The Emergency Connection










  The Emergency Connection, the agency's personal emergency response system  provides seniors with an immediate connection with emergency services in case of a medical or security emergency.  The system consists of a small base unit which is activated through an existing phone line and a small button/pendant, usually worn around the neck.  When an emergency arises, they simply push a button and immediately a two way contact is made with a real live person (operator).  This operator immediately knows the caller's name, medical history, medications, hospital of preference, the doctor's name, names and numbers of local emergency services, as well as those of close neighbors, friends, and relatives. 

The system also includes a silent panic button which is velcroed by the door during the day and on a bedside table at night.  When this button is pushed, the live operator monitors the situation and if she feels a need, summons the   police.

The Emergency Connection is great, not only for the peace of mind for the elderly, but also for the peace of mind of their families who may not be able to be close by and are concerned about what might happen if an emergency arises.

This service is available to private pay clients.  Anyone wishing more information about this service should call the case manager in the Area Agency on Aging office in their county.

 

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.  PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

  • How we may use and disclose your health information.  We use health information about you to provide services, to get paid for services, and for other administrative purposes.  For example, your health information may be shared by paper, mail, electronic mail, fax, or other methods.  We may use or disclose your health information without your authorization for several reasons as provided by the federal law.  Beyond those situations, we will ask for your written authorization before using or disclosing your health information.  If you sign an authorization to disclose information, you can later revoke it to stop any future uses and disclosures.
  • Your rights.  You have the right to ask for certain restrictions on the use or disclosure of your health information.  In most cases, you have the right to look at or get a copy of your health information that we use to make decisions about you.  If you request copies, we may charge you a cost-based fee.  You also have the right to request a list of certain types of disclosures of your information that we have made.  I you believe your health informaiton is incorrect or information is missing, you have the right to request that we correct the existing information or add the missing information.
  • Our legal duty.  We are required by law to protect the privacy of your health information, provide this notice about our privacy practices, follow the privacy practices that are described in this notice, and seek your acknowledgment of receipt of this notice.  We may change our privacy policies any time.  Before we make a significant change in our policies, contact the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas privacy official listed below.
  • Privacy complaints.  If you are concerned that we have violated your privacy rights, our privacy policies, or if you disagree with a decision we made about access to your health information, you may contact the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas ' privacy official listed below.  You also may send a written complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

If you have any questions or complaints, please contact:  Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas' Privacy Officer Michael Beeman, 1510 Rock Springs Road, PO Box 1795, Harrison, AR 72602-1795, Toll Free (800) 432-9721.