'New kid' is a big help to seniors

SecureCare1 provides the elderly with many services while allowing them to remain at home

Sunday, May 25, 2008

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There is a new kid on the block. You may recall a column I recently wrote concerning a not-for-profit group of volunteers calling themselves the Staten Islanders at Home (SIAH). Its focus is to help those growing older stay in their own homes and yet be able to receive services that will support them there.

The new kid is a for-profit group called SecureCare1 and their focus is similar. Both embrace the concept that those who subscribe to their services will be able to obtain a variety of those services via one phone call.

SecureCare1 comes to Staten Island with a history. Its mother company originated in Israel and has been able to service their older population for several years, at this time serving 16 neighborhoods.

They then took their concept to Amsterdam, Berlin and Tokyo, where it is thriving.

FIRST IN THE U.S.

Staten Island is the first location selected in the United States where they seek to provide their services. They selected our area because "we were made aware of the fine programs available at the Staten Island JCC (Jewish Community Center) for the entire community.

"While we are an independent agency with our own offices, we have developed a relationship with the JCC and look forward to doing so with all the other agencies now serving the elderly on Staten Island."

Is there any need to repeat what we all know, that as we get older, many tasks become more difficult? Often, friends move away and we miss their assistance and companionship.

Our adult children may also be far away or be so busy with the pressure of their own lives that they are unable to help us as much as they would like.

The executive director, Ellen Clarkson, explained that they are offering a number of options with varying levels of service "so that an individual can choose the one that is just right for him/her/them." She also indicated that their call center would be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

One level is named the 3 Star Service. It is primarily an assistance and information service. Should the individual wish to save time and energy while searching for the right person to do the right job (licensed and insured); provide information about cultural events and entertainment and/or make referral to select vendors such as plumbers, electricians, etc., their membership will allow them to make that one call for help.

Once the job has been completed, a staff person will follow-up to make certain everything is satisfactory.

NEXT LEVEL OF CARE

The next level is called the 4 Star Service. In addition to services offered in the previous level, there is the promise to arrange to install a Personal Emergency Response System in the member's home.

You have seen these gadgets advertised for a while. An individual can either wear a bracelet or a necklace that has a tiny electronic button on it or use a table-sized monitor. In the event of a fall or other emergency, when the button is pushed, it evokes a verbal response, checking to see what the need might be.

The third level is titled the 5 Star Platinum Service. Their brochure compares this to having a Personal Concierge.

Individuals enrolling for this arrangement will always have someone to reach for service, reassurance, information, direction, household assistance, emergency response and, of course, be entitled to the benefits offered under the 4 Star Service.

This agency promises to assist their membership on many levels, including helping you to deal with that irritating paperwork that comes with almost anything you have to do these days -- medical appointments, bills, banking, etc.

The gentleman on board who will be filling this post is a retired Staten Island police sergeant so he knows how to get where he has to go when the call comes, no matter what it is about.

Obviously, there are similarities between the two new agencies. Both will be functioning under the "one call" concept. Both will be screening services on their databases to make certain they contain honest and dependable providers before referring them to callers.

Both will be continuously updating that database to make certain their memberships can continue to live in their own homes with comfort and a sense of connection.

However, there are also differences. The SIAH will be developing a network from within the communities it serves to provide free services from volunteer groups or individuals who want to be part of this exciting idea.

For example, some receiving one form of service may want to contribute by taking on the responsibility of making a friendly phone call to a shut-in.

The concept is based on a program called Beacon Hill in Boston, Mass., where published stories of volunteer involvement abound. One tells of a request by a hospitalized member for help in picking up her betting slips. It was done!

There are fees attached to membership. Each agency will have to maintain a skilled staff to maintain the database and respond appropriately to any or all calls.

In the case of SecureCare1, all of the levels of service will require 24 hour/7 days a week concerned and qualified staff.

Ellen is encouraging those seniors and/or their children or grandchildren who might be interested in discussing SecureCare1 to call 1-866-585-6777. If you prefer to use a fax, that number is 1-718-477-1051. The office is at 774 Manor Rd.

SIAH is accepting inquiries at Post Office Box 14006, Staten Island, N.Y., 10314.

Bea Victor's As we are column appears on the news pages of the Sunday Advance.