Elderly alarms

[kfay]

Do any of you have any experience with any of those call buttons that people can wear that will summon help if needed (you know, the "I've fallen, and I can't get up" ones!) My mom lives alone and her neighbor is moving into an assisted living place, so there is no one to check on her easily in case of an emergency. I only live about 15 minutes away, but worry about her falling and not being able to get assistance and am thinking something like this might be a good idea (or at least give me peace of mind). Anyway, if anyone has a recommendation, I'd appreciate it.

Kim

 

[Ross]

My mom had one for a long time. It worked as intended, but she had a nasty habit of fidgeting with the button necklace while talking on the phone. I was talking to her one day and the fire tones were sent out. Sure enough, while I'm talking to mom, she pushed the button and had the ambulance on the way. I told her to hang and call them and tell them to cancel the call that you are ok. Cat stepped on it a few times too. They finally took it away because of the false alarms.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

A pre-paid Cell Phone carried in a pocket or somehow attached to her clothing might be a more cost effective solution for situations where she was still conscious and somewhat functional.

 

[Bina]

My Dad (who lives alone) used to carry the cell phone with him when he went out with the dog etc, then when he really did have a stroke, there was no way that he could focus and dial it. He still won't wear a panic button alarm, but at least he is now on anti-platelet and heart meds to lessen the risk of another stroke.

 

[Missy]

My mom had one for several years. I got the bracelet for her so there would be no danger of choking or fumbling for the end of it.

We had a couple of false alarms. Once when we had her with us and they did a check on her and couldn't get her and as the party to be notified they couldn't get me so they sent out a deputy to check on her.

I think they are wonderful. It gave us a little peace of mind. Even after she moved in with us I kept it for when we were away. Along with the cell phone and she always had the other phones.

I think it is great, Of course they have to be able to press the button which requires less effort than the cell phone.

Both it you can afford it.

We were told she could use it for any reason such as accidents or sickness but also for intruders. She just had to be educated to use it soon enough. Don't wait.

 

[hensylee]

my 98 y.o. neighbor had one. the pump repairman was with her the day something happened. He pressed the button on the necklace chain she wore. immediately the phone began ringing. end result - they were able to tell me how to do respiration, etc. she was already gone, tho. if she had been alone, she would not have been able to do anything for herself. I believe these are marvelous helps to older folks, like me. I carry my phone with me most of the time, but am careless about it. I do recommend these buttons, tho.

 

[kfay]

The reason I like these better than carrying a phone around with her is that it appears that you can get them wet and so can wear them in the shower or tub. If she slips in the shower, she can still call for help. She can't do that with a phone.

 

[njean]

I think I would definitely look into getting one of these "First Alert" devices for my mom if I were you! Heck, if I lived alone, I would probably be looking into get one of them for myself!

I recommended the device to another VR member at one time but she is still on a waiting list for one, because she is on Medicare & at their mercy!

That would make a great gift for your mom & for you as well!

 

[csutherland]

My mother-in-law had one when she was in her 90s and very much in her right mind. Before that she carried her cordless phone in her apron pocket if she ventured outside to look at her flowers, etc. The medic alert was a great comfort to her and to us. I think they're wonderful.

 

[njean]

I found this link on the web Kimmie if you want to read up on these life alerts for seniors:

http://www.medicalguardians.com

 

[hall]

My MIL is 93 and has one. Hers is a necklace type and we liked it because she can wear it in the shower. She had to get used to leaving the basement door open if she goes downstairs (yes, she still goes downstairs, she will not call us) I feel much better with her having it and it gives her piece of mind too. She could not get the concept of a cordless phone, much less a cell phone (which she has a cordless with talking caller ID) because she thought every time she put the phone down it automatically hangs up.

 

[BDMc]

Each of my parents had them, but neither used it when they should have. I still think they are a great idea.