www.compassionfatigue.org/http://www.healthycaregiving.com/ CombattingCompassionFatigueDownload

With the hot, summer months upon us, it is important to not only stay cool, but also stay hydrated and about 20% should come from your food alone! Staying hydrated helps rid your body of waste, helps regulate body temp, lubricates joints, and protects tissue. Here is a quick guide to help you stay hydrated and avoid dehydrating foods and drinks. Hydrating: Drinks – Water, milk, fruit infused water, sportsdrinks with electrolytes, 100% fruit juice(low sugar), coconut water, caffeine-freetea, milk alternatives (soy, coconut,almond). Foods – Watermelon, spinach, tomatoes,strawberries, bell peppers, radishes,pineapple, cucumber, grapefruit, iceberglettuce. Dehydrating: Drinks – Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks such asalcohol, coffee, teas, soda, hot cocoa,lemonade, sweet tea, energy drinks,flavored milk, smoothies (excess sugar). Foods – Avoid salty, processed foods like,dehydrated meats, breads, pancakes,waffles, canned foods, soy sauce, highprotein meats, fast food. Hydration-Tip-SheetDownload

5 Tips on Discussing Decisions with Family Caregiving is a huge task alone, and coordinating those efforts with other loved ones and family members can be complicated. Here are 5 tips to try to help you navigate these types of meetings to help them be less stressful and more productive: ATTENDANCE CALL! Family can mean a different thing for each person, but this meetingshould include everyone who would be part of the Caregiver teamand the decision making. This could also change based on the topici.e., if the topic is finances, this may only include immediate family.Agree ahead of time with the group who should be involved ininfluencing which topic. PREPPING YOUR COMMUNICATION Before your meeting, prepare an agenda and distribute it to all whowill be attending the meeting so that everyone can gather theirthoughts prior to the discussion. You can also make thecommunication more convenient for all involved by offering flexiblemeeting options, like video calls, conference calls, or meetingrecordings. MEETING SUCCESS Host meetings in a safe, neutral place for the entire group. Thisallows each participant to contribute easier and feel involved in thecare coordination planning. FAMILY DYNAMICS + CHALLENGES Family dynamics can be complicated. Remind all participants of thegoal of the meeting, refrain from bringing up off-topic subjectmatters, and include a neutral mediator as necessary. WRAPPING UP Make sure everyone is aligned before you finish the meeting byreviewing decisions, action items, owners, and deadlines. Then, sendout a recap to the group so everyone can reference the same list. FamilyDecisionTipsDownload

There are many preventative screenings that can help you live longer so that you can focus on enjoying life. The good news is, Medicare covers all costs of screenings that it considers preventative! We broke down a few gender specific screenings in a quick guide for you to download. PreventiveScreenings_VRI-1Download

While people of all ages can fall victim to scams, seniors are often targeted and lose more than $3 billion per year in fraudulent scams. Watch and listen for these red flags to help protect yourself and loved ones: WIRE TRANSFERS Wire transfer requests are often made as funds are instant and harder to pull back. If a wire transfer is being requested, ask yourself: -Do I know the recipient? -Am I confident I owe the money? -Should I run this by someone else? DEMANDS FOR SECRECY Scammers will often pressure you by creating fear and demanding you keep the transaction a secret from your loved ones. While they may try to persuade you that it is for your benefit, there is no reason that an official agency would tell you not to share information with your support team. GIFT CARD PURCHASES Fraudulent requests often include gift cards as they are harder to trace or recover than funds that are transferred or wired. If someone is requesting several, high dollar gift cards, stop! Legitimate companies will never request gift cards as payment. HIGH PRESSURE CONVERSATIONS Scams usually include a sense of urgency to prevent you from talking to your support team. If someone is demanding funds immediately, pause, talk to your support team, and ensure the request is legitimate. TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE OFFERS If an offer is too good to be true, it is probably is just that. If someone is offering to overpay for something if you wire them a portion back, if they promise an exceptionally high return on your investment, etc. – talk to someone you trust to see if they think it might be a scam! Real companies will not ask for payment to give you a prize. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES + UTILITY COMPANIES Someone calling posing as person collecting for the IRS, social security, the bank, or utilities companies. If you get a call requesting money from one of these institutions tell them you can call them back. Proceed to call the company with it’s public phone number and ask them if they have called requesting money. FAMILY OR ROMANTIC IMPOSTERS Is a family member or loved one acting out of character? Some scammers will pose as loved ones or romantic interests with claims that they urgently need money for visas, medical emergencies, or to visit. When loved ones act out of character, ask other loved ones if their story is accurate before sending funds. COMPUTER TECH SUPPORT Your computer will not send you a pop up ad with a support number to call. However, these ads can appear. Often, they will be directed to someone who requires money for a fix that you did not need in the first place. Do not call or click these links. People lose an average of $500 per “support call”. 8Flags_Fraud-1Download

The Need. VRI partnered with a National Health Plan to help address their challenge of driving memberaction to close gaps following their standard population-wide outreach. VRI’s Approach. VRI developed a comprehensive outreach program using our E3 dynamic messaging solution.Leveraging VRI’s Care Center, a team trained in creating meaningful interactions, and the power of connected technology, VRI sought to drive regular engagement, deliver population-wide education and member specific messaging, and empower gap closure behavior over afour month period. The Results. Following the four month period, VRI demonstrated the ability to connect, deliver messagingat a high rate, and significantly impact member behavior vs. a control group. Action: 36% more members took gap-closing actionsGaps: 40% more gaps were closedColorectal: 80% more colorectal exam gaps were closedBreast Cancer: 56% more breast cancer screening gaps were closed Summary. Gaps in care represent opportunities for members to receive important care, but driving action can be challenging. Through our partnership with a National Health Plan, VRI demonstrated ourability to successfully engage members, providing important education, and ultimately empowersignificantly more action by members. Download the Study Fill out the form below for a download of VRI’s Gap Closure -Screenings study. Name* First Last Email* CompanyTitle

NEW YORK – March 22, 2021 – MobileHelp®, a leader in mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (mPERS) and healthcare technology, and VRI®, a leader in remote monitoring and client engagement solutions, today shared the Medical Alert Monitoring Association’s (MAMA) webinar on “Executing the 4G Transition,” designed to help businesses as they navigate the upcoming network migration. Presented in a panel-style discussion featuring Rob Flippo, CEO of MobileHelp, and Jason Anderson, CEO of VRI, and moderated by MAMA President Daniel Oppenheim, CEO, Affiliated Monitoring, the webinar provided insights and industry information to prepare for a 4G future. The actionable tips, real-world advice, and boots-on-the-ground perspectives from Mr. Flippo and Mr. Anderson included the following:  What the 3G sunset means for businesses;What to expect from the major network carriers;Best practices for a smooth network transition process; andStrategies and options for uninterrupted connectivity. “Our extensive experience through the process of multiple network migrations – from 2G to 3G and now 3G to 4G – has given us a framework for success that we wanted to share with industry executives who are planning now to navigate this challenge,” said Mr. Flippo. “Jason and I combined our collective experience to create the substance for this webinar, with real-life examples and tips for a seamless transition to ensure devices remain connected.” “VRI is proud to share what we have learned from our proactive approach to the 3G to 4G transition so leaders throughout the industry can mitigate the risk to vulnerable populations,” said Mr. Anderson. ### About MobileHelp: MobileHelp is a leading provider of mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (mPERS) and health management solutions. MobileHelp mPERS devices are integrated with nationwide wireless voice, data and GPS technology to provide real-time medical alert monitoring services and expedited personal emergency assistance. In addition, MobileHelp offers proactive health management services through its healthcare division, Clear Arch Health. For more information about MobileHelp, please call 1-800-989-9863 or visit the company website at www.MobileHelp.com.  About VRI: VRI is an industry leading provider of remote monitoring solutions with a comprehensive suite of connected technologies, including emergency response systems, vitals monitoring devices, and medication management units. VRI partners with health plans and care partners to drive positive outcomes, including the reduction of health plan costs, closure of gaps in care, improvement of health plan quality initiatives, and more through a high touch engagement model. For more information, visit https://vricares.com/

The Need. VRI partnered with a National Health Plan to help address their challenge of driving member action to close gaps following their standard population-wide outreach. VRI’s Approach. VRI developed a comprehensive outreach program using our E3 dynamic messaging solution. Leveraging VRI’s Care Center, a team trained in creating meaningful interactions, and the power of personal emergency response system (PERS) connection, VRI sought to drive regular engagement, deliver population-wide education and member specific messaging, and empower gap closure behavior over a four month period. The Results. Following the four month period, VRI demonstrated the ability to connect, deliver messaging at a high rate, and significantly impact member behavior. Message Delivery: 85% of all messages corresponding to open gaps delivered to membersLikelihood to Act: Members who received gap messaging were 3x more likely to close gapsGap Action: Members who received gap messaging closed 5x more gaps than those who did notGap Closure: 41% of gaps were closed by members that they received messaging for Summary. Gaps in care represent opportunities for members to receive important care, but driving action can be challenging. Through our partnership with a National Health Plan, VRI demonstrated the ability to partner to overcome key challenges regarding open gaps by successfully engaging with members, providing important education, and empowering action by members. Download the Study Fill out the form below for a download of VRI’s Gap Closure study. Name* First Last Email* CompanyTitle

THE NEED. VRI partnered with a National Health Plan to help the Medicaid population with multiple diagnoses including diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension. The main objective was to reduce readmissions through disease management. VRI’S APPROACH. VRI customized a comprehensive program based on the provider’s protocols and goals of reducing admissions and readmissions through disease management. VRI managed all vitals monitoring including a vitals trained stage triage to increase engagement and education while scaling our efforts for early vitals checks. Daily engagement and education were completely customized based on the individual conditions of the members and we provided quick escalation to providers as needed. THE RESULTS. The results were amazing. We had a 3:1 ROI, reduced admissions by over half and reduced diabetes related readmissions by two thirds! SUMMARY. The data and results from this program proved to provide a huge impact. With a ROI of 3:1 in the programs first year, 58% reduction in admission and 64% reduction in diabetes readmissions, this program showed just how valuable VRI’s engaging program’s work truly was. When members are being heard and educated, they are then able to be empowered to take their health seriously and, in turn, helping to drive amazing outcomes for health plans. Download the Study Fill out the form below for a download of VRI’s Comorbidities study. Name* First Last Email* CompanyTitle

THE NEED. There is a growing need for asthma compliance, particularly for those 18 years and younger. We partnered with a National Health Plan with the goal of increasing medication compliance and reduce costs in managed Medicaid population with Asthma. VRI’s APPROACH. VRI developed an extensive program for daily monitoring of controller and rescue medication usage using connected sensors. We combined that with a 24×7 nurse triage for those out of compliance to oversee, assist and educate members on their medication regimen. With 24×7 vitals monitoring, this meant we were able to monitor, sense and remind those out of compliance before it became an emergency. THE RESULTS. The results exceeded our expectations. We had a huge improvement with rescue inhaler use and an even larger jump in well controlled asthma over the program’s duration. SUMMARY. The dramatic results of this program and study proved to have an enormous impact. With an 69% improvement in rescue inhaler use by day 90 and 84% of members being well controlled over the program duration, this not only cut the costs of the National Health Plan by keeping members out of the hospital, but it also saved lives by lowering Emergency Department visits. By providing 24×7 care and increasing engagement, members felt more empowered to comply and manage their health on their own, thus driving great outcomes for the health plan. Download the Study Fill out the form below for a download of VRI’s Asthma study. Name* First Last Email* CompanyTitle

THE NEED. VRI partnered with a National Health Plan to help address their challenge of hospitalizations for members with heart conditions by implementing a program that engages clients in improving their condition, mitigates the risk for hospitalization, and reduced overall spend. VRI’S APPROACH. VRI developed a comprehensive vitals monitoring program to engage members in daily health management and early escalation with providers for identified risks. As a part of that program, VRI managed all operational logistics for vitals monitoring enrollment, education, and engagement to scale our efforts for early vitals checks. This included a vitals trained staff triage to manage our daily engagement and readings, as well as member education based on their individual conditions. We provided daily engagement and readings with quick escalation to providers as needed. THE RESULTS. The results and data were dramatic with hospital admissions down by over half and down a 1/3 in Emergency Department Visits. VRI not only increased the positive perception of the plan, but got almost a perfect score on program satisfaction. SUMMARY. The overall results to this program and study demonstrated timely and meaningful impact. With hospital admissions down by 55%, and Emergency Department visits down 32%, VRI not only significantly decreased costs to the National Health Plan but also increased member retention and satisfaction. This approach proved to not only save lives and educate members but also drive positive outcomes for the health plan. Download the Study Fill out the form below for a download of VRI’s Heart Failure study. Name* First Last Email* CompanyTitle