Need info about Life Alert

[Debbie-TN]

Does any use or know someone uses one of the medical alert systems? My mother just turned 84 and still wants to live by herself. She has neuropathy in her feet and has to use a walker. For now she can take care of herself, but she fell last week. She didn't get hurt, but it scares me that she might fall and can't get up. Can anyone tell me about the medical alert systems and which one is best ?

 

[SueM in MN]

I am going to move this to the disABILITIES Community Board, where it will be on topic and will hopefully get more views.

When I was a Public Health Nurse, I had a number of clients who used alert systems. They worked very well and gave a lot of peace of mind to the families.
I’d suggest starting first with a list of what is available locally. Sometimes local hospitals have a service or her doctor may have one that they know patients use and are happy with.

You could also check with your state Department or Council on Aging. There may be a local or county one also.

When you do find some plans to compare, check out the specifics and what each includes. Sometimes it is hard to tell what is included, so if you have a feeling that a company is trying to avoid your questions, I would rate them a lot lower.

 

[Sadie22]

My mom lived in her house by herself from my father's death until the day she had a stroke. People checked on her daily and we got her a Life Alert type system offered by the local hospital which hooked up to her telephone. She had a necklace she was supposed to wear, even in the shower. At least once a month someone would call from the service to check that the equipment was working and that she could respond. Mom was hard of hearing but she usually heard the test. If she didn't answer the service would call the designated persons listed in their records. We were expected to let the service know if Mom would be away from home for several days.

At night Mom would leave the necklace on the bedside table. Sometimes she would forget to take it into the bathroom, and sometimes I would arrive to visit and she would not be wearing it. She was not wearing it when she had the stroke but she was probably unconscious anyway.

I'm glad I got this for her. It's only helpful if the recipient will cooperate and actually use the device and is well enough to do so. Maybe it was more for my peace of mind.

Something else I did was enroll Mom in the local medical Adult Day Care. Nurses from the County Health Department conducted an assessment and determined that she would benefit from the services. At the center nurses kept track of her weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose level. Two meals were provided each day.

She is now living in a facility where aides check on her often in her room. There is a pull cord beside the bed and in the bathroom of her unit which summons help whenever she requires it. Once the sink was overflowing. Another time she got sick in the middle of the night. She is able to walk to communal meals.

 

[Debbie-TN]

Thanks for the info. We'll probably be looking into this before too long.

 

[Sadie22]

I noticed an ad yesterday for a similar product called Medical Mobile (or something similar). It would work outside and while away from home as well as in the home. It appeared to use cell phone and GPS technology for communication and location but was not a phone as far as I could tell from the ad.