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Senior Health Awareness Registry Program
Senior Health Awareness Registry Program
(S.H.A.R.P)
Quick reference guide
What is S.H.A.R.P.?
S.H.A.R.P. is a program that can greatly reduce the frequency of isolation related accidents. Becoming a member of the S.H.A.R.P. program means you are taking a proactive approach to your health and safety in your home. The S.H.A.R.P. Program is completely voluntary. Members are encouraged to review the various services and programs carefully and pick one or more of the options available to them. Some people may not want to receive phone calls and others may not want neighbors checking in on them. The choice is up to the individual. In order to fully reap the benefits of the S.H.A.R.P. program, it is recommended that members include their personal information into the confidential S.H.A.R.P. database. The purpose of the database is to have vital life saving information available to rescue personnel in the event of a medical emergency. The member’s name can then be entered into the confidential database and essential information will immediately be available to assist emergency personnel.
THERE ARE TWO MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE S.H.A.R.P. PROGRAM:
Component #1 – Confidential Database
This confidential database will be maintained at the Saratoga Sheriff’s Office and data entry will occur by restricted personnel at the Saratoga Senior Center. All individuals involved in processing data will sign strict confidentiality forms. This database will contain vital information such as:
-Name
-Address
-Phone Number
-Medical Information
-Emergency Contacts.
-Special instructions in case an emergency should arise (medications, pacemaker, DNR etc.)
-Lock box location (optional). The Lock box would contain the member’s house key. Only the Fire Department would be able to access the key and only for emergency purposes. The Lock Box gives rescue personnel quick entry into a home without the need to damage property by forced entry.
Component #2 – Knowledge of Existing Services & Programs
There are many services, programs and precautionary techniques that already exist and are immediately available to the general public. Most of the services and programs are fee based and are offered by local hospitals, the National Council on Aging and private service providers. All are focused on maintaining some form of daily contact with seniors who live alone.
The following is contact information about the programs and services listed in the S.H.A.R.P. brochure. There are different programs available in each community, which may be accessed by calling your local senior center or the National Council on Aging.
Carrier Alert Program
ü If a member signs up for this program, mail carriers will notify the Saratoga Sheriff’s Office if mail begins to accumulate over a number of days. The S.H.A.R.P. database will be accessed and emergency contacts will be advised of the situation. Appropriate action will then be taken.
Lifeline
ü A wireless “help” button carried by the participant activates this emergency support system. An emergency signal reaches the monitoring center and a predesignated emergency contact is notified immediately and appropriate action taken. The fee for this service is $40 per month with a one-time installation fee of $40. This service is available through TELE-CARE Programs offered by local hospitals. For more information, call Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary at 408-559-2345, O’Connor Hospital Auxiliary at 408-947-2792, San Jose Medical Center Auxiliary at 408-977-4621 or El Camino Hospital Auxiliary at 650-559-2345, ext. 7558.
Care Calls
ü This service is offered by the Council on Aging of Santa Clara County, Inc. and is for seniors and disabled individuals to use in emergencies, semi-emergencies and preventative emergencies 24 hours a day. A small console is attached to the telephone and can be activated by voice-to-voice communication or by touching a button on the console or on a pendant. Fees range between $21 and $34 per month. For more information call 408-296-8290.
Vial of Life
ü This program enables Firefighters, Paramedics and Police to quickly locate helpful information regarding medical information and history. A sticker located on the upper outside corner of your refrigerator indicates the kit is located inside. Vial of Life is free and can usually be obtained at your local senior center or fire department. This program is sponsored the Stanford University.
Medeco Box
ü This lock box is mounted securely to the home’s exterior. A key to the S.H.A.R.P. member’s house is locked inside and can only be accessed by local responding firefighters. Currently, many businesses and private residences use this secured box in order to prevent the need for forced entry in the event of an emergency. These lock boxes are available for $90 a piece, including installation. Thanks to a generous grant from the Saratoga Rotary Club, individuals unable to afford the full cost of a lock box may qualify for a subsidized price. For more information about the Medeco Box (Lock Box) please call the Saratoga Senior Center at 408-868-1257.
Medic Alert
ü The Medic Alert Foundation provides a necklace or bracelet embossed with the Medic Alert emblem, special medical conditions and a number to call to obtain further emergency information about the person wearing the emblem. For more information call 1-800-432-5378.
The S.H.A.R.P. program is currently only available to SASCC members who live in Saratoga due to geographic restrictions of the Saratoga Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office. The program is expected to expand into surrounding communities in the very near future. If you do not live in Saratoga, please contact your local law enforcement agency and recommend the program to them.
S.H.A.R.P. applications are available at the Saratoga Senior Center and the Saratoga Sheriff’s Office. Donations to help support this program can be sent to SASCC – S.H.A.R.P. Program, P.O. Box 3033, Saratoga, CA 95070. For more information about the program, please call the Saratoga Senior Center at 408-868-1253 or you may E-Mail Deputy Ramirez
Deputy Mark J. Ramirez – Administrative Assistant
The Saratoga News
Interview with Deputy Breuss
