Alarms for elderly....
Discussion
Has anyone here got any experience of these things?
My mother in law (86) recently fell and broke her hip, leading to an operation and the inevitable worry that she could do it again and not be rescued second time around (the postman found her).
I'm thinking she should have one of these personal alarm things - a button around her neck - to press and summon help.
Having Googled a few and being put off by 'call this number and one of our personal call adviser sales representatives will call you' type of messages, I wondered if anyone here has an insight?
I don't particularly want to be plagued by sales people trying to sell me stair lifts etc!
My mother in law (86) recently fell and broke her hip, leading to an operation and the inevitable worry that she could do it again and not be rescued second time around (the postman found her).
I'm thinking she should have one of these personal alarm things - a button around her neck - to press and summon help.
Having Googled a few and being put off by 'call this number and one of our personal call adviser sales representatives will call you' type of messages, I wondered if anyone here has an insight?
I don't particularly want to be plagued by sales people trying to sell me stair lifts etc!
My mum has one as she is disabled, I'm pretty sure the same people who give out the wheelchairs / handrails / disability paraphernalia sorted it all out for her.
Basically a base unit which is permanently wired into the phone socket.
Whatever you do, never, ever press the big red button on the base unit out of curiousity.
Basically a base unit which is permanently wired into the phone socket.
Whatever you do, never, ever press the big red button on the base unit out of curiousity.
A others have said, try the local council.
My mother has one, and it's great - if she needs to press the button then she can be heard wherever she is in the house, they also have the code for the keysafe that enables the paramedics into the house should they need access.
It's a real piece of mind and doesn't cost a penny.
My mother has one, and it's great - if she needs to press the button then she can be heard wherever she is in the house, they also have the code for the keysafe that enables the paramedics into the house should they need access.
It's a real piece of mind and doesn't cost a penny.
Age UK
Arrange it through them, home visit.
Direct experience was a nice chap, no pressure at all, just demonstrate product and answer any questions. Sat in car and waited for me to arrive before knocking on Father's house.
Be prepared for the user to not want to press the button and bother anyone! Try and steer them to the wrist panic button, not the pendant.
Identify two local key holders now, if you can. They must be prepared to find her in any state.
Even if no key holders, ask about a "key safe". Secure, discreetly mounted box on outside of main door. Ambulance don't have to then wait for the Police to kick in the door.
It's not just for the elderly and infirm, anyone on their own who may find they need help. They can press it even if they feel unsafe or in fear (cold callers etc).
No affiliation on my part, just a Father who's had to use it several times, and being a key holder for my neighbour. Oh, and having an Uncle who's recently spent 2.5 days on the floor calling out for help, and is now having one fitted.
Arrange it through them, home visit.
Direct experience was a nice chap, no pressure at all, just demonstrate product and answer any questions. Sat in car and waited for me to arrive before knocking on Father's house.
Be prepared for the user to not want to press the button and bother anyone! Try and steer them to the wrist panic button, not the pendant.
Identify two local key holders now, if you can. They must be prepared to find her in any state.
Even if no key holders, ask about a "key safe". Secure, discreetly mounted box on outside of main door. Ambulance don't have to then wait for the Police to kick in the door.
It's not just for the elderly and infirm, anyone on their own who may find they need help. They can press it even if they feel unsafe or in fear (cold callers etc).
No affiliation on my part, just a Father who's had to use it several times, and being a key holder for my neighbour. Oh, and having an Uncle who's recently spent 2.5 days on the floor calling out for help, and is now having one fitted.
Good point about the key safe, well worth having.
Also, make sure she wears the pendant/wrist band & doesn't leave it by the bedside
and make sure she knows to press it at ANYTIME if she has a fall, needs help, there should be someone monitoring it 24 hours a day, Ambiwlans crews are there 24 hours a day, she doesn't need to lie on the floor until morning to save bothering people
Also, make sure she wears the pendant/wrist band & doesn't leave it by the bedside
and make sure she knows to press it at ANYTIME if she has a fall, needs help, there should be someone monitoring it 24 hours a day, Ambiwlans crews are there 24 hours a day, she doesn't need to lie on the floor until morning to save bothering people Alarms from the council and a keysafe as already said. Also, make sure there is a document in the house listing all her medical history, meds taken and contacts for if/when ambulance crews turn up.
Check if your council has a "falls team" who can help with extra handles etc around the house to help her.
And, if she gets an alarm, make sure she wears the damn button and knows that she can press it if she falls (and isn't "wasting everyone's time").
I work for the ambulance service and spend a lot of time dealing with falls.
Finally, make sure you consider Plan B, for when she is too frail to live by herself. I see way too many old folk existing by themselves (24/day in the same chair?) when they need to be in a care home.
Check if your council has a "falls team" who can help with extra handles etc around the house to help her.
And, if she gets an alarm, make sure she wears the damn button and knows that she can press it if she falls (and isn't "wasting everyone's time").
I work for the ambulance service and spend a lot of time dealing with falls.
Finally, make sure you consider Plan B, for when she is too frail to live by herself. I see way too many old folk existing by themselves (24/day in the same chair?) when they need to be in a care home.
There is a charge for these in Leeds. Worth it though. I had a patient who fell down the stairs and was on the floor for over 3 days before being found. That's what you get for being supremenly belligerent and insiting you can get up and down the stairs at age 89 with a false leg.
Mad old bstd he was, in a good way.
Mad old bstd he was, in a good way.
I am in Leeds and had to organise one of these for my 99 year old blind aunt, It was supplied , fitted and maintained free of charge also they fitted gas alarms and some other gubbins. Just ring Leeds city council adult social services. Ask them to do a refferal and ask about the alarm pendant system, they are extremely helpful. I needed one for her due to falls too and it did save her life more than once. Unfortunately now i have had to have her moved into a care home as she needs constant 24 hour help. Also regarding costs etc. my Aunt was not on benefits or pension credits, has her own bungalow and money in the bank the system was still done for free after a home visit and assesment. I would think under the circumstances you describe there would be no problem.
edit .. Just noticed for some reason i thought the op was in Leeds.... i am sure it will be the same across the country though
edit .. Just noticed for some reason i thought the op was in Leeds.... i am sure it will be the same across the country though
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff