New Zealanders love their independent living, which is why so many turned to St John’s inaugural Sunflower Week for advice on living at home as safely as possible. 

St John’s first annual Sunflower Week, held in March, proved what most of us already knew – that older New Zealanders like to look after themselves, in their own homes. The point to Sunflower Week however, was to help them do so both safely and successfully.

At the invitation of their GPs, seniors in many areas attended local meetings focused on living at home with as little stress as possible. They heard about falls prevention from ACC, safety tips from the Police and the importance of smoke alarms from the NZ Fire Service. They also learnt about new health initiatives from their own medical practices and seniors’ programmes from Age Concern.
Spokesman Malcolm Kendall says St John was thrilled with the response from all involved, promising to repeat the event next year with even more community groups taking part.

For its part at the meetings, St John discussed its many community services available to seniors including Caring Caller, a daily friendship call; Health Shuttles, helping to get people to their health appointments, and its St John Lifelink™ medical alarm.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON
Falls are a major issue for the elderly with statistics showing they’re the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for New Zealanders aged 65 and over.
Anyone who lives alone, is elderly or disabled, or who has a medical condition that may require urgent assistance at any time may benefit from a medical alarm.

ST JOHN LIFELINK™ MEDICAL ALARMS
St John Lifelink™ medical alarms are connected directly to St John Communications Centres, so when the alarm is activated your call goes straight to St John. No matter where you are in your home, if ever you need medical assistance, simply press your St John Lifelink™ medical alarm button. Any costs for an ambulance call-out are included, eliminating any cost burden during a medical crisis.

FEATURES OF THE ST JOHN LIFELINK™ MEDICAL ALARM:

• Will work anywhere in your house or garden.
• Base unit connects to a standard telephone jack point.
• Two-way voice through the base unit loudspeaker for hands-free communication with St John.
• Has a daily automatic self-testing function and battery backup for added safety.
• Easy to use, lightweight, water resistant and can be worn in the shower.

FUNDING IS AVAILABLE
Many New Zealanders qualify for funding for a medical alarm through Work and Income. St John is a Work and Income approved supplier of monitored medical alarms and can help you through the application process.

For more information, you can call 0800 50 23 23 or talk to your GP.




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