No, Mom hasn’t fallen again, but I was thinking about getting her one of those gadgets they used to advertise. You know the ones I mean. “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”
I started doing some research on these devices and it appears there are a lot of them out there right now. In fact, there may be too many. It was confusing, and I don’t know where to start. It also appears there are some scams out there.
Has anybody used one of these devices, or can recommend a good system? I don’t know where to start.
Mom is feeling better, but is having a lot of dizziness. I discussed it with the ENT doctor and we both think we should have her medicines reviewed. I’m thinking the meds may be causing some of the confusion and dizziness. He wanted me to talk to her regular doctor who has prescribed most of the meds. Hopefully, I’ll be able to reach him on Monday.
I can't help you with the device, but I am so happy what I thought the title was about wasn't.
ReplyDeleteContact your local Visiting Nurse Association or home health agency. They can give you a reputable company for the device. Plan on $30-$40/Mo after the initial fee....or that's what it was for my Aunt and my Mother. Navigating around the health care system for the elderly is always a challenge. Good luck, Sue
ReplyDeleteI have one by lifeline, it is 56$ a month. The reason it is more expensive is because if I fall, it will go off even if I don't press it. I got that kind because when you fall, you might be laying on it and be unable to press it. If you fall away from the base station, and can't hear them talking to you, they will send an ambulance and fire dept regardless. I understand other companies are coming out with similar types at lower rate. When they do, I will consider changing. Oh yea I wear mine around my neck. It is ugly but i put it in my bra and it is camaflouged (sp) by my girls.
ReplyDeleteGlad no one has fallen and that this is just a precautionary measure. Sounds like a good one although like you, I think there must be something behind her dizziness.
ReplyDeleteMy parents both had one. My mom has dementia and she kept going out into the yard and falling down. Luckily her bones are as hard as steel, so she didn't break anything, but she literally couldn't get up. All she had to do was push the button around her neck (If she though of it.) Otherwise my Dad would push his. She is in a care home now, but my 91 year old dad still wears his. He has had to use it a couple of times. He lives alone, so it's really a necessity. My did is SUPER frugal now that he's paying for my mom's care, and he still paid for both of them to have one, so it couldn't be TOO expensive.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the brand, but it was like the one Karisine Barr mentioned - the fire department came automatically if no one answered the voice at the base station in the living room.
Sounds like it's time for your mom to wear one, too. I've even been told that though I'm in my 60's and in very good health, I should have one because I'm alone. I had a friend fall in her bathroom and she was stuck there until her daughter came by. It could have been really bad.
My Dad had the Lifeline...I believe. It has been several years ago but it helped him (and myself) have a lot more peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteMedicine can cause lots of different symptoms so I definitely would discuss this with her doctor. Good luck!!
When we were going to get my mom one we went through the local hospital. They gave us all the information needed. Social Services is the dept that helped us I believe. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThe only one I have heard of is the Life Alert.
ReplyDeleteDo they hook into a phone line? I was inexplicably watching daytime TV and that poor woman was on the ground and I thought Could I get up? Does it help if you're on a trail? Probably no help at all, just like my comment.
ReplyDeleteWe have ADT in our home. We added one of those to our coverage when my mom lived with us. She refused to wear it.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother had one of those units and I'm pretty sure it was a Lifeline. It worked well for her as she did fall a few times and was able to call for help herself.
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