Beyond the Survey: Proactively Educating Caregivers with STAAR Alert
- Customer Service
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The recent AARP "Caregiving in the US" report rightly highlights a significant and persistent issue: a vast number of caregivers are not utilizing technology that could greatly ease their burden. The article citing the report notes that home health safety device ownership, like a pendant with fall detection, is owned by only 10% of caregivers. While this statistic is a valuable wake-up call, it also presents a key opportunity. As the article states, the low percentages of use "may indicate lack of awareness, more likely, than lack of access to technology." This is where STAAR Alert steps in, not just as a technology provider but as an educational partner for caregivers.
The AARP's research points to a clear need for greater "device granularity" and more specific messaging. Caregivers are not a monolith. The report itself does a great job of segmenting the caregiving population, including by the care recipient's ethnicity, age, and primary care issues like memory impairment. STAAR Alert's approach acknowledges this diversity and provides a solution that is both sophisticated in its technology and simple in its communication.
The article correctly identifies that a clear, well-placed message is crucial. The old "I've Fallen and I can't Get Up" campaign succeeded because it addressed a core fear directly and simply. STAAR Alert's messaging builds on this by educating caregivers on the specific benefits and capabilities of modern medical alert systems. For instance, rather than just offering a fall detection device, we emphasize how a system like the HandsFree Voice Activated PERS device can be a proactive tool. It's not just for emergencies—it's for daily living.
Here’s how STAAR Alert addresses the "lack of awareness" problem identified in the article:
Beyond the Pendant:Â The article cites low adoption of pendants with fall detection, which may not appeal to all users or address all caregiving challenges. STAAR Alert offers a broader suite of devices, including smartwatches and in-home voice-activated assistants. These devices offer features like GPS tracking for those with memory impairment, medication and appointment reminders, and two-way communication for real-time check-ins. This wider range of solutions directly addresses the article's call for greater "device granularity."
Educating on Specific Needs: For the 30% of caregivers whose primary concern is Alzheimer's or memory impairment, the need for location detectors is particularly acute. STAAR Alert’s devices with GPS technology can provide peace of mind by allowing caregivers to receive alerts if their loved one wanders outside of a designated safe zone. This is a targeted, educational message that directly addresses a major caregiving challenge. The fact that many caregivers (49%) caring for a veteran under age 60 spend over 20 hours a week on care highlights the need for a solution that can provide a sense of security without requiring constant physical presence.
Empowering the Caregiver:Â The AARP report found that only 22% of caregivers receive formal training for complex medical tasks. Technology can bridge this gap by providing tools and information. Our systems can be a caregiver's partner, offering features like family caregiver notifications, prescription refill reminders, and a curated health database for answering health questions. This shifts the perception of medical alert technology from a last resort to an empowering, proactive resource.
The market is ready for this shift. With 59 million caregivers of adults in the U.S., the majority of whom are currently not using specialized technology, the messaging opportunity is immense. STAAR Alert is committed to a marketing strategy that not only reaches these caregivers but also educates them on how technology can alleviate their burdens, improve their loved one's independence, and ultimately, provide a greater sense of security for everyone involved.
