I don’t want to read yet another story about a senior falling, or fainting and no one finding them for days. Getting old alone can be daunting.

It’s a very real concern, too: a friend who lives alone passed out and if she hadn’t been on the phone with a family member, no one would have known for hours and maybe overnight.

Yes, there are many living facilities now available for older adults. But, most seniors today treasure their independence and want to live in their own homes as long as necessary. If they live alone, it can be worrisome for friends and family. Aging with independence is the goal, though.

So when forward-thinking V-Tech came out with its Careline ™Home Safety Telephone, I knew it was an idea whose time has come. Seniors (or for that matter, anyone) can stay connected even in an emergency. Calling for help is as easy as pushing a button.

If your parent is a senior or you have a friend who lives alone and is living with an unpredictable disease, run, don’t walk to the nearest Radio Shack to look at the VTech Careline Home Safety Telephone system. Here’s why:

Easy to read & understandable quick-start guide

Unlike many home devices, the Careline installation guide takes you clearly through simple set-up steps. The phone has speed dial for four emergency contacts (set one for 911) and a simple answering machine.

There’s a portable emergency pendant that can be worn as a necklace or clipped to a belt or waistband. Its two buttons are programmed for the first two emergency call numbers chosen. Both the pendant and the phone can be used from as far as 600 feet from the base, perfect for those who want to do little gardening or simply sit out in the sunshine.

Even at my age, I appreciate the large, easy to see display and that the set-up guide is not in tiny print. Careline has taken the needs of aging Americans into account in every facet of this product.

 And unlike a system one of my friends got, there is no monthly fee, because it’s simply a telephone system that plugs into your existing jack and works with your home phone service –just like a standard phone. But better: no monthly fees, no subscriptions.

There are other features, too, such as Voice Command and an Audio Assist function that raises the volume of a call so the other party is more easily heard.

I’m glad to have the chance to tell you about another great product to help older adults remain independent longer, and one all Boomers (and their parents) should know about. Spread the word!

I wrote this blog post as part of a campaign by BOOMboxNetwork.com on behalf VTech Communications, Inc. and received compensation for my participation. However, as you know, all opinions on my blog are my own.